The Big Time · Chapter
I: Enter Three Hussars explained
Greta Forzane, an Entertainer in the Change War, introduces herself and the Place, a recuperation station outside space and time.
What happens
Greta Forzane, an Entertainer in the Change War, introduces herself and the Place, a recuperation station outside space and time. Three Soldiers arrive as hussars: Erich von Hohenwald, a Roman named Mark, and a New Boy named Bruce. Erich and Bruce clash, with Erich calling Bruce a Snake. Greta reflects on the horrors of the Change War and her own role.
Themes in this chapter
War and Meaninglessness
The Change War is described as a 'long killing business' and Soldiers are 'badly roughed up,' highlighting the futility and horror.
Reality and Illusion
Greta questions memory, personality changes, and whether the universe is a 'crazy, mixed-up dream,' reflecting the war's impact on reality.
Survival and Resilience
The Entertainers and Soldiers cope with trauma through routine, humor, and camaraderie, despite nightmares and edginess.
Characters to notice
- Greta Forzane
Narrator and Entertainer, describes her role and the arrival of the three Soldiers.
- Erich von Hohenwald
First of the three hussars, a German officer from WWII, calls the New Boy a Snake.
- Sidney Lessingham
Boss of the Recuperation Station, tunes the Maintainers for the Soldiers' arrival.
- Beau Lassiter
Copilot and piano player, assists Sid with the Maintainers.
- Maud Davies
Old Girl, helps support the Roman Soldier Mark to a couch.
- Lili Foster
New Girl, absent during the arrival, possibly having a breakdown.
- Mark
Roman Soldier, arrives with Erich and Bruce, appears badly injured.
- New Boy
Blond English lieutenant from WWI, called Bruce, stands apart in shame and rage.
Key passages
“When shall we three meet again In thunder, lightning, or in rain? When the hurlyburly's done. When the battle's lost and won.”
The chapter opens with a quote from Macbeth about the three witches, foreshadowing the arrival of three Soldiers.
Sets a tone of fate and conflict.
“My name is Greta Forzane. Twenty-nine and a party girl would describe me.”
Greta introduces herself as a 29-year-old party girl from Chicago who works outside space and time.
Establishes the narrator's voice and setting.
“This war is the Change War, a war of time travelers—in fact, our private name for being in this war is being on the Big Time.”
The Change War involves time travelers altering the past and future to help their side win.
Defines the central conflict.
“Have you ever worried about your memory, because it doesn't seem to be bringing you exactly the same picture of the past from one day to the next?”
Greta asks if readers have experienced shifting memories, hinting at the war's influence on reality.
Connects the war to everyday experiences.
“I am dead in some ways, but don't let that bother you—I am lively enough in others.”
Greta acknowledges her death but insists she is still vibrant and engaging.
Highlights the paradoxical existence of Demons.
“You've made it, lads, hearts of gold,”
Sid welcomes the three Soldiers warmly as they arrive.
Shows Sid's role as a welcoming leader.
