Wilfred Owen's "Anthem for Doomed Youth" begins with the following lines: "What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?/ Only the monstrous anger of the guns./ Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle/Can patter out their hasty orisons." Which of the following statements best describes these lines ?
Correct answer: C. These lines equate humans with animals, and they anthropomorphize weapons to show a world where there is no place for human values.
- A. These lines suggest that it was difficult to define patriotism during the Great War, but soldiers who died in battle provided the best example of patriotism.
- B. These lines suggest that the Great War lasted much longer than it should have.
- C. These lines equate humans with animals, and they anthropomorphize weapons to show a world where there is no place for human values.
- D. These lines represent a modern funeral dirge that mimics the rhythm of ancient Greek funeral dirges.
Explanation
The phrase “die as cattle” reduces soldiers to slaughtered animals, while “anger” and “stuttering” give human qualities to the guns and rifles. This reversal presents a mechanized world in which humane religious and funeral values have been displaced.
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