Analysing how Owen presents the realities of war in 'Dulce et Decorum Est'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can analyse how Owen uses language, form and structure to present the brutal reality of war.
Key learning points
- Owen uses graphic imagery to portray the brutal reality of war.
- Owen shows the vulnerability of the men in the beginning of the poem, contradicting the public perception of soldiers.
- Owen uses figurative language to convey a vivid account of the gas attack.
- Owen switches tense throughout the poem - perhaps to represent his experiences with PTSD.
- The inclusion of three tenses arguably illustrates the impact that war has had on Owen’s past, present and future.
Keywords
Vulnerable - able to be harmed either physically or emotionally.
Desensitised - less sensitive or reactive to something.
Imagery - words used to create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind.
Gruelling - extremely challenging and demanding.
PTSD - a mental illness caused by trauma, in which the patient may suffer flashbacks, hallucinations, depression and substance abuse.
Common misconception
Students sometimes fail to recognise that the tense shifts as the poem progresses.
Owen includes three tenses in his poem, perhaps to illustrate that the impact of war has, is and will be felt in his past, present and future.
Teacher tip
If you have time, in the second learning cycle, ask students to highlight all the verbs together and discuss which tense they belong to. This will enhance their understanding of the poem and will develop their grammar.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the Eduqas poetry anthology for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.When was 'Dulce et Decorum Est' published?
Q2. is biased or misleading information used to influence public opinion. It was used in WWI to encourage young men to enlist in the army.
Q3.Which of the following statements about Wilfred Owen are true?
Q4.Complete the quotation from 'Dulce et Decorum Est'. "Dulce et Decorum Est..."
Q5.What is Owen criticising in the poem 'Dulce et Decorum Est''?
Q6.Starting with the first, put these quotations from 'Dulce et Decorum Est' in order, as they appear in the poem.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What tense is the middle of the poem 'Dulce et Decorum Est' written in?
Q2.What method does Owen use in this quotation from 'Dulce et Decorum Est' to present the soldier's death graphically: "As under a green sea, I saw him drowning"?
Q3.Which quotation from 'Dulce et Decorum Est' shows us that the soldiers have become desensitised to the violence and threat of war?
Q4.Complete the quotation from 'Dulce et Decorum Est': "His hanging face, like a sick of sin".
Q5.What is the effect of the phrase "froth-corrupted lungs" from 'Dulce et Decorum Est'?
Q6.Why might Owen switch tenses throughout 'Dulce et Decorum Est'?
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Analysing how Owen presents the realities of war in 'Dulce et Decorum Est', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Analysing how Owen presents the realities of war in 'Dulce et Decorum Est', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 English lessons from the Poetry anthology (Assessment until summer 2026) unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.