Essay About Old Lie And Dulce Et Decorum Est

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19th century England concentrated on the expansion of power and land through
imperialism, emphasizing its supremacy throughout the world. Accordingly, with World War I
approaching, the men of England stood strong and ready to defeat their enemies for the love of
their country. Even in recruitment propaganda, notions of pride for ones nation were utilized to
enlist more men. Nevertheless, as the war progressed, the fighting, weaponry, and wounded
became more than just a luxurious game. It was real. They entered the war as men but left with
missing limbs, shell shock, and in caskets. As Siegfried Sassoon, an English soldier, noted in his
poem, “They,” “The Bishop tells us: When the boys come back [t]hey will not be the same; for
theyll have fought [i]n a just causeWere none of us the same! the boys reply” (2025).
Sassoon demonstrates the disillusionment of the war itself. Authoritative figures tell these men
that what they are doing is patriotic and respectful. Propaganda posters portray men playing
sports during wartime with their fellow comrades, but their lives are completely transformed for
the worse afterwards. “Dulce Et Decorum Est,” a poem written by Wilfred Owen, is another
example of their countrys betrayal. A soldier himself, Owen illustrates the environment of the
battlefield and trenches within the first three stanzas and ends his piece with a memorable line,
“My friend, you would not tell with such high zest [t]o children ardent for some desperate glory,
[t]he old Lie: Dulce et decorum est [p]ro patria mori” (2037). The Latin phrase can be translated
to “It is sweet and meet to die for ones country. Sweet! And decorous!” Once again, this idea of
patriotism and martyrdom are drilled into naïve mens minds to convince them to enlist.
However, not only do these men question what the purpose of their sacrifice is, but they question
their devotion to their nation. Their identity as Englishmen is at jeopardy.