Dulce et Decorum es pro patri mori

Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori or

      ~ Horace

     The Roman poet Horace published a collection of poems that glorified Roman culture and values. He encouraged citizens of Rome to become a military power to frighten and defeat their enemies. Horace proclaimed that "It is sweet and right to die for your country." 

   Thousands of years later students across the world have studied Horace's work and teachers have used his poetry to teach lessons of nationalism.  Glorifying the military and sacrificing one's life for their country were considered one's duty to their country. As nations became more nationalistic more and more students were taught in school about the importance of sacrifice.

    In 1854, Alfred Lord Tennyson published his poem "The Charge of the Light Brigade" based on reports from the Crimean War.  Tennyson was the poet laureate of Great Britain and regarded as a celebrity in the U.K. After reading a newspaper report on a British defeat, Tennyson was inspired to write a poem glorifying the actions and heroics of British soldiers. His poem was an immediate success and copies were distributed to soldiers on the front lines as well as to the Royal Family.

   Wilfred Owen was a  talented college student when World War I broke out.  He studied Theology and English and at one point was working a private tutor.  In 1915, Owen enlisted in the Officer's Training Corps and achieved the rank of Lieutenant in 1916.  While recovering from wounds he received from a mortar shell Owen became friends with poet Siegfried Sassoon.  Owen began to write poems about his war time experiences while recovering and after he returned to the front.  Owen died during the final week of the war and his poems were published by his family afterwards.

For H.W. tonight:

Part I.

Read "Charge of the Light Brigade"  and then answer the following questions.

1. What images does Tennyson used to describe the battle?

2. Briefly explain what occurred during the battle? What was the goal of the Light Brigade?  Explain outcome?  

3.  Explain why this poem is an example of militarism or an example of nationalism.

Part II.

Read Dulce et decorum Est

1. What are images that Owen used to describe the soldiers? 

2. Both Tennyson and Owen are writing about the hardships of war.  How is the fighting  depicted differently in Owen's poem?

3.  Explain why Owen titled the poem Dulce et Decorum est.