Dulce et Decorum est - Anthem for Doomed Youth Essay Example for Free

Dulce et Decorum est Anthem for Doomed Youth Essay Dulce et Decorum est and Anthem for Doomed Youth are two poems written by Wilfred Owen during the First World War. Owen, like most soldiers, joined up after being convinced that war was fun by propagandistic posters, poems and stories, and once he had realised that the truth was quite the opposite of this, he decided that it was his responsibility to oppose and protest against poets like Jessie Pope through poetry itself. People were not prepared for the sheer scale and manner of death and the mechanised nature of trench warfare, and had false expectations of the heroic endeavour, but little awareness of the realities. However, compared to Dulce, the anger portrayed is dramatically understated. Dulce is an outrageous protest, displaying the haunting and bitter effects of war, and after describing in great detail the horrific story of a soldier drowning and choking in gas, Owen reveals his passionate hatred for the false and misleading idealisms of heroism in war using particularly emphatic imagery in cancer and froth corrupted lungs. The fact that Anthem is a sonnet, is ironic in that they are usually about love, and because it is actually about grief, it somewhat lulls the reader into a false sense of security, therefore making the poem more effective. Both poems seem to talk about the vile and painful conditions in war, Dulce using onomatopoeia in trudge, giving the impression that war is truly appalling, immediately going against the common belief that it is a game from poems like Whos for the game?. Also, true to both poems is the idea of undignified and casual death, rather than the heroic, glorious death promised by governmental propaganda. For example, in Dulce, Owen talks about the way they flung [the dead soldier] in a wagon with such brutal nonchalance. Furthermore, Anthem introduces a typical Victorian funeral with singing choirs, and juxtaposes it with the shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells on the battlefield, and with the constant end-stopped lines, this conveys a sense of solemn grief rather than the vicious anger in Dulce, which tends to use enjambment more frequently. Also, Anthem discusses the lack of ceremony and dignity in which people are honoured after their death on the battlefield, and Owen reveals his anger for this using the powerful, hyperbolic alliteration in rifles rapid rattle. In addition, the fact that the sound of machine gun fire is reflected in the phrase rifles rapid rattle presents to the reader that the harsh realities of war are indeed more than just frightening. In addition, a sense of urgency and immediacy is portrayed in the second stanza of Dulce, when Owen uses direct speech and exclamations in Gas! Gas!, while the epizeuxis and use of the present continuous tense gives further emphasis to this desperate urgency .On the other hand, Anthem has a strong sense of sympathy and general tranquillity throughout the second stanza, which is juxtaposed by something quite the opposite in the first. As well as this, the light lexis used in words such as glimmers and tenderness in the second stanza, give the impression that it is a poem of mourning and respect rather than anger and hate. In general, Dulce uses fairly vulgar and crude language, conveying his disrespect for propagandistic poets, as well as his anger at the unawareness of the dangers of war of the British public: He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning. Owens use of the words guttering, choking [and] drowning, has numerous implications and effects. Firstly, a gutter represents the bottom of society, and therefore shows how soldiers dying is in fact not a respectable act, but rather an act that is hardly noticed by society. Also, the onomatopoeic sounds of guttering and choking, give an even more emphatic image of death on the battlefield, portraying Owens desire for the awareness of the harsh realities of war in youth culture as well as in everyday men. Finally, the fact that Owen uses three separate adjectives to describe the horrific scene, in addition to the tri-conic feel it gives, the phrase implies that Owen could not put what he was seeing into words, and therefore persuading the reader that war is simply a catastrophic, desperate excuse for a fight, sacrificing millions of men in the process. Unlike Dulce, Anthem brings out the mournful, respectful side of Wilfred Owen through the melancholy atmosphere he creates through the modulation of harsh imagery to a more resigned tone: The monstrous anger of the guns but in their eyes Shall shine the holy glimmers of goodbyes. This dramatic contrast between coarse and frightening imagery in monstrous anger of the guns and the solemn melancholy in the holy glimmers of goodbyes is a very moving one. This is not only because the phrase refers to tears in young mens eyes, which in itself is a saddening image, but also because it refers to goodbyes, forcing a more personal image of saying goodbye to close friends or relatives as they go to war upon the mind of the reader, again, creating a sombre mood. In addition, the end-stopped line following goodbyes is very effective in that it makes the goodbye seem all the more sudden, harsh, and hurtful. In conclusion, Dulce and Anthem, although they are both written in protest against the deceiving propaganda made by various people, they go about it in different ways. Dulce is an outright outrage at individuals, which we know from Owens draft that it was targeted at Jessie Pope, using coarse and harsh language to do so. Anthem on the other hand is a more solemn and moving poem, although it starts as if it were to be an outrage, before we learn that in fact, it is only grieving for the dead and their lack of ceremony, and it becomes literally, an anthem for doomed youth.

One of Canadas Greatest Authors, Margaret Laurence :: Biography Biographies Essays

The Early Years: The Beginnings of a Writer Sunday, July 18th 1926, at 7:30pm at the Neepawa General Hospital, one of Canada's greatest authors, Margaret Laurence, was born to proud parents Robert and Verna Wemyss. Verna's father, John Simpson, was a self-made man. Born in 1853 in Middletown Ontario, John attended school, training to be a cabinetmaker. In the 1870's John, with only his change in his pocket, made his way towards Portage la Prairie Manitoba, in an attempt to unite with a cousin who sold clothing there. While working in the clothing store, John met his future wife, Jane Bailey. Four years after marrying Jane the Simpson family decided to move north, towards to the newly founded town of Neepawa. Margaret's Laurence's grandmother, Margaret Weymss, whom she was named after, came from a proud family. Margaret Weymss' great-grandfather was the Minister of Agriculture, and at one point the Premier of Manitoba. Margaret Laurence's grandfather, John Weymss, came from England to Neepawa in 1883. John Weymss, Neepawa's first lawyer, was a bright aristocratic man dying tragically, two weeks after the birth of his granddaughter Margaret. This was only the beginning of the many tragic deaths that Margaret's family endured in her first twenty years of life. At the young age of four, Margaret's mother Verna Simpson died. The death of Margaret's mother had a profound effect on the once bright and bubbly girl. It was Verna who first nicknamed her daughter Margaret, "Peggy", a name by which Margaret was addressed as for almost 40 years. After Verna's death, her older sister, Margaret Simpson, quickly moved in with Peggy and her father. A year after moving in, Margaret Simpson married Robert Weymss, becoming "mother" to Peggy. In 1935, another tragedy shook the Weymss household. Peggy's father Robert died after catching pneumonia. Margaret's last family death in her early years was in 1936 when Peggy's grandmother Jane, contracted Polio. It was around this time that Peggy began to write, in an attempt to escape the horrible nightmare she was living, by creating imaginary worlds. Margaret found that writing was the only way she could control external events, such as life and death. At the age of thirteen Margaret Laurence's first story "Pillars of a Nation" was published in the newspaper TheWinnipeg Free Press. The fictional town name Manawaka first appeared in this story. Her second work published in the Winnipeg Free Press was "The Case of the Blond Butcher" only a few months after the first. One of Canada's Greatest Authors, Margaret Laurence :: Biography Biographies Essays The Early Years: The Beginnings of a Writer Sunday, July 18th 1926, at 7:30pm at the Neepawa General Hospital, one of Canada's greatest authors, Margaret Laurence, was born to proud parents Robert and Verna Wemyss. Verna's father, John Simpson, was a self-made man. Born in 1853 in Middletown Ontario, John attended school, training to be a cabinetmaker. In the 1870's John, with only his change in his pocket, made his way towards Portage la Prairie Manitoba, in an attempt to unite with a cousin who sold clothing there. While working in the clothing store, John met his future wife, Jane Bailey. Four years after marrying Jane the Simpson family decided to move north, towards to the newly founded town of Neepawa. Margaret's Laurence's grandmother, Margaret Weymss, whom she was named after, came from a proud family. Margaret Weymss' great-grandfather was the Minister of Agriculture, and at one point the Premier of Manitoba. Margaret Laurence's grandfather, John Weymss, came from England to Neepawa in 1883. John Weymss, Neepawa's first lawyer, was a bright aristocratic man dying tragically, two weeks after the birth of his granddaughter Margaret. This was only the beginning of the many tragic deaths that Margaret's family endured in her first twenty years of life. At the young age of four, Margaret's mother Verna Simpson died. The death of Margaret's mother had a profound effect on the once bright and bubbly girl. It was Verna who first nicknamed her daughter Margaret, "Peggy", a name by which Margaret was addressed as for almost 40 years. After Verna's death, her older sister, Margaret Simpson, quickly moved in with Peggy and her father. A year after moving in, Margaret Simpson married Robert Weymss, becoming "mother" to Peggy. In 1935, another tragedy shook the Weymss household. Peggy's father Robert died after catching pneumonia. Margaret's last family death in her early years was in 1936 when Peggy's grandmother Jane, contracted Polio. It was around this time that Peggy began to write, in an attempt to escape the horrible nightmare she was living, by creating imaginary worlds. Margaret found that writing was the only way she could control external events, such as life and death. At the age of thirteen Margaret Laurence's first story "Pillars of a Nation" was published in the newspaper TheWinnipeg Free Press. The fictional town name Manawaka first appeared in this story. Her second work published in the Winnipeg Free Press was "The Case of the Blond Butcher" only a few months after the first.

Professional Writing and Composition: Meeting Announcement Essay

An announcement letter can be forwarded to inform a person of the itinerary of the meeting (LetterExpert.co.uk, 2007). It can be transmitted to reveal happenings such as banquets, weddings etc. It can also be written to convey to the community about the results of a competition, a changes in the institutional regulations, to call a meeting, or to inform the company departments regarding industrial action. Below is a sample of letter announcing or informing a meeting: Preparations were completed for a meeting to be held on 28 November 2007, at 8 o’clock in the morning, in Multimedia conference room, Legacy building located at 88 Magalia St. NY. The said gathering has the following objectives: To discuss the essential requirement of the project To know the description and characteristics of the new project design To identify the forms and span of researches to be undertaken relative to new design prototype development of GE Refrigeration System. To be ready before the formal launching of the project, this meeting is considerably required. Representatives from public and private organizations and media entities are requested to be present at the actual launching.   Within two weeks after the assembly, you are required to provide your commentaries and analysis of the objectives of the project, structure of the organization, the timetable for the whole duration of the project, the scope and limitation of the research and whether or not a group of consultants is needed during the whole project, and also any further commentaries that you may wish to express. You may also provide any information on the advantages and disadvantages of the project’s location.   We are warmly sending you invitation to attend and be part of the said gathering. We trust that the early participation of all the groups interested in this project will increase the efficiency and quality of cooperative planning.   Individuals who would require backup instruments to properly communicate to be able to partake in the talk are encouraged to inform their needs and inclination to the Executive Director for this proposed project at 710928719 or TDD phone number 4618691. References Boundary Between Professional Engineering Society and State Licensing Board. August 29, 2006. National Academy of Engineering Retrieved   November 26, 2007 from LetterExpert.co.uk (2007) Letter of Announcement. Retrieved November 26, 2007 from http://www.letterexpert.co.uk/LetterOfAnnouncement.html Project Sample Letters. (2007). Project Development Procedure Manual. 6. 368-370

The Pros And Cons Of The Minimum Wage - 769 Words

Did you know minimum wage was $0.25 per hour in 1938? Since then it has raised to a whopping $7.25. Most readers will agree that there is a problem with this current minimum wage, considering the cost of living and salaries, Etc. However, they might not understand the complexity of the issue. In fact, the topic is not simply a question of if the minimum wage should be increased or kept the same, but more of a complex issue involving the different viewpoints on why people agree or disagree. Some reasons why people might agree is: decreasing poverty, increase in government aiding, and cannot afford basic needs. In opposition, opponents of the minimum wage might say it increases poverty, increases unemployment (specifically among unskilled or†¦show more content†¦(Stern, Andrew) 00:07:33- 00:07:35). In opposition though, A guaranteed income would take away the incentive to work, waste money on those who do not need it, and come at the expense of effective programs like Social S ecurity, Medicare, and Medicaid. (Intelligence squared debate) For low-income families, there is Welfare assistance that they can use, but they would not need it if they had more money to take care of themselves but on the right side of the argument if the minimum wage would be increased then low-income families would abuse government assistance. Concluding that minimum wages are a blunt tool for welfare reform and if the minimum wage is lifted that the functioning government aid programs like social security, Medicare, Medicaid, would diminish. Business owners Are divided on the minimum wage debate. Business owners who are for the minimum wage increase say that the higher laborers are paid, then they will have a more expendable salary to spend at local establishments, so they do not have to go to food banks. (James, Steve; 3:23- 3:37) Another viewpoint is that A higher minimum wage will hurt businesses, leading them to cut jobs and harming the low-wage workers it is intended to. (The Editorial board) Business, of course, strives for their employees to be successful but it can be hard when a minimum wage is in the way. ThisShow MoreRelatedThe Pros And Cons Of Minimum Wage994 Words   |  4 PagesThe idea of the minimum wage is that workers are guaranteed enough money to improve their standard of living. The price of the minimum wage is determined by the state, but a federal minimum wage is set. Some states choose to go above the minimum wage, while others, such as Alabama and Louisiana, choose to not have a minimum wage at all (Root). The minimum wage is important to society, because it can affect many people’s lives. There are many pros and cons to having a minimum wage in the United StatesRead MorePros And Cons Of Minimum Wage991 Words   |  4 PagesA minimum wage is the lowest remuneration that employers must legally pay their workers for their services. It is an example of a price floor below which workers may not wish to sell their labour legally. The purpose of minimum wages is to protect workers against low pay. They help ensure an equitable share of profits and a minimum living wage to all who are employed. Minimum wage can also be one element of a policy to overcome poverty and reduce inequality, including those between men and womenRead MorePros And Cons Of The Minimum Wage1620 Words   |  7 PagesIncreasing the federal minimum wage has been a controversial topic around the United States; many people are in favor of raising the minimum wage, while others heavily oppose the idea. 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The bill banned oppressive child labor, set the minimumRead MoreEssay on Pros and Cons of Minimum Wage701 Words   |  3 PagesPros and Cons of Minimum Wage The argument for minimum wage has remained remake consistent over the years. Some people are against minimum wage and the other think minimum wage can help you in a certain way. In the midst of the Great Depression, the Unites States federal government passed the Fair Labor Standards Act. The law has been amended almost every year to expand coverage of the wage floor and to increase the wage itself. Many of the fifty states have enacted their own minimum wage lawsRead MoreThe Pros and Cons of Abolishing Minimum Wage954 Words   |  4 PagesAbolishing Minimum Wage Increase, decrease or abolish minimum wage; which is best for our citizens and our economy? Minimum wage was implemented to help unskilled workers to make a living wage but as time goes on the value of minimum wage has plummet. In my research paper I will provide knowledge about minimum wage such as the history, purpose, benefits and the results. I will also present the pros and cons of abolishing the minimum wage and the increase/decrease of minimum. The minimum wage was originallyRead MorePros And Cons Of Raising The Minimum Wage1908 Words   |  8 PagesTai K. Lamar Jennifer Chicosky ENG-111-IN1 07/21/17 Raising the Minimum Wage from $7.25 Can you live off $7.25 an hour? Would you be able to pay all your bills, and have plenty of money left over for food, as well as personal pleasures? Imagine your salary was cut down to a forty-hour work week at the minimum wage salary in your state. Can you save money while on a minimum wage hourly salary? These same questions are on the minds of many Americans that are currently facing these struggles every timeRead MorePros and Cons of Raising a Minimum Wage Essay1126 Words   |  5 PagesMinimum Wage A minimum wage is the lowest hourly wage that employers have to compensate the workers for their service. Currently the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. However, many states also have their own minimum wage laws. In those instances, the employee is entitled to the higher of the two minimum wages. In this paper we will discuss the brief history of the minimum wage law and its current legislation. We will also analyze the pros and cons of raising the minimum wage, and theRead MoreThe Pros And Cons Of Raising The Minimum Wage993 Words   |  4 PagesAlthough it is not a new topic in America, the decision to raise the minimum wage continues to be controversial, especially in the political realm. The political parties still move to block the opposing party from successfully implanting their ideals, causing either nothing to be accomplished or the situation to worsen. Research shows that raising the minimum wage a reasonable amount would lessen the gap between the rich and th e poor, continue to fulfill its original purpose of protecting workersRead MoreEssay on Pros and Cons of Raising the Minimum Wage1156 Words   |  5 PagesPros and Cons of Raising the Minimum Wage When you picture a minimum wage worker, who do you picture? Do you see a sixteen year old, a middle-aged mother, a college graduate, or even a senior citizen worker? In September of 2013, California governor Jerry Brown signed a new bill into act that would cause the California minimum wage to rise from the current $8.00 and hour to $10.00 and hour in increments over the next three years. The minimum wage rate will go up in two separate $1.00 boosts.