“Dulce et Decorum Est” is an anti-war poem about “the old Li…
“Dulce et Decorum Est” is an anti-war poem about “the old Lie” that it is “sweet and honorable to die for one’s country.” We discussed in class that this is an age-old mantra or slogan, attributed to Ancient Roman poet, Horace. In our lectures, we discussed the rhetorical ambitions of Owen in his poem. Which of the following best describes why Owen’s rhetorical goals are significant?
Read DetailsIn Orwell’s “A Day in the Life of a Tramp,” he opens by desc…
In Orwell’s “A Day in the Life of a Tramp,” he opens by describing the tramp as a native species, as if the tramp is sub-human or fundamentally different from working, housed individuals: “A tramp is a native English species. These are his distinguishing characteristics: he has no money, he is dressed in rags, he walks about twenty kilometres a day and never sleeps two nights together in the same place. In short, he is a wanderer, living on charity, roaming around on foot day after day for years, crossing England from end to end many times in his wanderings.” This opening establishes an early metaphor that shapes how readers understand society’s treatment of the poor. After reading the full essay, select one passage later in the text where Orwell extends, deepens, or complicates this animal comparison. Copy and paste the quote, and then write a developed paragraph that analyzes how this specific animal-related word choice advances Orwell’s rhetorical purpose. You might consider: How does the metaphor emphasize the tramp’s loss of agency, dignity, or humanity? How does it encourage readers to critique the social systems that dehumanize people in poverty? How does it shape the emotional or moral response Orwell wants from his audience? Your goal is to show not just where the animal imagery appears, but how Orwell uses it to persuade readers toward a particular social or ethical understanding.
Read Details