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Exposure by Wilfred Owen - AQAInterpretations

In Exposure, Wilfred Owen looks at the horrors of warfare. The poem鈥檚 content, ideas, language and structure are explored. Comparisons and alternative interpretations are also considered.

Part of English LiteraturePoems

Interpretations

Word cloud of keywords and phrases from the poem Exposure

Interpreting and analysing a poem is not necessarily a matter of finding the right answer.

Poems are complex creations and are open to many different interpretations. Your is as valid as anyone else's - as long as you can back it up with suitable evidence from the text.

Remember to avoid simply identifying what techniques or approaches poets use. Aim to show an understanding of how form, language and structure create meanings and effects.

Below are some differing interpretations of the poem. How would you interpret the poem?

Examples

Interpretation of the line: 鈥極ur brains ache'

InterpretationReason for interpretation
The soldiers are in physical pain.The guns are so noisy and the wind is so cold that it has given the soldiers severe headaches.
The soldiers are developing psychological problems.The noise and terror of the war has caused a mental illness known as 鈥榮hell shock鈥 or post-traumatic stress disorder.
InterpretationThe soldiers are in physical pain.
Reason for interpretationThe guns are so noisy and the wind is so cold that it has given the soldiers severe headaches.
InterpretationThe soldiers are developing psychological problems.
Reason for interpretationThe noise and terror of the war has caused a mental illness known as 鈥榮hell shock鈥 or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Interpretation of the line: 'We cringe in holes'

InterpretationReason for interpretation
The poet makes us think that the soldiers are like frightened animals.The words 鈥榗ringe鈥 and 鈥榟oles鈥 remind the reader of how a small scared animal might behave and where it might live.
The poet reminds the reader that the soldiers are just ordinary men.The reader is made to think how they would behave in the same circumstances. Would we be brave and noble or terrified?
InterpretationThe poet makes us think that the soldiers are like frightened animals.
Reason for interpretationThe words 鈥榗ringe鈥 and 鈥榟oles鈥 remind the reader of how a small scared animal might behave and where it might live.
InterpretationThe poet reminds the reader that the soldiers are just ordinary men.
Reason for interpretationThe reader is made to think how they would behave in the same circumstances. Would we be brave and noble or terrified?

Interpretation of the line: '鈥n us the doors are closed'

InterpretationReason for interpretation
The soldiers are thinking back to happier times.The soldiers imagine being at home inside where it is warm. With the door closed, they can shut out the winter weather.
The soldiers are thinking ahead to what lies in store for them.The soldiers cannot get back to their homes. That particular door is shut to them forever and they will almost certainly die in battle.
InterpretationThe soldiers are thinking back to happier times.
Reason for interpretationThe soldiers imagine being at home inside where it is warm. With the door closed, they can shut out the winter weather.
InterpretationThe soldiers are thinking ahead to what lies in store for them.
Reason for interpretationThe soldiers cannot get back to their homes. That particular door is shut to them forever and they will almost certainly die in battle.
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