# Concerning the Wish to Be Dead explained — In the Midst of Life

> Chapter companion for In the Midst of Life by Ambrose Bierce.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/chapters/i-concerning-the-wish-to-be-dead
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/chapters