Below is a link to the poem:
http://poemhunter.com/poem/disabled/
Task:
By referring closely to the language and techniques used by Wilfred Owen, explain the powerful message of the poem, ‘Disabled’.
Hints:
· Mention the poet as you explain a point.
e.g. In the next stanza, Owen describes the way in which….
Owen used this vocabulary to emphasise…
Owen’s clever use of imagery here…
· Always identify techniques such as word choice, imagery, alliteration, etc.
· Make sure that you express a personal point of view about the writing.
e.g. From this description it was clear to me that…
I thought that Owen…
PLAN – here are some suggestions for your essay. Remember, you may write about other points as well.
Introduction - mention writer, text, genre. Include very brief summary and address task.
PEAR paragraph 1 - Stanza 1
1 Where is the boy sitting at the start of the poem?
2 How were his clothes described?
3 Was this a pleasant description?
4 For what other reason did you feel sorry for him? Use words from the text to explain ideas.
PEAR paragraph 2 - Stanza 2
5 What does he remember about the old days and think he will miss?
6 How do the girls treat him now?
7 How does this make you feel?
PEAR paragraph 3 - Stanza 3
8 What do you find out about the way the boy used to look?
9 Where did he suffer his injuries?
10 How does the poet describe the injuries?
PEAR paragraph 4 - Stanza 4
11 When did he like to have blood smeared down his leg? Why?
12 What was he doing before he joined the army?
13 What did he sign up for? Who did he want to impress?
14 When he thought about the army, what did he think about, rather than the Germans and Austrians who would try to kill him?
15 How do you think he felt when he left for the war? What sort of send off did he get?
PEAR paragraph 5 - Stanza 5
16 In what way was it different when he came home?
17 Who came to see him then?
PEAR paragraph 6 - Stanza 6
18 Where does he live now and what sort of things does he have to look forward to?
19 How do the women treat him now?
20 What does he want to happen now?
21 Having learned about his past, how do you feel for him now?
Conclusion – mention name text, writer, genre again. Make final positive comments about the power of the poet’s message.
There is further information on the poet here:
http://wilfredowen.org.uk/home/
Wilfred Owen's grave at Ors
