1. Repetition of the title: The title of the poem, "Dulce et Decorum Est," is repeated throughout the poem. This repetition emphasizes the central theme of the poem: the contradiction between the idealized notion of war and the brutal realities of combat.
2. Repetition of the phrase "gassed": The word "gassed" is repeated several times in the poem to convey the horrors and suffering caused by gas warfare. The repetition creates a sense of urgency and conveys the magnitude of the trauma experienced by the soldiers.
3. Repetition of the line "Bent double, like old beggars under sacks": This line is repeated twice in the poem, illustrating the dehumanizing effects of war on the soldiers. It emphasizes the soldiers' vulnerability and their transformation from strong, young men to frail and broken figures.
4. Repetition of the word "coughing": The word "coughing" is repeated multiple times to highlight the soldiers' physical agony from the effects of gas poisoning. The repetition creates a visceral impact and reinforces the sense of suffering and discomfort endured by the soldiers.
5. Repetition of the phrase "incurably blind": This phrase is repeated twice in the poem to convey the devastating and permanent consequences of gas warfare. The repetition emphasizes the irreversible damage inflicted on the soldiers and their lives beyond the battlefield.
These instances of repetition in "Dulce et Decorum Est" contribute to the poem's overall impact and effectiveness by reinforcing the themes of suffering, disillusionment, and the harsh reality of war.