Video summary
Commentary, newsreel and photographs examine the life of Wilfred Owen, today one of the most widely recognised poets of World War One.
A dramatic monologue introduces Owen, in hospital suffering from shell shock and at work on his poem ‘Dulce et Decorum Est’.
Owen reads the opening lines aloud and explains their context.
This clip is from the series WW1 A to Z.
Contains potentially upsetting content; teacher review is recommended before use in class.
Teacher Notes
Pupils could read more poems by Owen, Sassoon and other poets of the period.
Encourage the children to compare these verses with the lyrics of popular patriotic songs of the period. How do the messages differ?
Owen’s work was virtually unknown during his lifetime.
Why do pupils think he came to be seen as such a significant figure in the years after World War One?
This short film is suitable for teaching history at Key Stage 2 / Second Level or above.
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