"In Flanders Fields" and "Dulce et Decorum Est!" both use the same event but they reveal completely different views of World War 1. In the first mentioned story author shows his respect to those who was fighting for their country and future generations, persuading the reader to feel the same and to be ready to protect their motherland. Author of the second story describes all the frightening moments of war and convinces the readers that it if they had to stand on the front line it would be the worst experience in their life. So, In Flanders Fields" eulogize war while "Dulce et Decorum Est!" warrns against it.
The story is trying to convey the message that being attracted to someone, or being infatuated, is not the same as true love. The teenage girl feels excited and happy to have someone care for her, however, the boy is not serious about her. He wanted to "pick her up" but had no intention of ever turning this passing flirtation into a serious relationship. The story also suggests that not being able to distinguish between these two different types of attention can cause a lot of heartache and confusion.
The words the author choses are those that resemble the speech of a teenager. This allows us to sympathize with the girl by making it easier to imagine the types of thoughts she is having. The author also uses some rhetorical devices such as anaphoras (the repetition of words at the beginning of neighbouring clauses), similes and metaphors. These use of words contributes to the theme of confusion and pain that comes from confusing superficial flirting with serious attraction.
