In this comprehensive WJEC EDUQAS course, we will delve into the poignant and haunting poem 'Dulce et Decorum Est' by Wilfred Owen. Written during the height of World War I, the poem offers a brutally honest portrayal of the nightmarish experiences faced by soldiers in the trenches, effectively dismantling the glorified and idealistic perceptions of war that were prevalent at the time.
 
Throughout this course, we will explore the poem's vivid imagery, which captures the physical and emotional suffering endured by the soldiers. We will examine Owen's use of graphic descriptions, such as the gas attack, the dying soldier, and the aftermath of the battle, to confront the reader with the horrifying realities of war. Additionally, we will analyse Owen's deliberate manipulation of traditional poetic forms, such as the sonnet and the heroic couplet, to create a sense of irony and to emphasize the disillusionment of the soldiers.
 
Furthermore, this course will delve into the historical context of the poem, including the role of propaganda and recruitment campaigns, which promoted the idea of war as a noble and honourable pursuit. We will investigate how Owen's own experiences as a soldier and his interactions with fellow war poets, such as Siegfried Sassoon, shaped his perspective on the true nature of war and its devastating consequences.
 
By examining the poem's powerful language techniques, including alliteration, assonance, and onomatopoeia, we will gain a deeper appreciation of Owen's skill as a poet and his ability to evoke empathy and provoke critical thought in his readers. We will also explore the poem's Latin title and concluding lines, which allude to the ancient Roman poet Horace, to understand how Owen subverts the notion that it is sweet and fitting to die for one's country.
 
Through this in-depth analysis of 'Dulce et Decorum Est,' you will not only develop a richer understanding of Wilfred Owen's powerful anti-war message, but also enhance your ability to critically engage with and appreciate the complexities of poetry as a literary form.