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.
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.
Common misconception
People's attitudes to war are stagnant.
Wilfred Owen's attitude towards war changed after he enlisted. His poetry explores this.
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.
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).
Video
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