After not being able to enlist in the war, Paul takes a position working in a WWI “ hospital.” Keeping in touch with Elinor, is allowing him to stay connected with the world outside war. As a reader, you feel as though you have enlisted with him as he describes the setting: “ On either side of Paul as he cuts are two long rows of feet: yellow, strong, calloused, scarred where blisters have formed and burst repeatedly” (161). Paul’s world is no longer filled with sunny skies and Café Royal; “ In bad weather, the rain pelts down on the corrugated-iron roof with the rattle of machine-gun fire” (162). The novel had turned to depressing rather than interesting; each page is like open fire, the bullets hitting my heart as I hear about the terrible things he is exposed to. However, there is still hope and kindness lurking, it comes in the form of Richard Lewis, his new “hut” mate. Lewis becomes Paul’s new distraction from the war, although he still keeps in touch with Elinor. Compared to Paul Elinor has stayed at a constant throughout the novel. Still at home and painting the countryside Elinor shares her world with Paul, his only glimpse to the outside world.
Pat Barked has done a miraculous job of portraying the two sides of life during WWI. She has developed the theme that Their can be contrasting element in one solid. Her example of this is the war verses life in the city. Although apart of the same world, there are two very different things occurring simultaneously. I hope to become more involved in Elinor and Paul’s characters as I continue reading.
1 comment:
I agree with you about your theme developed. The city life and on the front life are shockingly different. I think this is because after seeing the war it is hard to even think life could go on regularily. I think Lewis is also included in the book to remind Paul of his humanity, damaged by the war. He is used to bring back the sense of what is fair and he gives Paul strength as well.
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