Assignment-1

Name: Rohan
Singh
Course: B.Sc.
(Hons.)
Mathematics
Subject: Individual
and Society
(English GEC)
College Roll. No.:
Question:
While Wilfred Owens highlights the horrors of war at the hands of the machines and
other weapons of destruction, Brecht asserts the essential inefficacy of war and an
unflinching faith in human kindness. In the light of this assessment, compare 'Dulce et
Decorum Est', and 'General, your Tank'.

Answer:
Both Wilfred Owen's "Dulce et Decorum Est" and Bertolt Brecht's "General, your Tank"
address the theme of war, albeit from different perspectives and with distinct messages.
Wilfred Owen's "Dulce et Decorum Est" is a powerful anti-war poem that vividly
depicts the horrors and brutality of World War I. Owen, who himself experienced the
war firsthand, brings a stark realism to his poetry, stripping away any romanticized
notions of war and portraying it in all its grim reality. The title of the poem is derived
from a famous line by the Roman poet Horace, which translates to "It is sweet and fitting
to die for one's country." Owen, however, turns this sentiment on its head, using the
poem to expose the ugly truths of war.

The poem opens with a scene of tired and exhausted soldiers trudging through the mud,
highlighting the physical and mental toll of war. Owen employs graphic imagery to
depict a gas attack, describing the agonizing death of a fellow soldier as he struggles for
air:

"Gas! GAS! Quick, boys!—An ecstasy of fumbling,

Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time,

But someone still was yelling out and stumbling

And flound'ring like a man in fire or lime."

The poem then shifts to the aftermath of the gas attack, as the speaker recalls the
haunting image of the dying soldier: "In all my dreams, before my helpless sight, / He
plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning." This personal recollection adds a sense of
trauma and survivor's guilt, highlighting the lasting psychological scars of war.
Through these powerful descriptions, Owen dismantles the glorified image of war,
exposing its cruelty and senseless destruction. The poem concludes with a direct address
to the reader, challenging the notion that dying for one's country is honorable or noble.
The Latin phrase "Dulce et Decorum Est Pro Patria Mori" (It is sweet and fitting to die
for one's country), which Owen bitterly refers to as "the old Lie," encapsulates the
poem's message. Owen's message is clear: war is a brutal and dehumanizing experience
that should not be romanticized or celebrated.
On the other hand, Bertolt Brecht's "General, your Tank" takes a more satirical and
critical approach to war. Brecht was a playwright and poet known for his Marxist views
and social criticism. In this poem, he addresses a military general, sarcastically praising
the efficiency of modern warfare and the destructive power of tanks. However, beneath
this apparent praise lies a deeper critique of the futility of war and the dehumanization it
entails.
The poem's speaker marvels at the destructive capabilities of the tank, highlighting its
ability to crush houses and trees effortlessly. Yet, as the poem progresses, the tone shifts,
revealing the absurdity of such destructive power. The poem highlights that amidst the
machinery of war, there are still elements of vulnerability and humanity that cannot be
eradicated. Brecht ultimately challenges the notion that war can solve humanity's
problems, suggesting that true progress and kindness come not from weapons of
destruction but from human empathy and understanding.
Both "Dulce et Decorum Est" and "General, your Tank" share a central theme of
critiquing war and its devastating effects. However, they approach this theme from
different angles and with distinct messages.
Owen's poem focuses on the immediate horrors faced by soldiers in combat, highlighting
the physical and psychological trauma inflicted by war. His use of vivid imagery and
personal recollection brings a sense of urgency and authenticity to the poem, exposing
the brutal reality of warfare. Owen directly challenges the notion of war as noble or
glorious, exposing it as a lie perpetuated by those who have not experienced its horrors
firsthand. The irony in the closing lines serves as a powerful indictment of war
propaganda and blind patriotism.
Brecht's poem, on the other hand, juxtaposes the destructive power of war machinery
with reminders of human vulnerability and kindness. While the tank may seem
formidable, it is ultimately not a vehicle that bring peace but rather bring destruction,
highlighting the futility and destructiveness of war.
Both poets critique militarism and the glorification of war. Owen's poem focuses more
on the individual experiences of soldiers, while Brecht takes a broader view, targeting
the military leadership and the machinery of war itself. While Owen's poem emphasizes
the suffering and sacrifice of individuals, Brecht's poem hints at the importance of
empathy and understanding in avoiding the pitfalls of war. The warnings about human
elements like the woman with long hair and quicksand serve as reminders of the
unpredictable and complex nature of conflicts.
Owen's "Dulce et Decorum Est" is characterized by its vivid imagery, emotional
intensity, and direct address to the reader his tone in "Dulce et Decorum Est" is one of
bitter irony and disillusionment. The use of first-person narration and personal
recollections adds a sense of immediacy and authenticity to the poem, drawing the
reader into the harrowing experiences of war. Owen's choice of words reflects the
physical and psychological toll of war on soldiers, emphasizing themes of trauma,
disillusionment, and the dehumanizing effects of conflict. Owen challenges conventional
notions of heroism and sacrifice, exposes the harsh realities of war. Brecht, known for
his epic theater techniques and Marxist influences, employs a more detached and
satirical tone in "General, your Tank." The poem's structure, with its direct address to a
military figure, creates a sense of distance while still conveying a critical message.
Brecht's use of irony and warnings adds layers of complexity to the poem, inviting
readers to question assumptions about war and power.
In comparing Wilfred Owen's "Dulce et Decorum Est" and Bertolt Brecht's "General,
your Tank," we see two distinct yet interconnected perspectives on the horrors of war
and the human condition. Owen's poem delves deep into the individual experiences of
soldiers, exposing the brutal realities of warfare and challenging romanticized notions of
glory and sacrifice.
Brecht, on the other hand, takes a more satirical and critical approach, using irony and
warnings to highlight the contradictions and futility of war machinery. Both poets
ultimately critique the dehumanizing effects of war and call attention to the enduring
value of empathy, kindness, and peace.
Through powerful imagery, symbolism, and distinct tones, both poets invite readers to
confront the harsh realities of conflict, question established narratives of glory in war,
and advocate for empathy, peace, and human dignity in the face of destructive forces.
Their works serve as enduring reminders of the ongoing struggles against violence,
oppression, and the dehumanization of warfare.