Secondly, the effective use of metaphors really illustrates the painful experiences encountered at war. “Vile incurable sores on innocent tongues,” this metaphor is in comparison to the troop’s memories. It conveys how the troops with never forget this experience and that the pain will forever be with them. Moreover, the metaphor “Drunk with fatigue” suggests that the men must be so tired that they are no longer sane or able to think for themselves. Further more, Owens extended metaphor of the sea. “As under a green sea, I saw him drowning”….”Choking, drowning” the comparison of describing the poisonous gas as the sea really creates an image of struggle and exasperation for air or freedom from pain. Additionally, the word “drowning” is repeated which highlights the terrifying effects of gas in the war.
Moreover, when describing Owens views on the reality of war, alliteration is used. For example, when describing the horrific conditions that the men encounter when facing extreme and excruciating pain, “Men marched asleep, many had lost their boots.” the use of alliteration expresses how immensely exhausted they were as they have probably not slept for months and perhaps that even in their sleep, they still felt like they were marching because it was such a continuous process and to some extent alliteration is also.
Personification and onomatopoeia is also used to develop Owens concept of the war. For example, the word “trudge” enhances how incredibly slow these men’s pace is, creating the impression that how little strength and stamina that they have left. Moreover, it portrays that it takes a lot of effort for them to move. Another reason why Owen uses onomatopoeia is to illustrate shocking and disturbing circumstances such as “gargling”. From this word visual elements have been established in that the use of sound evokes emotions more. The line followed by gargling is very traumatic in that it shows how war put people through pain and suffering they should not have to endure. Further more, Owens choice of personification. When describing the ‘Five-Nines’ being ‘tired’ it gives the impression that Owen thins the war is pointless and has been going on for so long that even the shells have become wary of the useless misfortune. In addition, personification is used when describing his dreams as ‘smothering’ this suggests that Owen is unable to escape from the frightening nightmares that occur so often. It also enhances how devastating and unforgettable it is which he will never be able to overcome.
Rhythm also contributes in the effectiveness of the poem. For example, in the second stanza there is a dramatic and brusque contrast to rhythm and mood “Gas! Gas! Quick, boys!” This changes the pace because the choice of monosyllabic words as well as the exclamation marks which make you read quicker. This also enhances that the mood is more frantic and highlights the urgency in what is happening as it engages the reader as though they right there in the situation themselves.
Additionally, there is much irony used within the poem which is stated at the very beginning of the poem with the title ‘Dulce et Decorum Est’ which means it is fine and fitting to die for ones country. This is later on revealed to be not a poem about patriotism but to be the complete opposite which emphasizes the poet’s message. Moreover, the irony in “An ecstasy of fumbling,” the juxtaposition of “ecstasy” (a heightened happiness) and “fumbling” (a mistake) is ironic because ecstasy is normally associated with the impression of extreme joy however, the poem is rather unpleasant.
Lastly, Owens use of imagery, Owen utilizes words with negative connotations in order to give the reader a feeling of unease. Words such as “sludge,” “guttering,” “froth-corrupted,” “vile,” all have negative connotations. By choosing such words Owen condemns his poem to be sorrowful. This is because Owen see’s war to be sorrowful, ugly and sad which no one should endeavor. Additionally, Owen describes certain events, such as death, very graphically that it evokes such emotions so as to cause people to become sick. For example, when describing the physical appearance of a soldier, “Watch the white eyes writhing in his face” the use of alliteration suggests how grotesque the scenario is. Also the image that follows this “His face hanging like a devil's sick of sin,” creates a frightful image of man, whose face has been transformed from a young youthful face to a very old aged face which is rather revolting.
In conclusion, Owens selection of vivid language and imagery as well as compelling metaphors and similes gives the reader the exact feeling that Owen wanted, which was to show how terrible and devastating war is.
