William—An Englishman · Chapter
XII explained
William Tully, after finding Griselda's body, spends the night in vigil and grief.
What happens
William Tully, after finding Griselda's body, spends the night in vigil and grief. With the help of an Englishwoman and a priest, he arranges her burial and prepares to flee the advancing German army.
Themes in this chapter
Grief and Isolation
William's profound grief and sense of isolation are central, as he mourns Griselda and struggles to communicate in a foreign land.
War and Illusion
The brutality of war shatters William's peaceful life, as he confronts the reality of death and displacement.
Characters to notice
- William Tully
Grieves over Griselda's body, spends a sleepless night, and is comforted by an Englishwoman.
- Griselda Tully
Found dead, her body is washed and laid out; William views her and recalls their wedding.
- Edith Haynes
The Englishwoman who assists William, speaks to him in English, and helps arrange Griselda's burial.
- The Priest
Arranges for Griselda's body to be brought to the presbytery and conducts the funeral rites.
Key passages
“Would God that I had died instead!”
William wishes he had died in Griselda's place.
Expresses his overwhelming grief and guilt.
“the sound of the familiar, comprehensible English was as the breaking of an iron barrier between him and the rest of mankind.”
Hearing English makes William feel connected to humanity again.
Highlights his isolation and the comfort of shared language.