Final Stanza: The Old Lie

The final stanza of "Dulce et Decorum Est" delivers a powerful condemnation of those who glorify war. Owen directly addresses the reader, challenging them to witness the true horrors of combat.

Quote: "My friend, you would not tell with such high zest / To children ardent for some desperate glory, / The old Lie: Dulce et Decorum est / Pro patria mori."

This conclusion reveals the full ironic meaning of Dulce et Decorum Est, labeling the patriotic ideal as "The old Lie." Owen's capitalization of "Lie" emphasizes the magnitude of this falsehood and the poet's vehement opposition to it.

Highlight: The poem's final lines directly challenge the use of patriotic slogans on war graves, underscoring Owen's critique of how war is memorialized and romanticized.

This Wilfred Owen Dulce et Decorum Est analysis reveals a poem that uses vivid imagery, powerful similes, and stark irony to confront the realities of war and challenge those who would glorify it. Through his unflinching portrayal of soldiers' suffering and death, Owen creates a lasting testament to the horrors of combat and a powerful anti-war statement.