William—An Englishman · Chapter
IV explained
William and Griselda enjoy their final days in the Belgian Ardennes, observing distant soldiers and gunfire which they dismiss as maneuvers, while planning their return to London.
What happens
William and Griselda enjoy their final days in the Belgian Ardennes, observing distant soldiers and gunfire which they dismiss as maneuvers, while planning their return to London. They receive an illegible note from Madame Peys and prepare for a hike, unaware that the sounds they hear are the opening of World War I.
Themes in this chapter
War and Illusion
William and Griselda misinterpret the sounds of war as maneuvers, illustrating their detachment from the reality of the conflict.
Nationalism vs. Internationalism
William's lecture on European working-class solidarity contrasts with the nationalist war erupting around them.
Characters to notice
- William Tully
William dismisses the soldiers and gunfire as maneuvers, lectures on international working-class solidarity, and plans a hike with Griselda.
- Griselda Tully
Griselda is tired and irritated by Madame Peys's note, comments on the soldiers as 'playing at murder,' and looks forward to returning to London.
- Madame Peys
Madame Peys leaves an illegible note for William and Griselda, and later cooks their supper while appearing excited and worried.
- Philippe
Philippe is the farm-boy needed to carry bags to the station the next morning.
Key passages
““Playing at murder,” Griselda commented, producing the orthodox sigh. She had heard the phrase used by a pacifist orator in the Park and considered it apt and telling.”
Griselda dismisses the soldiers as playing at murder, repeating a pacifist slogan she heard in London.
Griselda's glib pacifism highlights her naivety about the real war.
““Militarism,” William assented, “is always silly.” And he, in his turn, enlarged on his favourite text, the impossibility of international warfare, owing to the ever-growing solidarity of the European working-classes.”
William agrees with Griselda and lectures on how international working-class solidarity makes war impossible.
William's ideological dogmatism blinds him to the war actually starting around them.