Understanding the poem 'Exposure'
I can explain how Owen’s experiences shaped his attitudes towards war.
Understanding the poem 'Exposure'
I can explain how Owen’s experiences shaped his attitudes towards war.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Recruitment posters in World War One led to a belief that to fight in war symbolised honour and bravery.
- Owen enlisted in 1915 as he wanted to fight for his country. His horrific experiences changed his perspective.
- He wrote ’Exposure’ reflecting on a letter he wrote to his mother describing the conditions of the trenches in 1917.
- Owen suggests that nature is a more brutal enemy than the opposition, subverting many expectations about war.
- The poem may convey Owen’s critique against the government as soldiers were dying from trench and weather conditions.
Keywords
Enlist - voluntarily join the military.
Subvert - to undermine or go against.
Demoralise - cause someone to lose confidence or hope.
Futile - incapable of producing any useful result; pointless.
Common misconception
People's attitudes to war are stagnant.
Wilfred Owen's attitude towards war changed after he enlisted. His poetry explores this.
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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