A Poem Dulce et decorum est by Wilfred Owen - Research Paper Example

Tyler Cook Dr. Celeste McMaster English 204-02 November 24, Dulce et Decorum Est Dulce et Decorum Est is a poem written by Owen Williamson describing the Great War, also referred to as the First World War. Owen wrote this poem while at war during the Georgian era. He vividly paints the picture of the war happenings to the readers. In Dulce et Decorum Est, Owen recalls the physical and mental effects of the war (Hipp, 2005). The most traumatizing occurrence of the war is when Owen’s colleagues are killed after they inhale gases thrown at them by their opponents. Not all the soldiers had time to wear their gas masks to avoid the suffocating effects of the gas. Owen hopes to convince the audience about the negative effects of the war, hoping to change their mind about it. According to him, there is no glory and honor in war as most Americans perceive. Owen’s poem can be used to deduce the history of the Georgian era, including the lifestyle and war details around that time. This paper seeks to illustrate how the poem depicts the Georgian culture, and to illustrate how it shapes the audiences’ reading of the culture. This period, in the British history, equates to about the same time that Electorate of Hanover dynasty spent ruling on the throne. This was roughly from 1714-1830 after the dynasty got acceptance in Britain through the Act of Settlement 1701. George I was succeeded by II, III, and George IV. It was also marked with social reforms under the directive of politicians like William Wilberforce and Robert Peel. These individuals brought with them social reforms like slavery abolishment, social justice and prison reforms. Political parties like Tories and Whigs were formed around this time. Economically, the Georgian period was characterized by an increase in trade and agricultural industry. Industrial revolution that saw the formation of classes also traces its beginnings in the Georgian Era. This then saw the improvement in the transport industry. Also observed was the rise of emigration to the present day United States, Canada and other parts of The British Empire. There were wars that left people with unrest and discontent, especially Napoleon wars, American war of independence and expansion of British empires. More effects of these wars include the economic depression of the United Kingdom, which was marred with political uncertainty. Unrests included the march of Blanketeers in 1917, who marched from Manchester to London, and the Luddites who destroyed industrial machinery in northwestern England. Also experienced here was the Peterloo massacre in 1819, which began as, a protest rally against poor living standards. The Cato street conspiracy in 1820 planned to dismantle the cabinet and overthrow the government, but their efforts were counteracted and the conspirators deported to Australia or executed. The number of unrest in the Georgian era was undoubtedly many, and most people found relief in expression of their emotions through poetry. This period was also marked by the rise of refinement and development of writers and novelists. Famous writers in his era included Jane Austen, Mary Shelley, and Henry Fielding. Romantic poets like Lord Byron, William Wordsworth, Robert Burns, Bysshe Shelly, among others who revolutionized the poetry world, also characterized Georgian era. They transformed the world of poetry by instilling the use of colorful language and vivid themes and ideas (Barlow, 2000). Other artistic achievements during this era include painting by people like Sir Joshua Reynolds, John Constable, J. M. Turner, and Thomas Gainsborough among others. It is also during the Georgian Period that saw the rise of landscape designers like Capability Brown. Georgian era was marked by cultural vibrancy especially after the establishment of the British Museum. It is in this era that writers and philanthropists like Hannah More, Beilby Porteus, and Raikes Robert started to speak out against social ills in the society. New Town, Edinburgh, Georgian Dublin, and New Castle’s Upon Tyne are some of the finest examples of architectures in the Georgian era. From these points, it is true to insinuate that the Great War resulted in the tremendous maturation of literature. This, in turn, influenced the world’s perception of class and culture identity. Dulce et Decorum Est is set during the first world war. This part of the Georgian culture is well elaborated in this poem as Owen elaborates cultural politics. Owen talks about the war experience in his poem, which has found its way in history and literature for its representation of the horrific details of World War I. Through it, the pictures of the war are reviewed to those who were not there. The battle ravages the soldiers mentally and physically. The unfortunate and sad death of majority of the soldiers affects Owen and the remaining soldiers who survived (Beskar, 2013). This occurs when the opponents throw gas shells at them, leaving them, no time to put on their gas masks. Owen does not like the idea of people back home calling for war since he has the vivid image of what happens there. As such, he condemns the war and its effects on the society. The title of the poem "Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori” is derived from Horace, a roman poet, which translates to, “how sweet and right it is to die for one’s country.” This provides irony in the poem since Owen is trying to convince the audience that there is no honor in death and war. Owen’s poem brought about the questioning of the Victorian and Georgian era by a majority of people. According to the pre-war culture, the mere mention of being enlisted as a soldier in the Great War was met with immense joy and celebration. Parents whose children joined the war were very proud of them, and happily told war stories to their younger children who had dreams of joining the fight in the future. The soldiers were considered patriots of the highest degree, and dying in the war front was considered honorable. This was the culture of Victorian era, filled with the belief in self-sacrifice and faith, in progress. After the writing of war poems including Owen’s Dulce et Decorum Est, Victorian culture and beliefs were questioned, with people opting for its opposite (Beskar, 2013). The brutality and horror of the First World War as depicted in Owen’s and other poets’ work produced a cultural break off the contemporary shoulder. The resultant effect was the rise of social movements in early 20th century. The living conditions and lifestyle of the soldiers are also briefly highlighted in the poem. Owen describes their appearances, which were modified by the Great War. They had knock-knees and limps, and were very tired from the fight but still had to fight. They appeared like old beggars, coughing and blood-shot. Some of them had no boots but still walked and fought for their country. These deplorable conditions of life did not deter them from fighting to end the war, and most of them lost their lives in the process. This selflessness impact a deep sense of appreciation for the culture that was defended so much. As a result, the readers are able to treasure and value this culture so that the era of the Great War will not be repeated. It remains as a reminder of the sacrifice of the few and a tribute to the soldiers. From the knowledge of Georgian Culture, readers are provoked to feel empathy and pity for the war heroes and victims at the time when they read the text. With the expressions of the saddening emotions of the war experience in the poem, readers of these Great War poems develop a sense of identity with the fallen heroes from the Georgian era. This ensures that there is a link or a form of continuity from the Georgian period, even though a lot has changed since then in terms of perception of many things. It is also through the text that the readers learn about the effects of the Great War (Williams, 2009). Another effect is the separation of families, especially when men are enlisted and taken to the war fronts to fight for their country. This is evident when Owen witnesses, and thus makes the readers picture, the death of his fellow soldiers. In addition, a sense of belonging is instilled in the readers. From the text, that is Dulce et Decorum Est, the readers get the characteristics of the Georgian era and the treasured values at the time. The need for survival and protection of one’s country and families is deeply displayed in the text. This emphasizes the coveted role of the soldiers, and the pride of the soldiers’ families concerning their choices of joining the war. Young children grew up with aspirations of joining the war when they are old enough (Roberts, 2011). From the text, it is observed that the Georgian culture upheld selflessness and sacrifice for the greater good. This is because they rejoiced when their sons joined the war. This formed stories that were told from one generation to another. From the title of the poem, it is deduced that they saw it as an honor and glory for their soldiers to die while fighting for their country. Works Cited Barlow, A. The Great War in British Literature. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2000. Beskar, M. " Alienation and Transformation: The Poetry of World War I ." Meta Interdisciplinary Journal (2013). Hipp, D. The Poetry of Shell Shock: Wartime Trauma and Healing in Wilfred . McFarland Publishers, 2005. Roberts, D. The Poetry of the First World War The War Poetry . 2011. Williamson, A. Dulce et Decorum Est . New Haven: Yale University, 2010. Read More