Mr. Britling Sees It Through · Chapter
V: The Coming of the Day explained
In the summer of 1914, Mr.
What happens
In the summer of 1914, Mr. Britling is preoccupied with the Irish conflict while dismissing the threat of war with Germany as a long-standing but improbable danger. During lunch, Herr Heinrich expresses concern about the escalating tensions between Austria and Serbia, fearing it could lead to a general European war, but Mr. Britling reassures him that Germany would not be so foolish. After lunch, the household engages in lighthearted activities, including mirror-writing experiments and badminton, while Herr Heinrich is distraught over the disappearance of his pet squirrel, Bill. The chapter also delves into Mr. Britling's protective feelings toward his son Hugh, who struggles with a choice between pursuing science or art.
Themes in this chapter
The Futility of War
Mr. Britling dismisses the possibility of war with Germany as irrational, reflecting a common pre-war belief that such a conflict would be pointless.
Generational Conflict and Continuity
Mr. Britling's anxiety about Hugh's future and his protective feelings highlight the tensions between generations and the desire for continuity.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Britling
Preoccupied with the Irish conflict and dismissive of the German threat; engages in mirror-writing and badminton; reflects on his son Hugh's future.
- Herr Heinrich
Anxious about the possibility of war between Austria and Serbia; distraught over the loss of his pet squirrel Bill.
- Mr. Direck
Recovering from a car accident; participates in mirror-writing experiments; discusses travel plans with Cecily.
- Hugh
Mr. Britling's son, described as sensitive and talented; torn between pursuing crystallography or caricature.
- Miss Corner
Visits to inquire about Mr. Direck; participates in mirror-writing and pig-drawing games.
- Teddy
Assists Mr. Direck with a typewriter; plays badminton with Mr. Britling.
- Mrs. Britling
Mentioned as having bought the squirrel Bill for the boys; her unexpressed criticisms of Hugh are noted.
Key passages
“It was quite characteristic of the state of mind of England in the summer of 1914 that Mr. Britling should be mightily concerned about the conflict in Ireland, and almost deliberately negligent of the possibility of a war with Germany.”
Mr. Britling's focus on the Irish crisis and his neglect of the German threat mirrored the general attitude in England during the summer of 1914.
Highlights the pre-war mindset of prioritizing domestic issues over international dangers.
“I don't imagine Germany will do anything so frantic as to attack Russia. That would not only bring in France but ourselves.”
Mr. Britling believes Germany would not be reckless enough to attack Russia, as it would trigger a war with France and Britain.
Shows Mr. Britling's confidence in the rationality of Germany, which proved to be misplaced.
“He believed firmly that it was a mine that would never be fired, an avalanche that would never fall.”
Mr. Britling was convinced that the threat of war with Germany would never materialize.
Illustrates the widespread underestimation of the likelihood of World War I.