This Side of Paradise · Chapter
Interlude: May, 1917–February, 1919 explained
This interlude covers the period from May 1917 to February 1919, primarily through letters.
What happens
This interlude covers the period from May 1917 to February 1919, primarily through letters. Monsignor Darcy writes to Amory, now a second lieutenant, reflecting on their bond, the war, and his own aging. Amory's letter to Tom D'Invilliers from Brest in March 1919 reveals his disillusionment with American life and politics, his plans to share an apartment with Tom and Alec, and his restless, agnostic outlook after the war.
Themes in this chapter
Disillusionment and Loss of Innocence
Amory's letter expresses deep disillusionment with American politics and society, and the war has made him a 'passionate agnostic.'
Generational Conflict and the Lost Generation
Darcy notes that Amory's generation is 'growing hard,' and Amory criticizes the older generation's politics and values.
Identity and Self-Definition
Darcy reflects on the deep resemblance between himself and Amory, and Amory grapples with his future role in a materialistic world.
Characters to notice
- Amory Blaine
Second lieutenant in the 171st Infantry, writes a poem and a letter expressing disillusionment and plans for postwar life.
- Monsignor Darcy
Writes a letter to Amory reflecting on their bond, the war, and his own aging; includes a keen for Amory.
- Tom D'Invilliers
Recipient of Amory's letter from Brest; Amory plans to share an apartment with him and Alec.
- Alec Connage
Mentioned as being at Amory's elbow while he writes; part of the plan for a shared apartment.
- Burne Holiday
Recalled by Darcy as a magnificent boy; Amory wonders what has become of him.
- Beatrice Blaine
Recently deceased; Amory mentions her religious bequests affecting his inheritance.
- Kerry Holiday
Mentioned by Amory as a death that was a blow.
- Jesse Ferrenby
Mentioned by Amory as a death that was a blow to a certain extent.
Key passages
“This is the end of one thing: for better or worse you will never again be quite the Amory Blaine that I knew, never again will we meet as we have met, because your generation is growing hard, much harder than mine ever grew, nourished as they were on the stuff of the nineties.”
Darcy tells Amory that the war has changed him permanently, and his generation is becoming tougher than the previous one.
Highlights the theme of generational change and loss of innocence.
“I confess that the war instead of making me orthodox, which is the correct reaction, has made me a passionate agnostic.”
Amory admits that contrary to expectation, the war has led him to doubt religious faith rather than embrace it.
Reflects Amory's disillusionment and loss of traditional beliefs.
“Why is it that the pick of the young Englishmen from Oxford and Cambridge go into politics and in the U.S.A. we leave it to the muckers?”
Amory laments that talented young Americans avoid politics, leaving it to corrupt and uneducated individuals.
Illustrates Amory's critique of American society and his political ambitions.
