Dulce Et Decorum Est

Which statement best summarizes the central idea of this poem?

• It is one’s patriotic duty to fight for one’s country, regardless of how unpleasant the consequences.

• Those who praise war and promote the involvement of young people are promoting a false image of glory.

• Engaging in war involves tremendous sacrifice and bravery for the public good.

• All possible methods of resolving conflict should be pursued before young people are asked to fight for their country.

Answer explanation

B.

This is the correct response.

The last line of the poem says that “dulce et decorum est pro patria mori” is a lie.

In what way does this poem agree with the idea that to die for your country is a noble thing to do?

• It shows the pain soldiers feel when society does not appreciate their sacrifices.

• It denies the possibility of soldiers dying with dignity.

• It treats the outcome of a battle as less important than soldiers’ experiences.

• It portrays soldiers as essentially powerless.

Answer explanation

A.

This is the correct response

Although the poem focuses on soldiers’ pain, the pain is caused by warfare, not society’s reaction to the solders.

B. The dying soldier is presented as grotesque and helpless, rather than dignified.

C. The majority of the poem focuses on the death of a soldier and the aftermath of war for the speaker, rather than the outcome of the battle.

D. The soldiers are described as physically broken and unable to control even their dreams.

Dulce Et Decorum Est is a poem about

• The second world war

• The first world war

• The vietnam war

'Dulce et decorum est, pro patria mori' means...

• It is cruel and terrible to die for your country

• It is sweet and fitting to die for your country

• It is glorious and honourable to die for your country

The poet, Wilfred Owen, thinks this is a lie because...

• fighting can be a terrible experience

• fighting can be an enjoyable experience

• fighting can be a boring experience

What horrific image does the speaker describe in vivid detail?

• A soldier's death in battle.

• A soldier dying from a gas attack.

• A soldier being wounded by a grenade.

• A soldier going mad from the stress of war.

(Dulce) The final lines of the poem, quoting the Latin phrase "Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori," serve to:

• Glorify the soldiers' sacrifice.

• Condemn the glorification of war.

• Question the meaning of patriotism.

• Inspire readers to enlist in the military.

What is the physical condition of the soldiers described in the opening lines of the poem?

• They are strong and healthy.

• They are injured but determined.

• They are exhausted and ill.

• They are exhilarated by the battle.

What is the primary theme of 'Dulce Et Decorum Est'?

• The glory of war

• The horror of war

• The beauty of nature

• The importance of patriotism

Which literary device is predominantly used in 'Dulce Et Decorum Est' to convey the horrors of war?

• Metaphor

• Simile

• Irony

• Alliteration