The Title:
* "Est Decorum": This Latin phrase translates to "it is fitting" or "it is appropriate". This sets the stage for the poem's exploration of what is fitting or appropriate in the face of war and death.
Themes:
* Irony and Hypocrisy: The poem satirizes the way war is glorified and romanticized by those who have never experienced its horrors firsthand. The "old lie" refers to the patriotic and heroic narratives surrounding war that Owen believes are false and harmful.
* The Dehumanizing Effects of War: The poem vividly depicts the grotesque reality of war, emphasizing the physical and psychological damage it inflicts on soldiers. The imagery of "the shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells" and the description of the dying soldier's face emphasize the utter chaos and brutality of the battlefield.
* The Importance of Truth: Owen argues that the true cost of war must be acknowledged and expressed honestly. He uses the phrase "an ecstasy of fumbling" to depict the soldier's futile attempts to find meaning or purpose in the face of meaningless death.
* The Duty of the Poet: Owen challenges poets to move beyond romanticizing war and to portray its true nature, even if it is unpleasant or disturbing. He argues that it is the poet's duty to speak truth to power and expose the hypocrisy of those who glorify war.
Symbolism:
* "The old Lie": Represents the romanticized and distorted view of war that ignores its true horrors.
* "The ecstasy of fumbling": Symbolizes the soldier's futile struggle to make sense of the meaningless violence and death.
* "The shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells": Emphasizes the chaotic and terrifying nature of war.
Overall Meaning:
"Est Decorum" is a powerful indictment of the hypocrisy and cruelty of war. It exposes the lies surrounding war and the emotional and psychological devastation it inflicts. The poem also argues that it is the responsibility of poets to tell the truth about war, even if it is unpleasant or disturbing. Ultimately, the poem calls for a deeper understanding of the true cost of war and a rejection of the romanticized narratives that have traditionally surrounded it.