Bright And Dark Blues 302531

Bright Dark Blues

Compare and contrast the two war poems: "The Charge of the Light Brigade" and "Dulce et Decorum Est." What is the tone of the first poem? What is the tone of the second poem? What words, phrases, or images in each poem support your interpretation of the poem? What factor or factors, in your view, contribute to the difference in their tones?

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The comparison of "The Charge of the Light Brigade" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, and "Dulce et Decorum Est" by Wilfred Owen reveals profound differences in tone that reflect contrasting perspectives on war. Tennyson's poem exudes a tone of reverence and heroism, emphasizing the nobility and valor of soldiers risking their lives, while Owen's poem conveys anger, horror, and disillusionment, exposing the brutal reality of war. These tonal differences are supported through specific words, phrases, and images, which are shaped by the poets' intentions and the contexts in which they wrote.

In "The Charge of the Light Brigade," Tennyson employs a tone of admiration and solemn respect. Words such as "noble" and "cannon to the right of them, cannon to the left of them, cannon in front of them" evoke a scene of heroic perseverance amidst chaos. The repetition of "Half a league, half a league, half a league onward" creates a rhythmic momentum that conveys unwavering resolve. The imagery of "the jaws of death" and "the mouth of hell" elevates the charge to a mythic level, emphasizing heroism in the face of imminent danger. Tennyson's tone is molded by his desire to honor the courage of the soldiers, framing their sacrifice as noble and glorious despite the tragic loss of life.

Conversely, Owen's "Dulce et Decorum Est" presents a grim, visceral tone that condemns the glorification of war. His use of graphic imagery such as "bent double, like old beggars under sacks" and "guttering, chocking, drowning" immerses the reader in the soldiers' suffering. The phrase "guzzling and gulping in the air" portrays soldiers' desperation, while "gas! Gas! Quick, boys!" heightens the immediacy and chaos of a gas attack. Owen's tone is filled with anger and disillusionment, evident in the bitter conclusion: "My friend, you would not tell with such high zest / To children ardent for some desperate glory, / The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est / Pro patria mori." This stark condemnation underscores his hatred for the patriotic illusion that soldiers die nobly for country, a belief he now sees as false.

The factors contributing to these tonal differences include the poets' historical contexts, personal experiences, and intentions. Tennyson wrote during the Crimean War era, seeking to inspire patriotism and pride despite the tragic events. His tone reflects a desire to honor the fallen and promote national unity. Owen, a soldier in World War I who experienced the horror firsthand, seeks to expose the brutal truth and shatter the romantic notions of warfare. His tone is thus overtly anti-war, aiming to provoke reflection and skepticism about patriotic propaganda that glorifies death in war.

In conclusion, "The Charge of the Light Brigade" and "Dulce et Decorum Est" serve as contrasting poetic portrayals of war—one elevating heroism, the other revealing suffering and disillusionment. Their tones are shaped by the poets' intentions, historical circumstances, and personal experiences, which are vividly supported through their choice of words, phrases, and images. These differences remind us of the multifaceted nature of war, highlighting both its valor and its horror.

References

• Owen, W. (1920). Dulce et Decorum Est. In Poems of Wilfred Owen. Chatto & Windus.
• Tennyson, A. (1854). The Charge of the Light Brigade. In Poems of Alfred, Lord Tennyson.
• Hynes, S. (1990). War and Its Aftermath: Imagery and Impact in Literature. Oxford University Press.
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