The soldiers are "bent double, like old beggars" which is contrary to the popular image of soldiers being strong and able. ... He illustrates the tragic event metaphorically by comparing the man choking on the gases to someone "drowning " in a "green sea. " This comparison serves to emphasize the explicit hazard troops face during war which in turn brings to the fore front the misconception that there is minimal danger involved while deployed. ... One example of this is when the wounded soldier is described as thrashing around "like a man in fire or lime. " The association of choking and being...

• Word Count: 974
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

The composer's use of similes illustrates to us the unimaginable, horrific scenes of war in a way we might be able to fathom "Bent double, like old beggars under sacks". ... For example, it is displayed when Owen says, "Under a green sea, I saw him drowning" and "Blood come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs". ... Owen refers to the Latin phrase "Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori" meaning it is sweet and fitting to die for one's country, as "the old lie" suggesting that Horace, the man who composed the saying over 2000 years a...

• Word Count: 1027
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate