Mametz Wood

Question 1

Context on Owen Sheers

Answer 1

• Welsh connection between Owen sheers and the fate of the Welsh soliders at Mametz wood
• Heavy losses during the battle are reflected in the lasting impact of the tragedy
• He is known for his exploration of historical and personal themes, that often focus on the impact of war and conflict
• Explores relationship between past and present

Question 2

Form

Answer 2

Tercets (three-line stanzas) - creates acontrolled and reflective structure.

3rd Person - sense of distance and detachment.

Long sentences and enjambment - a reflective and flowing tone.

Question 3

Structure

Answer 3

Emphasizes the lasting effects of war and the time it takes for the earth to heal.

Thoughtful tone and slow pace.

Imagery of the past is present throughout the poem.

Alternates focus between land/remains/soldiers

Question 4

Summary of Poem

Answer 4

The poem references how soldiers died and how they are remembered.

Partly positive as it allows the memory of soldiers to be honored.

Highlights the fragility and vulnerability of the soldiers in contrast to the brutality of war

Question 5

Language

Answer 5

Contrasting imagery (violent war imagery with natural imagery).

Personification of the earth (earth as a guardian of memory).

Detailed descriptions of broken bodies and damage, emphasizing dehumanization.

Emphasizes the time it takes for nature and humanity to heal from war

Question 6

Mood

Answer 6

Mournful, lyrical tone – calm sadness for the dead soldiers.

Gentle tone suggests remembrance rather than graphic violence.

Sense of memory – the past should not be forgotten.

Question 7

Key Quotes

Answer 7

The china plate of a shoulder bone

Towards the woods and it’s nesting machine guns

Their Skeletons paused mid dance-macabre

Question 8

The china plate of a shoulder bone

Answer 8

• Metaphor compares bone to fragil china - life is delicate
• innocence and vulnerability of soilders
• Dehumanises the soliders
• Connects beauty with death - reminding us of soilders humanity

Question 9

Towards the wood and it’s nesting machine guns

Answer 9

• Suggests weapons are embedded in nature
• contrast between nature and war
• Personification of guns ‘nesting’ - violence is natural
• Ironic - nesting - suggests life and safety

Question 10

Their Skeletons paused mid dance-macabre

Answer 10

• image of skeletons dancing - dark humour
• reminds the readers that the solidiers are human
• ‘mid’- death was unexpected
• dance - joyful, happy, youthful = they did not deserve death
• Juxtaposition between ‘dance’ and ‘macabre’ captures the beauty of fallen soilders