War War I – art and exorcism (Wilfred Owen)
by Dr. Sorin ~ September 28th, 2010. Filed under: Uncategorized.This is one of the most famous poems in English describing the horror of War War I:
DULCE ET DECORUM EST1
Bent double, like old beggars under sacks,
Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge,
Till on the haunting flares2 we turned our backs
And towards our distant rest3 began to trudge.
Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots
But limped on, blood-shod. All went lame; all blind;
Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots4
Of tired, outstripped5 Five-Nines6 that dropped behind.Gas!7 Gas! Quick, boys! – An ecstasy of fumbling,
Fitting the clumsy helmets8 just in time;
But someone still was yelling out and stumbling,
And flound’ring like a man in fire or lime9 . . .
Dim, through the misty panes10 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,11 choking, drowning.If in some smothering dreams you too could pace
Behind the wagon that we flung him in,
And watch the white eyes writhing in his face,
His hanging face, like a devil’s sick of sin;
If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood
Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs,
Obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud12
Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues,
My friend, you would not tell with such high zest13
To children ardent14 for some desperate glory,
The old Lie; Dulce et Decorum est
Pro patria mori.158 October 1917 – March, 1918
- 1 DULCE ET DECORUM EST – the first words of a Latin saying (taken from an ode by Horace). The words were widely understood and often quoted at the start of the First World War. They mean “It is sweet and right.” The full saying ends the poem: Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori – it is sweet and right to die for your country. In other words, it is a wonderful and great honour to fight and die for your country
- 2 rockets which were sent up to burn with a brilliant glare to light up men and other targets in the area between the front lines (See illustration, page 118 of Out in the Dark.)
- 3 a camp away from the front line where exhausted soldiers might rest for a few days, or longer
- 4 the noise made by the shells rushing through the air
- 5 outpaced, the soldiers have struggled beyond the reach of these shells which are now falling behind them as they struggle away from the scene of battle
- 6 Five-Nines – 5.9 calibre explosive shells
- 7 poison gas. From the symptoms it would appear to be chlorine or phosgene gas. The filling of the lungs with fluid had the same effects as when a person drowned
- 8 the early name for gas masks
- 9 a white chalky substance which can burn live tissue
- 10 the glass in the eyepieces of the gas masks
- 11 Owen probably meant flickering out like a candle or gurgling like water draining down a gutter, referring to the sounds in the throat of the choking man, or it might be a sound partly like stuttering and partly like gurgling
- 12 normally the regurgitated grass that cows chew; here a similar looking material was issuing from the soldier’s mouth
- 13 high zest – idealistic enthusiasm, keenly believing in the rightness of the idea
- 14 keen
- 15 see note 1
a - To see the source of Wilfred Owen’s ideas about muddy conditions see his letter in Wilfred Owen’s First Encounter with the Reality of War.
- Notes copyright © David Roberts and Saxon Books 1998 and 1999. Free use by students for personal use only. The poem appears in both Out in the Dark and Minds at War, but the notes are only found in Out in the Dark.
- Copyright © 1999 Saxon Books.
September 28th, 2010 at 6:35 pm
“Fumbling,” “stumbling,” “flound’ring,” “green sea,” “drowning.”
I don’t know if it’s just me but as I read stanza 2, the word choice kept reminding me an image of a fish. The gas attack that had the man “guttering, choking, drowning” is similar to the idea of a fish flailing helplessly and painfully on land. For the fish, the oxygen is the “gas” that is killing it. I just thought this was an interesting connection.
September 28th, 2010 at 7:26 pm
I like that analogy, Andy. Now that you mention it, the second stanza does seem to have an underlying under-water theme to it. Maybe the poet was fond of fish? But in all seriousness, I do admire the word choice. It paints a vivid picture of all the horrid things in war. What a way to prove a point – there is nothing sweet and right about war. Like Dr. Sorin said, “You cannot glamorize war in any way”
Thanks for pointing that out.
September 29th, 2010 at 8:31 am
Nice comments! The word choice is surely contributing to this idea of “fish flailing helplessly” — this analogy is helping us explore further the effects of war on the people who fight it.
July 5th, 2012 at 9:42 am
Whats up this is kinda of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding skills so I wanted to get guidance from someone with experience. Any help would be enormously appreciated!
July 16th, 2012 at 9:22 pm
You must take part in a contest for one of the best blogs on the web. I will recommend this internet site!
July 30th, 2012 at 7:03 pm
Web firelogs such as this one you can read for hours and your information are appropriate and well written, we do hope you will keep upgrading your blog for all of us individuals who likes to follow along with the planet via the web, let’s are all aware if we can help or donate something to keep this site going!
September 7th, 2012 at 9:46 pm
I don’t waste my free time in watching video lessons however I be keen on to read posts on net and get updated from most up-to-date technologies.
September 9th, 2012 at 11:22 pm
I just couldn’t leave your website prior to suggesting that I actually enjoyed the standard information an individual provide to your guests? Is gonna be back regularly in order to inspect new posts
September 17th, 2012 at 4:08 pm
Excellent items from you, man. I’ve remember your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely great. I really like what you have got here, certainly like what you are stating and the way in which you say it. You’re making it enjoyable and you continue to take care of to keep it smart. I cant wait to read far more from you. This is really a great website.
September 19th, 2012 at 1:32 am
Great site would you ever consider selling ad space to me?
September 25th, 2012 at 8:08 am
I genuinely enjoy reading through on this site, it has fantastic articles. “One should die proudly when it is no longer possible to live proudly.” by Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche.
September 27th, 2012 at 12:25 am
I want to show thanks to you for rescuing me from this type of matter. Just after browsing through the the web and seeing notions which are not pleasant, I assumed my entire life was done. Existing devoid of the strategies to the difficulties you’ve resolved by way of your entire short post is a crucial case, as well as the ones which may have negatively affected my entire career if I hadn’t noticed the website. Your primary capability and kindness in controlling the whole lot was helpful. I am not sure what I would’ve done if I hadn’t come across such a point like this. I am able to at this moment relish my future. Thanks for your time very much for your skilled and results-oriented guide. I won’t be reluctant to recommend the website to any person who should get direction about this subject.
October 3rd, 2012 at 2:42 am
Hi my family member! I want to say that this post is awesome, great written and come with approximately all important infos. I would like to see extra posts like this.
October 5th, 2012 at 10:48 am
I want foregathering useful info, this post has got me even more info! .
October 6th, 2012 at 11:44 am
I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you make this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz answer back as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to know where u got this from. thank you
October 7th, 2012 at 5:05 pm
I like what you guys are up too. This sort of clever work and coverage! Keep up the awesome works guys I’ve you guys to blogroll.
October 8th, 2012 at 11:04 pm
Howdy just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your article seem to be running off the screen in Opera. I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with internet browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to let you know. The design look great though! Hope you get the problem solved soon. Thanks
October 11th, 2012 at 6:42 pm
Very good website you have here but I was curious about if you knew of any message boards that cover the same topics discussed in this article? I’d really love to be a part of online community where I can get suggestions from other experienced individuals that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Kudos!
October 12th, 2012 at 5:49 am
Nice post. I learn something tougher on distinct blogs everyday. Most commonly it truly is stimulating to see content material off their writers and use slightly there. I’d want to use some with all of the content material on my weblog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll offer you a link on the web weblog. A lot of thanks sharing.
October 15th, 2012 at 2:19 pm
I’d been honored to receive a call from my friend as soon as he discovered the important recommendations shared on your site. Going via your weblog posting can be a real amazing experience. Thank you for taking into account readers like me, and I desire for you the best of achievements for a expert surface location.
October 15th, 2012 at 10:45 pm
Neat blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A theme like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog stand out. Please let me know where you got your design. Thank you
October 16th, 2012 at 2:37 am
Please let me know if you’re looking for a writer for your weblog. You have some really great articles and I think I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d absolutely love to write some material for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please send me an email if interested. Cheers!
October 17th, 2012 at 12:15 am
Do you have a spam problem on this site; I also am a blogger, and I was wondering your situation; many of us have created some nice procedures and we are looking to swap strategies with others, be sure to shoot me an email if interested.
October 17th, 2012 at 8:09 am
I believe this site holds some really wonderful information for everyone. “Only the little people pay taxes.” by Leona Helmsly.
October 18th, 2012 at 6:34 pm
Appreciating the commitment you put into your blog and in depth information you offer. It’s good to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same out of date rehashed material. Great read! I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.
October 18th, 2012 at 8:40 pm
Hello, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog site in Firefox, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, very good blog!
October 18th, 2012 at 9:53 pm
Its wonderful as your other posts : D, thanks for putting up. “What makes something special is not just what you have to gain, but what you feel there is to lose.” by Andre Agassi.
October 19th, 2012 at 7:09 am
Greetings from Ohio! I’m bored to tears at work so I decided to browse your website on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the info you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m surprised at how fast your blog loaded on my phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, amazing site!
October 20th, 2012 at 4:57 pm
Terrific post but I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit more. Kudos!
October 21st, 2012 at 11:36 am
Great write-up, I am normal visitor of one’s site, maintain up the nice operate, and It is going to be a regular visitor for a lengthy time. “There is a time for departure even when there’s no certain place to go.” by Tennessee Williams.
October 21st, 2012 at 9:38 pm
Thanks for your write-up. Another issue is that to be a photographer includes not only difficulties in recording award-winning photographs but additionally hardships in acquiring the best photographic camera suited to your requirements and most especially situations in maintaining the caliber of your camera. This is very true and clear for those professional photographers that are straight into capturing the particular nature’s exciting scenes : the mountains, the particular forests, the particular wild or even the seas. Going to these exciting places definitely requires a dslr camera that can live up to the wild’s harsh areas.
October 24th, 2012 at 7:49 am
Excellent read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on that. And he actually bought me lunch since I found it for him smile Thus let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch! “To be 70 years young is sometimes far more cheerful and hopeful than to be 40 years old.” by Oliver Wendell Holmes.
October 25th, 2012 at 7:58 am
However, did you know that you can plan your garden sheds? That’s right, you can have an actual say in the development and design of your garden storage shed
November 5th, 2012 at 10:38 am
Real nice design and style and fantastic written content, absolutely nothing else we need :D.
November 10th, 2012 at 11:13 am
Inside: Once everything is out, organized and ready for returning, spend some time in the shed itself, checking shelves and hooks to make sure they are all in good repair
November 12th, 2012 at 5:46 am
I was very happy to search out this web-site.I wanted to thanks to your time for this wonderful learn!! I positively enjoying each little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you weblog post.
November 12th, 2012 at 10:11 am
Oh my agreeableness! certain tremendous item dude. Thank you However I’m experiencing agitate together with ur rss . Don’t know brain twister Incapable on route to subscribe en route to it. Is there anyone getting an just alike rss blemish? Anybody who is aware of fair respond. Thnkx
November 15th, 2012 at 10:55 am
hello, your internet site is truly excellent. We do appreciate your give very good outcomes
November 22nd, 2012 at 3:41 am
Nice read, I just passed this onto a friend who was doing some research on that. And he actually bought me lunch because I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch! “Love is made in heaven and consummated on earth.” by John Lyly.
November 25th, 2012 at 6:24 pm
I blog often and I seriously appreciate your information. Your article has truly peaked my interest. I am going to book mark your blog and keep checking for new details about once per week. I opted in for your Feed as well.
November 27th, 2012 at 10:10 am
I really enjoy studying on this web site, it contains fantastic content. “And all the winds go sighing, For sweet things dying.” by Christina Georgina Rossetti.
December 2nd, 2012 at 11:07 am
Its superb as your other blog posts : D, appreciate it for putting up. “A gift in season is a double favor to the needy.” by Publilius Syrus.
December 2nd, 2012 at 10:24 pm
Thank you for the sensible critique. Me and my neighbor were just preparing to do some research on this. We got a grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more from this post. I’m very glad to see such excellent information being shared freely out there.
December 6th, 2012 at 9:36 pm
But wanna remark that you have a very nice internet site , I like the design and style it really stands out.
December 9th, 2012 at 9:12 pm
Absolutely indited subject matter, regards for information .
December 10th, 2012 at 9:04 pm
Only wanna input on few general things, The website layout is perfect, the articles is really great. “All movements go too far.” by Bertrand Russell.
December 12th, 2012 at 3:21 am
Wow! This can be one particular of the most beneficial blogs We have ever arrive across on this subject. Basically Fantastic. I’m also an expert in this topic therefore I can understand your effort.
December 23rd, 2012 at 5:40 pm
Hmm it appears like your website ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to the whole thing. Do you have any recommendations for rookie blog writers? I’d certainly appreciate it.
January 10th, 2013 at 12:52 am
I’m extremely inspired with your writing talents as smartly as with the layout in your blog. Is that this a paid subject matter or did you modify it your self? Anyway keep up the nice high quality writing, it’s uncommon to see a great blog like this one nowadays..
January 15th, 2013 at 9:15 am
Merely a smiling visitant here to share the love (:, btw outstanding pattern. “Better by far you should forget and smile than that you should remember and be sad.” by Christina Georgina Rossetti.
January 15th, 2013 at 9:24 pm
I love your writing style genuinely loving this web site. “My home is not a place, it is people.” by Lois McMaster Bujold.
January 17th, 2013 at 5:58 am
Real nice layout and fantastic articles, absolutely nothing else we need :D.
January 20th, 2013 at 6:30 am
I like what you guys are up also. Such smart work and reporting! Keep up the excellent works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my site :).
January 24th, 2013 at 7:20 am
A person essentially help to make critically posts I would state. That is the very first time I frequented your website page and so far? I surprised with the research you made to create this particular post incredible. Magnificent process!
February 24th, 2013 at 5:43 am
Some really fantastic info , Gladiola I found this. “Genius is one of the many forms of insanity.” by Cesare Lombroso.
February 24th, 2013 at 10:09 pm
Some genuinely nice and useful information on this website, as well I believe the layout has wonderful features.
February 25th, 2013 at 2:09 am
Appreciate it for helping out, wonderful info. “The health of nations is more important than the wealth of nations.” by Will Durant.
February 26th, 2013 at 3:27 am
hello!,I truly like your creating greatly! share we retain up a correspondence excess about your article on AOL? I demand an professional in such a location to unravel my issue. Maybe that’s you! Looking ahead to peer you. |
March 8th, 2013 at 11:20 pm
I have recently started a website, the information you provide on this website has helped me greatly. Thanks for all of your time & work. “Money is power, freedom, a cushion, the root of al evil, the sum of all blessings.” by Carl Sandburg.
March 8th, 2013 at 11:28 pm
Some really nice and useful info on this internet site, likewise I believe the pattern has got fantastic features.
March 19th, 2013 at 12:11 pm
I saw a lot of website but I conceive this one contains something special in it. “I am the Roman Emperor, and am above grammar.” by Emperor Sigismund.
April 4th, 2013 at 11:13 pm
naturally like your web site but you have to test the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling issues and I in finding it very troublesome to tell the truth on the other hand I will certainly come back again.
April 19th, 2013 at 10:02 am
Excellent read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on that. And he actually bought me lunch since I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch! “No one can wear a mask for very long.” by Seneca.
April 23rd, 2013 at 5:11 pm
I adore your wp web template, wherever did you download it from?
April 25th, 2013 at 6:21 am
Thanks for helping out, fantastic info. “Hope is the denial of reality.” by Margaret Weis.
April 27th, 2013 at 3:04 pm
This is a excellent web page, might you be interested in doing an interview about just how you designed it? If so e-mail me!
April 28th, 2013 at 10:52 pm
Thanks, I have been searching for facts about this subject for ages and yours is the best I’ve located so far.
May 3rd, 2013 at 3:57 am
Your thawed out embryos may be transplanted that has a standard menstrual cycle immediately after ovulation into the womb ladies. Are menstruation irregularities, a light hormone stimulation from the sex gland is completed so that you can favor the development of the actual endometrium previous to transplanting. Alternatively, the endocrine system at the begining of remedy excess estrogen as well as progesterone progesterone are provided which will make the coating from the womb.
May 4th, 2013 at 8:41 am
It is perfect time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you some interesting things or advice. Perhaps you can write next articles referring to this article. I want to read more things about it!
May 4th, 2013 at 8:41 am
Hello there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it is really informative. I’m gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future. Many people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
May 5th, 2013 at 10:25 pm
May I simply say what a comfort to uncover a person that genuinely understands what they are talking about on the net. You certainly know how to bring a problem to light and make it important. A lot more people have to check this out and understand this side of the story. I was surprised that you aren’t more popular because you definitely possess the gift.
May 6th, 2013 at 7:00 am
Hello mates, how is everything, and what you wish for to say about this post, in my view its genuinely remarkable in support of me.