DEFINITIONS A pun is a form of joke consisting of the use of a word or phrase that can be understood in two different ways. It is also called a play on words.
BEING CREATIVE MANAGING INFORMATION AND THINKING
1. How does Sassoon describe the leaders of the army, the ‘Majors’? Choose at least three adjectives.
R E E L
2. How are the ordinary soldiers described by Sassoon? Identify all of the moments he refers specifically to them.
WORKING WITH OTHERS
4. Base Details has a rhyme scheme, visible by examining the sounds of the final word on each line. Identify the rhyme scheme.
NUMERACY
5. Do you think this rhyme scheme might be connected with the army which is the subject of the poem? Why / why not?
STAYING WELL COMMUNICATION
6. Study the definition of a pun. The title Base Details involves a pun. Do you think this pun is effective? Explain your answer with reference to the poem. R E E L
MANAGING MYSELF 56
7. What is your personal response to this poem? Do you think it is effective as a protest? Is it relevant to any situation in today’s world?
LITERACY R E E L R E E L
3. What does the Major’s own use of language tell us about him? Explain your reasoning with reference to the poem.
R E E L
BEING CREATIVE
Poem 2: Dulce et Decorum Est by Wilfred Owen MANAGING INFORMATION AND THINKING Before Reading WORKING WITH OTHERS
Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori.
NUMERACY =
Wilfred Owen (1893-1918) took the title for his poem from the ancient Roman writer Horace. Horace wrote ‘dulce et decorum est pro patria mori’ which translates as ‘it is sweet and fitting to die for one’s homeland’. 1. What is your response to this quotation? 2. Read Owen’s poem to explore his response to Horace and to his own experience of the war.
STAYING WELL 157
It is sweet and fitting to die for one’s homeland.
