1. 1883-1918

2. Born in Shropshire in 1883. Became interested in poetry and music at an early age Couldn’t afford to go to university Went to France to teach English. Was in France when the war broke out. Returned to England to volunteer for service. “I do now most intensely want to fight.”

3. Before you find out any more have a look at some statements made by Wilfred Owen. “The people of England needn’t hope. They must agitate.“ “ I do now most intensely want to fight.” “I hate washy pacifists."

4. What do these statements tell us about Owen’s feelings regarding the war? Explain your answer. Would you regard Owen as an Anti-war or Pro War poet?

5. Sent to the battle field in 1916. Sent to the Somme sector to begin with and then to the Hindenburg line. A shell exploded close by him and left him severely shell shocked. He was sent back to England to recover. Upon his return his view of war began to change. He became very critical of armchair patriots

6. What is a Patriot? Once you have discussed this point decide on what you think an arm chair patriot is. Can you think of an example of someone who you would describe as an arm chair patriot? Explain your answer.

7. Look the list of titles opposite. These are all titles of poems that Owen wrote after he was injured during the war. What do these titles suggest about Owen’s feelings towards the war at that stage? Has his opinion of War changed? Why do you think this is? Mental Cases Anthem for Doomed Youth Disabled Futility Insensibility

8. Owen was sent to Craiglock Hospital to be treated for shell shock. By day the hospital was a relatively pleasant place but at night the atmosphere changed The patients were tormented by their experiences and Owen was woken up frequently by the screams of the men around him. Some symptoms of shell shock: Mental Trauma Anxiety Hallucinations Facial/ Body tics

9. Once Owen recovered he was sent out to fight once more. He was sent to the front line and was killed in action on 4 th November 1918. A week later the war ended. His family received notification of his death on the 11 th of November, the day the war ended.

10. We are now going to study one of Owen’s most famous poems “Dulce et Decorum Est.” Which means “ it is a sweet and fitting thing to die for one’s country” What is your opinion on the topic? Do you believe that it is a good thing to die for your country?