Which literary device is used in this phrase " watch the white eyes writhing " and how does it contribute to the overall message of the poem " Dulce et Decorum Est "

Answer 1

The phrase "watch the white eyes writhing" from Wilfred Owen's poem "Dulce et Decorum Est" employs imagery and personification as literary devices.

1. Imagery: The phrase conjures a vivid visual image that evokes the horror and agony of soldiers in World War I, particularly highlighting the physical suffering of the wounded. The description of "white eyes" suggests a state of shock or death, as the eyes of the dying or severely injured might appear vacant or soulless. This powerful imagery immerses the reader in the gruesome reality of war and elicits a strong emotional response.

2. Personification: The word "writhing" suggests movement and life, which contrasts starkly with the image of lifeless, white eyes. This personification amplifies the sense of agony and helplessness, imbuing the eyes with an almost ghostly quality, akin to a dying plea for relief.

The overall message of "Dulce et Decorum Est" is a stark condemnation of the romanticized views of war and the idea that it is glorious to die for one's country. By using this imagery to depict the suffering and chaos faced by soldiers, Owen critiques the notion that war is noble, instead revealing its brutal reality. The phrase encapsulates the poem's theme of disillusionment and the harsh, traumatic experience of soldiers, ultimately challenging the reader to confront the grim truth of war as opposed to the glorified portrayal often propagated by society.