William—An Englishman · Chapter
XVIII explained
William endures a terrifying air raid, grappling with fear and the absurdity of modern warfare.
What happens
William endures a terrifying air raid, grappling with fear and the absurdity of modern warfare. Later, on leave, he reunites with Edith Haynes in Somerset, revealing his deep disillusionment with war and his past ideals. He is critically wounded in a bombing, and dies in hospital, expressing a sense of futility.
Themes in this chapter
War and Illusion
William contrasts romanticized notions of war (Napoleonic heroes) with the grim reality of being a 'beetle' scuttling for cover, and reflects on the failure of his earlier pacifist ideals.
Personal Transformation
William's disillusionment with war and his past beliefs is evident; he has become a 'soldier disillusioned,' yet retains a soldier's heart.
Grief and Isolation
William's loneliness is highlighted by his lack of homecoming compared to other men, and his final words convey a sense of futility and detachment.
Characters to notice
- William Tully
Endures air raid, reunites with Edith Haynes, critically wounded and dies in hospital.
- Wright
Panics during the air raid and later flees after the bombing.
- Edith Haynes
Hosts William on leave in Somerset; their conversations reveal his changed outlook.
- The Priest
A chaplain who speaks with William before his death.
Key passages
“That's flying—for them as don't fly.”
That's what flying means for those who don't pilot planes.
William's neighbor comments on the contrast between the romantic ideal of flight and the reality of being bombed.
“I don't seem to have been much good... but there comes a time... when nothing matters.”
I don't think I've been very useful... but eventually nothing seems to matter.
William's final words to the chaplain, expressing his sense of futility.