Free College Essays - Imagery, Metaphors, and Diction in Dulce et Decorum Est :: Dulce et Decorum Est Essays

Imagery, Metaphors, and Diction in Dulce et Decorum Est   All exceptional poetry displays a good delectation of figurative language, imagery, and diction. Wilfred Owens Dulce et Decorum Est is a powerful anti war verse form which takes place on a battlefield during World War I. Through dramatic use of imagery, metaphors, and diction, he clearly states his theme that war is terrible and horrific. The use of compelling figurative language helps to reveal the reality of war. In the first line, Bent double, same(p) nonagenarian beggars under sacks,(1) shows us that the troops are so tired that they can be compared to old beggars. Another great use of simile, His hanging face, like a devils sick of sin,(20) suggests that his face is probably covered with blood which is the colour symbolizing the devil. A very powerful metaphor is the comparison of painful experiences of the troops to vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues.(24) This metaphor emphasizes that the troops wil l never forget these horrific experiences. As you can see, Owen has used figurative language so in effect that the reader gets drawn into the poem. The images drawn in this poem are so graphic that it could make readers feel sick. For example, in these lines If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood/ get down gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs/ Obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud,(21-23) shows us that so many men were brutally killed during this war. Also, when the gas bomb was dropped, someone still yelling out and stumbling/ and floundring like a man in fire or lime.../ he plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning.(11-12,16) These compelling lines indicate that men drowned helplessly in the toxic gasses. These graphic images are very disturbing but play a very effective role in the development of the poem. Another tool in developing the effectiveness of the poem is the excellent use of diction. The word blood-shod explains how the troops have been on their feet for day s without rest. Also, words like guttering, choking, and drowning shows us that the troops are suffering in extreme pain and misery. If you havent noticed, most of these words are examples of cacophony, which are words with harsh and discordant sounds. As this poem is about how harsh and terrible war is, Owens use of cacophony is very effective in generating the tone of the poem. Is it really that sweet to die for ones country?