What sensory details does the poet use to convey the soldiers exhausted state in " Dulce et Decorum Est " " Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the boots"

Answer 1

In Wilfred Owen's "Dulce et Decorum Est," the line "Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the boots" employs vivid sensory details to convey the soldiers' exhausted state.

1. Visual Imagery: The word "drunk" suggests a visual of soldiers staggering or moving unsteadily, akin to someone who is intoxicated. This creates a potent image of their weariness and disorientation.

2. Auditory Imagery: The phrase "deaf even to the boots" captures an auditory sense. The boots, typically associated with the sounds of marching or movement, become irrelevant to the soldiers in their fatigued state. This absence of auditory awareness signifies how overwhelmed they are by exhaustion, indicating that even loud or prominent sounds fail to penetrate their tiredness.

3. Emotional Resonance: The combination of these details conveys a deep sense of despair and hopelessness. The soldiers are not just tired; they are utterly drained and disconnected from their surroundings, illustrating the extreme physical and mental toll of war.

These sensory details work together to immerse the reader in the soldiers' harrowing experience, effectively evoking the brutality and weariness of combat.