Soldiers’ Pay · Chapter
VII: Voices explained
The chapter presents a cacophony of voices from the town and key characters, reflecting on the scandalous return of Donald Mahon with another woman, the impending marriage to Cecily Saunders, and the grief of Mrs.
What happens
The chapter presents a cacophony of voices from the town and key characters, reflecting on the scandalous return of Donald Mahon with another woman, the impending marriage to Cecily Saunders, and the grief of Mrs. Burney for her son Dewey. George Farr agonizes over losing Cecily, while Margaret Powers bids farewell to her dead husband Dick. Sergeant Madden reassures Mrs. Burney, and Joe Gilligan laments his own unrequited longing. The fragmented voices underscore themes of loss, disillusionment, and the futility of communication.
Themes in this chapter
Loss and Grief
Mrs. Burney mourns Dewey, Margaret Powers says goodbye to Dick, and the town voices reflect on death and loss.
The Futility of Communication
The fragmented, overlapping voices reveal characters talking past each other, unable to truly connect or be understood.
Characters to notice
- Cecily Saunders
Voiced her conflicted promise to marry Donald despite his scar, then cries out for George Farr.
- George Farr
Desperately calls out to Cecily, unable to accept her engagement to Donald.
- Margaret Powers
Bids a final goodbye to her dead husband Dick, haunted by his memory.
- Joe Gilligan
Bitterly reflects on dying men getting women he cannot have.
- Mrs. Burney
Grieves for her son Dewey, blaming others for not protecting him.
Key passages
“I wonder what that woman that came home with him thinks about it, now he’s taken another one.”
The townspeople speculate about Margaret Powers' feelings now that Donald is engaged to Cecily.
Reflects the town's gossip and judgment of the characters' romantic entanglements.
“Men don’t know. They should of looked out for him better. Saying he never wanted for nothing.”
Mrs. Burney blames others for not protecting her son Dewey, rejecting claims that he lacked nothing.
Highlights a mother's grief and the sense of failure in caring for soldiers.
“Yes, yes, Donald. I will, I will! I will get used to your poor face, Donald! George, my dear love, take me away, George!”
Cecily promises to accept Donald's scarred face, but immediately cries out for George to rescue her.
Reveals Cecily's inner conflict and her inability to truly commit to Donald.
“He is dying, he gets the woman he doesn’t want even, while I am not dying.”
Joe Gilligan envies that a dying man like Donald can attract a woman, while he himself remains unloved.
Expresses Gilligan's frustration and sense of unfairness in love and mortality.