Themes and Symbolism in 'Futility'

The video provides an analysis of Wilfred Owen's poem 'Futility', exploring its themes of war, death, and the sun as a giver of life. The poem reflects on the senselessness of war and the loss of a soldier's life, questioning the purpose of creation if life is to be cut short by conflict. The sun is depicted as a life-giving force, yet unable to revive the fallen soldier, highlighting the futility of war and the tragedy of lost potential.

What is the primary theme of Wilfred Owen's poem 'Futility'?

• The beauty of nature

• The futility of war and loss of life

• The joy of life

• The power of love

What historical event is the backdrop for 'Futility'?

• The American Civil War

• World War II

• World War I

• The French Revolution

What literary form is 'Futility' considered to be?

• A limerick

• An elegy

• A sonnet

• A haiku

In the poem, what action is suggested to try and revive the soldier?

• Give him water

• Move him into the sun

• Move him into the shade

• Call for a doctor

What does the sun symbolize in the poem?

• Destruction

• Life and hope

• Darkness

• Silence

What does the phrase 'fields unsewn' suggest about the soldier's life?

• He had unfulfilled potential

• He was lazy

• He was a farmer

• He disliked nature

What does the poem imply about the sun's ability to revive the soldier?

• The sun has no interest in reviving him

• The sun is too weak to revive him

• The sun is powerless to revive him

• The sun can easily revive him

What does the poem suggest about the soldier's potential life?

• He disliked his life

• He was content with his life

• He had many unfulfilled dreams

• He lived a full life

What does the poem suggest about the soldier's life?

• He disliked his life

• He was indifferent to life

• He had a short and unfulfilled life

• He lived a long and fulfilling life

What does the poem imply about the sun's role in the soldier's life?

• The sun was a destructive force

• The sun was a rare occurrence

• The sun was a constant presence in his life

• The sun was indifferent to him