Ever wondered how war really affects soldiers beyond the obvious... Show more
SociologySign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
866
•
11 Dec 2025
•
Analysis of 'Exposure' and 'Remains': A Comparative Essay
Kimmy
@kimberlyfernandes_qzce
1 / 3
The Devastating Effects of War Through Poetry
Both poets use powerful imagery to show just how brutal war really is, but in completely different ways. Owen focuses on the unexpected enemy - nature itself - whilst Armitage zooms in on the graphic violence that haunts soldiers forever.
In 'Exposure', Owen uses clever techniques like personification to show how the weather becomes the real killer. The line "our brains ache, in the merciless iced east winds that knive us" doesn't just describe cold weather - it shows how the harsh conditions literally attack the soldiers' minds and bodies. The word "knive" makes the wind sound like a weapon, suggesting that nature is more dangerous than enemy bullets.
Owen goes further by describing dawn as an enemy army: "Dawn massing in the east her melancholy army." Instead of bringing hope like it normally would, each new day just brings more suffering. This contrast between what dawn should represent and what it actually means to these soldiers makes the poem incredibly powerful.
Quick Tip: Notice how Owen uses weather and nature as symbols for the brutality of war - this is a classic technique you'll see in lots of war poetry!
Contrasting Tones: Hopelessness vs Guilt
Here's where these poems really differ - whilst both show war's horrible effects, they focus on completely different emotional responses. Owen's soldiers feel hopeless and trapped, whilst Armitage's speaker is consumed by guilt.
The repetitive phrase "But nothing happens" in 'Exposure' perfectly captures the mind-numbing boredom and frustration of trench warfare. Owen uses this to show how soldiers waited endlessly for action that never came, creating a sense of pointless suffering. His rhetorical question "What happens here?" challenges readers to think about the futility of war.
'Remains' takes a different approach with its focus on psychological trauma. The metaphor "He's here in my head... / Dug in behind enemy lines" shows how PTSD works - the traumatic memory has become like an enemy soldier hiding in the speaker's mind. The verb "dug in" cleverly connects the physical trenches of war with the mental trenches of trauma.
The line "His bloody life in my bloody hand" uses repetition of "bloody" to show both the literal blood and the speaker's emotional state. This guilt completely contrasts with the hopelessness in 'Exposure', showing different ways war damages people.
Remember: These different tones help you understand how war affects individuals differently - some feel hopeless, others feel guilty, but all are damaged.
Why These Poems Still Matter Today
What makes both poems incredibly effective is how they give voice to different aspects of war trauma. Owen speaks for the millions who suffered in WWI trenches, whilst Armitage highlights the individual psychological impact that we're only now beginning to understand properly.
The connection between these poems shows that whether you're fighting in 1917 or 2003, war leaves permanent scars on the human mind. Owen exposes the lies behind war propaganda, whilst Armitage brings attention to PTSD - a condition that was often ignored or misunderstood.
Both poets use their personal experiences (Owen fought in WWI, Armitage interviewed soldiers) to create authentic voices that help readers understand war's true cost. They don't glorify conflict - instead, they show the indelible impact it has on everyone involved.
Essay Tip: When comparing these poems, focus on how different wars create similar psychological damage - this shows war's universal impact across time periods.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content: Wilfred Owen
Most popular content in English Literature
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Analysis of 'Exposure' and 'Remains': A Comparative Essay
Kimmy
@kimberlyfernandes_qzce
Ever wondered how war really affects soldiers beyond the obvious physical wounds? These two powerful poems, 'Exposure' by Wilfred Owen and 'Remains' by Simon Armitage, give us raw, honest glimpses into the brutal realities of conflict - from the freezing... Show more
The Devastating Effects of War Through Poetry
Both poets use powerful imagery to show just how brutal war really is, but in completely different ways. Owen focuses on the unexpected enemy - nature itself - whilst Armitage zooms in on the graphic violence that haunts soldiers forever.
In 'Exposure', Owen uses clever techniques like personification to show how the weather becomes the real killer. The line "our brains ache, in the merciless iced east winds that knive us" doesn't just describe cold weather - it shows how the harsh conditions literally attack the soldiers' minds and bodies. The word "knive" makes the wind sound like a weapon, suggesting that nature is more dangerous than enemy bullets.
Owen goes further by describing dawn as an enemy army: "Dawn massing in the east her melancholy army." Instead of bringing hope like it normally would, each new day just brings more suffering. This contrast between what dawn should represent and what it actually means to these soldiers makes the poem incredibly powerful.
Quick Tip: Notice how Owen uses weather and nature as symbols for the brutality of war - this is a classic technique you'll see in lots of war poetry!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Contrasting Tones: Hopelessness vs Guilt
Here's where these poems really differ - whilst both show war's horrible effects, they focus on completely different emotional responses. Owen's soldiers feel hopeless and trapped, whilst Armitage's speaker is consumed by guilt.
The repetitive phrase "But nothing happens" in 'Exposure' perfectly captures the mind-numbing boredom and frustration of trench warfare. Owen uses this to show how soldiers waited endlessly for action that never came, creating a sense of pointless suffering. His rhetorical question "What happens here?" challenges readers to think about the futility of war.
'Remains' takes a different approach with its focus on psychological trauma. The metaphor "He's here in my head... / Dug in behind enemy lines" shows how PTSD works - the traumatic memory has become like an enemy soldier hiding in the speaker's mind. The verb "dug in" cleverly connects the physical trenches of war with the mental trenches of trauma.
The line "His bloody life in my bloody hand" uses repetition of "bloody" to show both the literal blood and the speaker's emotional state. This guilt completely contrasts with the hopelessness in 'Exposure', showing different ways war damages people.
Remember: These different tones help you understand how war affects individuals differently - some feel hopeless, others feel guilty, but all are damaged.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Why These Poems Still Matter Today
What makes both poems incredibly effective is how they give voice to different aspects of war trauma. Owen speaks for the millions who suffered in WWI trenches, whilst Armitage highlights the individual psychological impact that we're only now beginning to understand properly.
The connection between these poems shows that whether you're fighting in 1917 or 2003, war leaves permanent scars on the human mind. Owen exposes the lies behind war propaganda, whilst Armitage brings attention to PTSD - a condition that was often ignored or misunderstood.
Both poets use their personal experiences (Owen fought in WWI, Armitage interviewed soldiers) to create authentic voices that help readers understand war's true cost. They don't glorify conflict - instead, they show the indelible impact it has on everyone involved.
Essay Tip: When comparing these poems, focus on how different wars create similar psychological damage - this shows war's universal impact across time periods.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
29
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Most popular content: Wilfred Owen
Most popular content in English Literature
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user