# XVIII explained — William—An Englishman

> Chapter companion for William—An Englishman by Cicely Hamilton.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/william_an_englishman_se/chapters/xviii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/william_an_englishman_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/william_an_englishman_se/chapters