Nick Meyer Mr. Feeler English 1320 9/23/2014 Interpretation of “Dulce et Decorum Est” “My friend, you would not tell with such high zest to children ardent for some desperate glory the old lie: Dulce et decorum est Pro patreia mori” (25).”Dulce Et Decorum Est” is a poem written in 1917 by the poet Wilfred Owen. Known for the vivid imagery and condemnation of war, the poem “Dulce Et Decorum Est” makes for a great first hand perspective of what being on the front lines of battle truly is like. The message Turner implemented in this work, is that the idea of war may sound appealing through the eyes of propaganda, however, freedom isn’t free and war is not fun and games. In 1917, Owens was a part of the British Army fighting in WWI. The majority of the war was fought on ground and is known for the horrific fighting conditions. Owen describes his experience in the first stanza, “Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots but limped on, blood-shod” (6). In those two sentences the phrase, “Men marched asleep” stands out in particular. Not only is Owens able to successfully paint the picture of how exhausted his regime was through the use of imagery, he also gives the reader a relatable subject. …show more content…
While on patrol, Owens squadron became under attack from the deadly chlorine gas. During the frantic rush of putting the gas mask on, Owen witnessed a man who was unable to place his mask on in time before the gas suffocated him. “Dim, through the misty panes and thick green light as under a sea, I saw him drowning.” This image of the man “drowning” sticks with Owens, haunting him in his dreams night after night. “In all my dreams, before my helpless sight, He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning.” The reoccurring nightmares, accompanied with the trauma Owen endured during the gas attack led him to obtain post dramatic