In the Midst of Life · Chapter
Concerning the Wish to Be Dead explained
In 1861, during the Civil War, a man named Armisted requests a military commission from the Governor, despite his Southern sympathies.
What happens
In 1861, during the Civil War, a man named Armisted requests a military commission from the Governor, despite his Southern sympathies. He reveals his true motive: he wishes to be killed in battle because his wife has been unfaithful. The Governor, after initial reluctance, grants him a captain's commission in the Tenth Infantry.
Themes in this chapter
Death and Mortality
Armisted actively seeks death in battle as a solution to his personal anguish.
Illusion vs. Reality
Armisted's outward request for a commission masks his true motive of seeking death.
Social Cruelty and Hypocrisy
The Governor's initial judgment and the societal pressures surrounding honor and infidelity are highlighted.
Characters to notice
- Captain Armisted
Requests a commission from the Governor, revealing his desire to die in battle due to his wife's infidelity.
- General Cameron
The Governor of the State, who initially denies Armisted's request but later grants a commission.
Key passages
“Try always to get yourself killed.”
A good soldier should always seek to die in battle.
Armisted cites this as his reason for wanting a commission.
“In my family, sir, we do not do that—no Armisted has ever done that.”
Suicide is not an option for an Armisted.
Armisted rejects the Governor's suggestion of suicide.