'Futility'
Essay question
Wilfred Owen
Use the following, among other points, as a guide to marking this question - NSC English HL - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 2
Question 1
'Futility'
Essay question
Wilfred Owen
Use the following, among other points, as a guide to marking this question. Responses might differ, depending on the candi... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:'Futility'
Essay question
Wilfred Owen
Use the following, among other points, as a guide to marking this question - NSC English HL - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 2
Step 1
The tragic and pointless loss of the soldier’s life is the focus of the poem.
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Answer
In 'Futility', the central theme revolves around the senseless death of a soldier, highlighting how his death holds no significance beyond the tragic circumstances of war. This theme is introduced powerfully through the poem's title, 'Futility', which encapsulates the overall message.
Step 2
The soldier’s death is unrelated to the battle itself...
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Answer
The soldier's demise is portrayed not as a heroic sacrifice in battle, but as a direct result of harsh conditions ('snow') in the trenches. Owen emphasizes that this death serves no purpose, marking a stark contrast between the glory often associated with war and the grim reality experienced by soldiers.
Step 3
The soldier’s potential to contribute positively...
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Answer
The imagery of 'fields unsown' evokes a sense of lost potential. The soldier could have positively impacted his community as a farmer, yet his untimely death robs both him and society of valuable contributions.
Step 4
The contrast between the life-giving force of a benevolent sun...
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Answer
Owen creates a vivid juxtaposition between the nurturing qualities of a 'kind' sun and the 'fatuous' sun, emphasizing the absurdity of war. While nature continues its cycle of life, the reality of the battlefield renders such life-giving forces ineffective.
Step 5
The words, ‘gently’ and ‘whispering’ convey the peaceful existence...
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Answer
These words contrast sharply with the harsh realities of war, emphasizing the tragic disruption of the soldier's normal life. Owen paints a serene picture of home, only to underscore the chaos of the war experience.
Step 6
The speaker considers the effort...
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Answer
By reflecting on the effort that goes into creating life ('dear-achieved'), the speaker questions the value of the soldier's life. This rhetorical questioning reveals a deep despair over the expendability of young lives in wartime.
Step 7
The direct address in the poem...
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Answer
The phrase 'break' and 'sleep' evokes a longing for peace, contrasting the violence of war with a yearning for tranquility. The speaker's grief is laid bare through direct address, establishing a connection to the audience.
Step 8
The soldier's senseless death...
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Answer
Ultimately, Owen's portrayal serves as a powerful commentary on the fragility of life during war, as he demonstrates how the loss of young soldiers amounts to a profound tragedy cloaked in the rhetoric of valor.
