Analysing how Owen presents the realities of war in 'Dulce et Decorum Est'

Owen uses graphic imagery to portray the brutal reality of war. Owen shows the vulnerability of the men in the beginning of the poem, contradicting the public perception of soldiers. Owen uses figurative language to convey a vivid account of the gas attack. Owen switches tense throughout the poem - perhaps to represent his experiences with PTSD. The inclusion of three tenses arguably illustrates the impact that war has had on Owen’s past, present and future.