No More Parades · Chapter
To William Bird explained
In this dedicatory letter, Ford Madox Ford explains his decision to write a preface in the form of a dedicatory letter, despite his aesthetic objections.
What happens
In this dedicatory letter, Ford Madox Ford explains his decision to write a preface in the form of a dedicatory letter, despite his aesthetic objections. He clarifies that the novel is historical, dealing with events that get onto the pages of history, and emphasizes that the opinions of characters are not his own. He describes the immense base camp in France, the constant worry and depression among soldiers, and the sense of being let down by those in control. He introduces his use of a deceased English Tory friend as a medium through which to view the war, and defends his accuracy in depicting events and characters, including a reference to Roger Casement's execution.
Themes in this chapter
- War and Its Psychological Toll
The preface emphasizes the unceasing worry, depression, and sense of being oppressed and harassed among soldiers, highlighting the psychological burden of war.
- The Futility of War
The author expresses hope that the war will end war, but notes the difficulty of representing horrors and heroisms without inducing indifference, reflecting on the futility of conflict.
- Bureaucracy and Military Incompetence
The description of being 'ordered, counter-ordered, commanded, countermanded, harassed, strafed, denounced' illustrates the chaotic and inefficient military bureaucracy.
Characters to notice
- Christopher Tietjens
Referenced as the central character whose opinions and inaccuracies (quoting King's Regulations) are not endorsed by the author.
- Sylvia Tietjens
Mentioned as holding the view that the World War was an excuse for male apagemones, a political opinion the author does not back.
- General Lord Edward Campion
Referenced for his political opinions and inaccuracies in quoting Henry V, which the author disclaims responsibility for.
Key passages
“All novels are historical, but all novels do not deal with such events as get on to the pages of history. This No More Parades does.”
Every novel is historical in some sense, but not all address events that become part of recorded history; this novel does.
Ford justifies the historical nature of the novel and the need for a preface to delimit observed events.
“We were oppressed, ordered, counter-ordered, commanded, countermanded, harassed, strafed, denounced—and, above all, dreadfully worried.”
We experienced oppression, conflicting orders, harassment, and constant worry.
Illustrates the chaotic and stressful conditions of military life at the base camp.
“If you overstate horrors you induce in your reader a state of mind such as, by reaction, causes the horrors to become matters of indifference. If you overstate heroisms you induce indifference to heroisms.”
Exaggerating horrors or heroisms can make readers indifferent to them.
Ford explains the delicate balance required in war writing to avoid desensitizing the reader.
