The title "Dulce et Decorum Est" draws from a Latin phrase that translates to "It is sweet and fitting." The full phrase is derived from a line in the Roman poet Horace's Odes, which suggests that it is noble and honorable to die for one's country. This notion promotes the ideal of patriotic sacrifice and glorifies the concept of war.
However, in the context of Wilfred Owen's poem, the title serves as a stark irony. The poem details the horrific realities of World War I, vividly portraying the physical and psychological suffering of soldiers. Through intense imagery and graphic descriptions of gas attacks, mud, and death, Owen reveals the brutal and dehumanizing aspects of warfare, directly contradicting the notion that there is anything sweet or honorable about dying in battle.
The irony in the title enhances the overall message of the poem by emphasizing the gap between romanticized views of war and its actual brutality. By using the phrase in a sarcastic manner, Owen critiques the glorification of war espoused by propagandists and those who promote military service. The poem ultimately conveys a powerful anti-war message, arguing that the true experience of battle is one of pain, trauma, and loss, rather than the honor and glory often associated with it.
In summary, the irony of the title "Dulce et Decorum Est" contributes significantly to Owen's message, as it challenges the idealistic portrayal of war and exposes its grim realities, urging readers to reconsider the true cost of conflict.