The poem is one of the most powerful ways to convey an idea or

opinion. Through vivid imagery and compelling metaphors, the poem

gives the reader the exact feeling the author wanted. The poem "Dulce

et Decorum Est," an anti-war poem by Wilfred Owen, makes great use of

these devices. This poem is very effective because of its excellent

manipulation of the mechanical and emotional parts of poetry. Owen's

use of exact diction and vivid figurative language emphasizes his

point, showing that war is terrible and devastating. Furthermore, the

utilization of extremely graphic imagery adds even more to his

argument. Through the effective use of all three of these tools, this

poem conveys a strong meaning and persuasive argument.

The poem's use of excellent diction helps to more clearly

define what the author is saying. Words like "guttering", "choking",

and "drowning" not only show how the man is suffering, but that he is

in terrible pain that no human being should endure. Other words like

forget the experience, but also how they are frightening tales, ones

wanting to fight in a war would become nervous at the image of himself

devil, seeming corrupted and baneful. A metaphor even more effective

horrid and revolting, just as the author wanted it to.

of the troops. It not only tells the reader how the troops will never

was forced to run out into the mist, unaware of their fate. Anyone

by using good diction, vivid comparisons, and graphic images to have

the reader feel disgusted at what war is capable of. This poem is

the mind. The troops were torn out of their nightmarish walk and

extremely effective as an anti-war poem, making war seem absolutely

profoundly affecting and can never be forgotten.

gas was dropped, it painted a psychological image that would disturb

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 728
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)