# Chapter X explained — Soldiers’ Pay

> Chapter companion for Soldiers’ Pay by William Faulkner.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/soldiers_pay_se/chapters/x
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/soldiers_pay_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/soldiers_pay_se/chapters