A poem “Dulce et Decorum est” by Wilfred Owen conveys the horrors of war and uncovers the hidden truths of the past century. The poet’s ability to create effective imagery; his usage of expressive language and poetic techniques and the poem leaves a reader to experience feelings such as pity and guilt. I consider Wilfred Owen a good poet from the very start as he shows ability to captivate the reader into his story by applying and engaging heading.

Dulce et Decorum est reveals the hidden truths of the past century’s war, by uncovering the cruelties the soldiers were left to face. The poem is authentic as Wilfred Owen was ‘there’ to experience the atrocities of the First World War. The poem begins with a glimpse at the soldiers’ living conditions and their lifestyle, which provided them with untimely age. The poet then describes a dreadful gas attack that follows along with its horrid outcomes. The poem resumes eventually, the poet confirms the present propaganda to be “the old Lie” – as the glory of war is a myth. Reading this poem, made me realize my own luck and circumstance: I have been fortunate to avoid the Wars and brutalities that were brought on by World War One. The appalling conditions the soldiers were left to face made me appreciate that my own life has not been disturbed. I am devastated by the fact that even today, many innocent people are exposed to such horrors.

The poem is started unexpectedly: in the middle of action as if halfway through an incomplete event that has already started. The soldiers are trying to escape the enemy’s fire but their terrible health conditions dismiss them from strong and immediate action. “Bent double, like old beggars under sacks, knock-kneed, coughing like hags” This statement provides the reader with an unexpected view and appearance of soldiers, as the army cadets are usually pictured as strong, healthy and