Soldiers’ Pay · Chapter
Chapter X explained
Januarius Jones, lounging in the rectory, is mistaken by Cecily Saunders for Donald Mahon; she hysterically embraces him before realizing her error.
What happens
Januarius Jones, lounging in the rectory, is mistaken by Cecily Saunders for Donald Mahon; she hysterically embraces him before realizing her error. Later, Jones encounters Emmy in the kitchen, attempts to flirt, and is rebuffed with a hot iron. He then meets Gilligan and inquires about Donald's condition.
Themes in this chapter
Disillusionment with War
Jones's sarcastic comment about the army disbanding and lack of soldiers highlights postwar cynicism.
Love and Obligation
Cecily's hysterical declaration of love for Donald, despite his scar, reflects conflicted duty and emotion.
Characters to notice
- Januarius Jones
Mistaken for Donald by Cecily; flirts with Emmy and is rebuffed; inquires about Donald's health.
- Cecily Saunders
Mistakes Jones for Donald, embraces him hysterically, then angrily confronts him and visits Donald.
- Emmy
Ironing in the kitchen; rebuffs Jones's advances with a hot iron.
- Joe Gilligan
Observes Jones; blocks him from entering Donald's room.
- Margaret Powers
Watches Cecily's mistaken embrace with interest.
- Donald Mahon
In his room with the doctor; Cecily visits him after the mistaken embrace.
Key passages
“Not even a dead fish could make a man look like that, thought Jones, refusing the dyspeptic gambit of their fretful painted eyes.”
Jones thought that no amount of suffering could explain the sour expressions in the portraits.
Jones's cynical observation about the portraits in the rectory.
“Donald, Donald! I will try to get used to it, I will try! Oh, Donald, Donald! Your poor face! But I will, I will.”
Cecily promises to accept Donald's disfigurement despite her earlier shock.
Cecily's hysterical vow to adapt to Donald's scar.
“You beast, why didn't you tell me?”
Cecily angrily accuses Jones of not revealing his identity.
Cecily's reaction upon realizing she embraced Jones instead of Donald.
“Release me, villain, or it will be the worse for you, is what you should say.”
Jones mockingly instructs Emmy on the proper dramatic response to his advances.
Jones's theatrical teasing of Emmy in the kitchen.