# XXIII explained — Now It Can Be Told

> Chapter companion for Now It Can Be Told by Philip Gibbs.

## What happens

By September 25th, the German morale on the Somme is at its lowest, with troops living among unburied dead and suffering ceaseless artillery. The British and French offensives strain the German war-machine, but autumn rains and mud give the Germans a respite to reorganize. The chapter reflects on the horror of war, the hypocrisy of its glorification, and the deep disillusionment that leads soldiers on both sides to question the old order and the ethics of civilization.

## Themes in this chapter

### Futility of War

The chapter emphasizes the senseless slaughter and the shared suffering of both sides, questioning the glory and splendor preached by philosophers and jingoes.

### Psychological Trauma

German letters describe the agony of living among the dead, the stench, and the ceaseless gunfire driving men mad, highlighting the soul-shock and shell-shock of the battlefield.

### Propaganda and Deception

The chapter contrasts the reality of war with the 'glory' and 'splendor' promoted by German philosophers and British Jingoes, and notes that soldiers' letters never reached home.

### Postwar Disillusionment

The author reflects that the Old Order of the world died on the Somme, and many survivors vowed to reject the system of thought that led to such a massacre.

## Character check-ins

### The Germans

German soldiers write tragic letters describing the unbearable stench of the dead, the ceaseless roar of guns, and their dehumanization.

### The British

British troops continue their offensive, capturing Beaumont Hamel and taking over six thousand prisoners despite terrible weather and losses.

### The Highlanders

The 51st Highland Division participates in the capture of Beaumont Hamel in fog and snow.

### The French

French armies join the British in hammering the German lines on the Somme battlefields.

## Key lines

> The number of dead lying about is awful. One stumbles over them.

The corpses are so numerous that soldiers trip over them.

_A German soldier's letter captures the horror of the battlefield._

> We are no longer men here. We are worse than beasts.

The soldiers feel dehumanized, reduced to a state below animals.

_Reflects the psychological trauma and loss of humanity._

> If the dear ones at home could see all this perhaps there would be a change. But they are never told.

If civilians knew the truth, they might oppose the war, but they are kept ignorant.

_Highlights the deception and propaganda that hide the war's reality._

> The leadership of the divisions really fell through. For the most part we did not get orders, and the regiment had to manage as best it could.

The division commanders failed; orders were rarely received, leaving the regiment to fend for itself.

_Illustrates the breakdown of command and the betrayal by leadership._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xxiii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters