Analysing the poem 'Exposure'
I can explore how Owen expresses his feelings about war in the poem ‘Exposure’.
Analysing the poem 'Exposure'
I can explore how Owen expresses his feelings about war in the poem ‘Exposure’.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Owen personifies nature as a more brutal enemy than the opposition.
- Distorted syntax and imagery is used to reflect the disorientating effects of hypothermia and suffering.
- Owen uses the first person collective plurals to show that he is reflecting on the experiences of many soldiers.
- Owen subverts seasonal imagery to express hopelessness and nihilism.
- Owen emphasises nature's power and criticises the power of those in powerful positions who idealise war.
Keywords
Nihilism - a view that all traditional values are unfounded and existence is meaningless
Disoriented - confused and unable to think properly
Syntax - The ordering of words in a sentence
Futile - incapable of producing any useful result; pointless
Common misconception
'Exposure' only depicts the power of nature.
If we look critically, we can identify how Owen criticises and rejects powerful ideas and institutions, like other poets from the anthology.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the AQA Power and Conflict Anthology for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
- Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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