Mr. Britling Sees It Through · Chapter
§ 13 explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Britling, surprised by his own impassioned speech against German militarism, walks home with his wife in a fury of indignation. He mentally crafts denunciatory phrases against Krupp and the Kaiser, declaring that the world will be intolerable unless the war is won. After receiving a telegram from Mrs. Harrowdean, he postpones visiting her to play hockey, but during the game he is struck by the absurdity of playing while war looms, questioning why they are not drilling or shooting instead.
Themes in this chapter
The Impact of War
Mr. Britling's sudden realization of the war's urgency disrupts everyday activities like hockey, highlighting how war intrudes upon normal life.
Self-Reflection and Regret
Mr. Britling is surprised by his own anger and belligerence, reflecting on his previously held beliefs and the betrayal he feels.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Britling
Discovers his own belligerent passion against German militarism, devises phrases like 'Krupp and Kaiser,' and feels the urgency of war while playing hockey.
- Mrs. Britling
Walks back with Mr. Britling through the village, startled by his sudden outburst.
- Mrs. Harrowdean
Sends a belated telegram to Mr. Britling, which he initially fails to comprehend.
- Teddy
Participates in the hockey game and is questioned by Mr. Britling about the point of playing instead of preparing for war.
Key passages
“He had always said it would never really fight—and here it was fighting! He was furious with the indignation of an apologist betrayed.”
He had insisted that Germany would never actually go to war, but now that it had, he felt the anger of someone whose excuses had been proven wrong.
Mr. Britling's shock and indignation at Germany's aggression.
“What the devil are we doing at this hockey? ... We ought to be drilling or shooting against those infernal Germans.”
He abruptly questioned why they were playing hockey instead of training to fight the Germans.
Mr. Britling's sudden shift from leisure to a sense of wartime duty.