Consider

It has been stated that Owen often shows contempt for the nation back home.

To what extent does the way that Owen portrays society change throughout the anthology? Analyse 2-3 poems in

detail or a range of poems throughout the anthology.

Brainstorm your ideas for this question from the poems we have studied so far.

Learning ObjectivesTo develop our ability to structure analytical paragraphs.

AO3: Explore connections and comparisons between poems.

AO2: To develop our understanding of how language and structure is used to convey meaning.

ConsiderIt has been stated that Owen often shows contempt for the

nation back home.

How does Owen portray society throughout the anthology? Analyse 2-3 poems in detail or a range of poems

throughout the anthology.

Brainstorm your ideas for this question from the poems we have studied so far.

What would you do next?

SocietyContempt• The Kind Ghosts• Disabled• Dulce et Decorum Est

Sympathy• Anthem for Doomed Youth

Ignorant• The send off

How is this paragraph structured?Early on in the anthology, there is a strong sense of patriotism and support for the war, best shown through “happiest is England now / in those that fight, and watch with pride and tears” from ‘Happy is England now’. Here, Freeman personifies England to depict a huge expanse of support for the soldiers as it unites the country into one strong body. To further this sense of support, Freeman also uses enjambment to give a sense of the vast nature of the support and positivity surrounding the war.

Similarly when nearing the end of the anthology this positivity is found in ‘Concert Party; Busseboom’ where Blonden writes “our laughter thundered, act by act ; time light as sunbeams ran” in which the laughter also conveys a positive tone which is reiterated through the phrase “time light” which conveys a care-free attitude as time does not matter. However, although Blunden does illustrate a positive tone as in “Happy is England Now” the use of onomatopoeia “thundered” sets an ominous atmosphere which suggests that although their spirits are still high, they may not be for much longer.

Make A point (concise as possible)Back it up

Comment on it (language and effect)Develop it (language effect)

Effect (if not already covered)

Compare

It has been stated that Owen often shows contempt for the nation back home.

How does Owen portray society throughout the anthology? Analyse 2-3 poems in detail or a range of poems

throughout the anthology.

ContextThe French prime minister turned down an offer of peace a it would betray the fighting troops.

In London, pictures were being printed of 3 happy, wounded soldiers.

Smile, Smile, SmileThe title reminds us of the war song ‘Pack up your troubles’

‘limp’ ‘sunk eyed’ wounded’ begins with the realities of war (an immediate contrast with the chipper title

The use of brackets highlights the priorities of the nation

Use of capitals to draw attention to propaganda

Smile, Smile, SmilePropaganda

Ironic – using the end of the war to maintain motivation but the end is not actually in sight.

Instinct – no thought – makes them lack humanity and seem inferior

Syntax highlights the word ‘peace’ and it is suggested that to stop fighting would betray what others have died for if we didn’t achieve something solid.

We rulers – who is Owen citing? ‘rulers’ makes this person sound superior – yet they are the person back home reporting the news

Why draw attention to ‘greatest glory’?

What are the nations principles? Look at the first section of the poem?

Smile, Smile, Smile

What is implied with the rhetorical question?

Repetition – what does it highlight?

Half-limbed reiterates the sacrifice

They were not irritated by this

This suggests that the true England was fighting – the others were simply inhabiting ancient land.

Smile, Smile, Smile

Pictures highlights it is a representation

Repetition – what does it highlight?

The verb ‘rings’ suggests that they are paying lip service to their feelings. It contrasts against the realities of war.

The tone of the final line is patronising.

Six O’Clock Princes Street

Set in Edinburgh

Happily – they’re blocking out realities of war

Who is the speaker?

‘fooling’ connotes fantasy

Use of capitals to draw attention to propaganda

Wives are facing the reality? Segregated society

‘gleam’ something that sparkles (reflects)

‘gutter’ low in society

Phantom connotes death and haunting

Alliteration ‘news’ ‘nations’ – creating the news / feeling their sorrow

Homework: Extend your paragraph to include one extra point

Prepare: ‘The Show’ and ‘With and Identity Disc’