Critical Essay Flashcards
(19 cards)
Points in Paragraph 1
- Title
- “Bent Double”
- “Like old beggars under sacks”
- “Knock-kneed”
- “Coughing like hags”
Points in Paragraph 2
- “Floundering like a man in fire or lime”
- Facial description
- “Like a devil’s”
- “Sick of sin”
Points in Paragraph 3
- Iambic Pentameter
- Initial Spondees
- Caesura
- Mundane Line
- Trochaic Scheme
- Enjambment
- Added Syllables
Title analysis
Owen promptly decries the initial sentiment laid down by the title of the poem, “it is sweet and proper,” (with “to die for one’s country” being suggested), a phrase which originates from a passage in Horace’s “Odes” when it is used to urge the residents of ancient Rome to become increasingly adept in battle, and attempts to paint death in combat as a noble act.
Bent double analysis
“Bent double”, highlights the disingenuous and deceptive nature of the propaganda employed by the British government throughout the first world war. Conversely to the robust model soldiers showcased in the photos with rigid posture, the soldiers can scarcely stand straight and are instead confined to walking hunched by virtue of how frail they are.
Like old beggars under sacks analysis
Owen contrasts the wandering soldiers to beggars when he states, “like old beggars under sacks.” Despite being young and able-bodied men, the soldiers are facing such extreme exhaustion that they are depicted as decrepit, homeless and lacking any desire to live.
Knock-kneed analysis
“Knock-kneed”, shows how unstable the soldiers are. Their joints are unsteady due to both the physical and mental burden sanctioned upon each man. The soldiers’ knees are buckling under both the literal weight of their bags and metaphorically the significance of the war.
Coughing like hags analysis
“Coughing like hags”, encapsulates the idea that the soldiers have been ruined by the war. “Coughing” shows that the soldiers are of ill health as a result of the conditions imposed on them. “Hags” compares the men to elderly women, which illustrates that the war has stolen everything from them, even their masculinity. The men have been confined to a mere shadow of their former self.
Floundering like a man in fire or lime analysis
Following the gas attack, Owen describes his fellow soldier in his final moments as “Floundering like a man in fire or lime”. This comparison could have developed from Owen’s religious upbringing, as he is describing the man as being in hell, beyond god’s scope. “Floundering,” suggests that nothing worthy came from this man’s demise. No honour. No prestige. No grace. Simply another soldier sentenced to eternal rest in the trenches, helpless in his dying breaths.
Facial description analysis
Owen also uses imagery in the poem’s final stanza when he depicts the details of his deceased comrade. Owen mentions the “hanging” face of the man as well as that his eyes are “writhing”.
Like a devil’s analysis
The man’s appearance had been altered by the perpetual sin of war and resulted in him becoming something inferior to a human, evidenced when Owen describes his face as, “like a devil’s”. This comparison could be derived from the paintings that could be found at that time in English churches. These compositions depict those who indulge in sin, in hell, screaming out in agony whilst bearing notable features of the devil.
Sick of sin analysis
“Sick of sin” suggests that the ordeal is truly horrifying. When the devil, who is supposed to be captivated by sin, has had enough, there must be a truly deplorable level of sin. Owen’s poignant message is magnified through his ingenious use of imagery, creating an immersive and captivating read, sure to stick with the reader for a long time.
Iambic pentameter analysis
The inaugural stanza, predominantly written following an iambic pentameter, illustrates the relentless and harrowing nature of the soldiers’ experience.
Initial spondees analysis
On the contrary, the initial spondees located in lines one, two, and five arrest the reader’s attention.
Caesura analysis
The soldier’s regrettable progress through the war-torn landscape is showcased in line 6, “blood-shod. All went lame”, when Owen exploits a caesura.
Mundane line analysis
The line, “Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge,” which doesn’t consist of any notable aspects, helps establish a mundane level of expectedness to the soldiers’ voyage.
Trochaic scheme analysis
Conversely, the rhyme pattern drifts towards a trochaic scheme in line 8 to mirror the manner in which sudden explosions interrupt the soldiers’ march.
Enjambment analysis
The final line in the first stanza also consists of only nine syllables, whereas the first in the subsequent stanza comprises eleven. The preservation of this final syllable of the iamb evokes suspense in the transition from the first to the second stanza, creating an enjambment. Because of this enjambment, the word “gas” is emphasised, reflecting just how ruthless the weapon can be.
Added syllables analysis
Moving on to the second stanza’s parameter, which is disrupted on several occasions, most notably with longer lines consisting of eleven syllables, such as lines 9, 11, and 14. “Gas! GAS! Quick, boys! -An ecstasy of fumbling”, the additional syllables help manifest a disconnection from time. This change emphasises the abruptness of the soldier’s panic
