Dulce Et Decorum Est Rhetorical Analysis
Through diction and repetition, “Dulce et Decorum Est” by Wilfred Owen presents a harsh reality of war that challenges the ideal of militarism by mocking the assumed glory in the military. In this piece, the poet scorns militarism-created perceptions of war. In the midst of a bombing, he describes preparing for the gas as “… [a]n ecstasy of fumbling / Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time” (9-10). The words ecstasy and fumbling contradict each other in their connotations as ecstasy is related to happiness, and fumbling usually signifies being embarrassingly helpless. The poet uses this word choice to bring attention to the fact that there was no ‘ecstasy’ in the fighting; it was dehumanizing and humiliating. In this way, he is directly opposing
the meaning behind the title of this poem: ‘It is sweet and fitting to die for one’s country’. Owen employs repeated and specifically chosen words to further his assault against militarism. As gas bombs explode around him, the poet narrates his fellow soldier’s chilling death:
Dim through the misty panes and thick green light,
As under a green sea, I saw him drowning.
In all my dreams before my helpless sight,
He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning (13-16).
The repetition and diction of these lines help illustrate the horror involved in the war. The repeated use of the word ‘drowning’ sends the message that the speaker will be haunted by the idea of someone choking on air. Not only that, but the choice of words such as ‘guttering’ and ‘choking’ help solidify the idea that death on the battlefield is not as ‘fitting’ and ‘sweet’ as the title would suggest. Wilfred Owen, using diction and repetition, cements his opposition against militarism by exposing the horrific details of what soldiers went through on the frontline.
the meaning behind the title of this poem: ‘It is sweet and fitting to die for one’s country’. Owen employs repeated and specifically chosen words to further his assault against militarism. As gas bombs explode around him, the poet narrates his fellow soldier’s chilling death:
Dim through the misty panes and thick green light,
As under a green sea, I saw him drowning.
In all my dreams before my helpless sight,
He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning (13-16).
The repetition and diction of these lines help illustrate the horror involved in the war. The repeated use of the word ‘drowning’ sends the message that the speaker will be haunted by the idea of someone choking on air. Not only that, but the choice of words such as ‘guttering’ and ‘choking’ help solidify the idea that death on the battlefield is not as ‘fitting’ and ‘sweet’ as the title would suggest. Wilfred Owen, using diction and repetition, cements his opposition against militarism by exposing the horrific details of what soldiers went through on the frontline.