For class I read the poem by Wilfred Owen "Dulce et Decorum Est".
I have most of my essay down but one paragraph where I focus mainly on the use of the word "beggars". I so far, only have one point/sentence: "The specific word ¡°beggars¡± reflects a beggar¡¯s reputation as a pariah to upper class, labelling soldiers this similar way on how they are detached from society and forgotten immediately after death. " How do I further expand on this and lengthen my paragraph with more detail? What else does the simile of "beggars" suggest? Any ideas?
http://www.warpoetry.co.uk/owen1.html
He is not referring to them as pariahs, but because of the mental image he wants the reader to see of old, tired men who are bent over while carrying heavy sacks.
Don't read more into this poem than what's there.
To expand on your paragraph and provide more detail about the use of the word "beggars" in Wilfred Owen's poem "Dulce et Decorum Est," it could be helpful to analyze the simile further and explore its implications. Here are a few ideas to consider:
1. Physical and mental deterioration: The simile of soldiers being compared to "beggars" suggests a sense of physical and mental deterioration that they experience in the trenches. Beggars are often associated with poverty, malnutrition, and disease, which can be paralleled with the soldiers' living conditions and the toll it takes on their well-being. You can mention specific phrases or imagery from the poem that highlight their physical degradation, such as "like old beggars under sacks" or "coughing like hags."
2. Social marginalization: Beggars are typically seen as outcasts, marginalized from mainstream society. Similarly, soldiers in war can be perceived as being detached from the rest of society. They are sent to fight battles far from home and often abandoned or forgotten after their service. You can explore this idea by referencing lines from the poem that emphasize the soldiers' separation, such as "Men marched asleep" or "Sons, brothers, men smell like beggars."
3. Lack of recognition and honor: Beggars are often overlooked and forgotten by society. Similarly, soldiers in war are often deprived of recognition for their sacrifices and the harsh realities they face. They may not receive the recognition they deserve for their service, and their experiences may be overshadowed or distorted by prevailing narratives. You can refer to lines like "Obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud" or "The old lie: Dulce et Decorum est pro patria mori" to further illustrate this point.
4. Dehumanization: Beggars are sometimes dehumanized and reduced to objects or nuisances by society. Similarly, soldiers may experience a loss of humanity and individuality in war. They become mere numbers, faces hidden under helmets, or bodies covered in mud and blood. Discuss lines like "Drunk with fatigue" or "And watch the white eyes writhing in his face" to showcase the dehumanizing effects of war.
By delving into these aspects, you can provide a more comprehensive analysis of the use of the word "beggars" and its simile within the context of the poem. Keep in mind that using specific lines or phrases from the poem as evidence will further strengthen your arguments.