The Sound of Silence
English 1010
10/29/09
The Sound of Silence
“It was a cold that had seeped into her bones in France and now seemed never to leave her.”(198) War always has outcomes that cannot be predicted, some that linger on much like Maisie’s relentless coldness. The Great War leaves several characters with wounds that never seem to heal. While there are numerous lasting wounds caused by war, the emotional, physical, and mental wounds are the most severe. The Great War infected its victims emotionally. Enid and James’ love seemed it would survive the social class difference, but the war uncaringly robbed James of his lover in a factory explosion. Before the war James had been a lively young man. James sweeping his mother into an impromptu dance while singing joyously exemplifies his spirit. But after the loss of Enid, Maurice explains that, “his [James’] discomfort is a result of melancholy.”(210) Throughout her investigation, Maisie struggles to suppress her feelings concerning Simon. By Vincent’s grave Maisie forces herself to focus on Mrs. Davenham rather Simon and the war. She also struggles with her feelings for Simon when Maurice asks “What is there in your heart that needs to be given light and understanding.”(222) When Simon and Maisie were hit by the mortar shell they were both injured, but Maisie was also emotionally wounded. A significant number of characters suffer from physical wounds caused by the war. The wounds continue to inflict pain long after the armistice. Billy’s leg still causes him pain and nearly gets him killed when he attempts to flee the retreat and his leg cramps up. “Billy tried to straighten his body, but as he moved, his war wounds came to life, shooting pain through him as he tried to take a step.”(260) Lady Rowan informs Maisie that James still suffers from pain in his leg and arm from a shrapnel wound. The wounds have had plenty of time to heal, but the pain continues. Long after the war is over the mental problems still
10/29/09
The Sound of Silence
“It was a cold that had seeped into her bones in France and now seemed never to leave her.”(198) War always has outcomes that cannot be predicted, some that linger on much like Maisie’s relentless coldness. The Great War leaves several characters with wounds that never seem to heal. While there are numerous lasting wounds caused by war, the emotional, physical, and mental wounds are the most severe. The Great War infected its victims emotionally. Enid and James’ love seemed it would survive the social class difference, but the war uncaringly robbed James of his lover in a factory explosion. Before the war James had been a lively young man. James sweeping his mother into an impromptu dance while singing joyously exemplifies his spirit. But after the loss of Enid, Maurice explains that, “his [James’] discomfort is a result of melancholy.”(210) Throughout her investigation, Maisie struggles to suppress her feelings concerning Simon. By Vincent’s grave Maisie forces herself to focus on Mrs. Davenham rather Simon and the war. She also struggles with her feelings for Simon when Maurice asks “What is there in your heart that needs to be given light and understanding.”(222) When Simon and Maisie were hit by the mortar shell they were both injured, but Maisie was also emotionally wounded. A significant number of characters suffer from physical wounds caused by the war. The wounds continue to inflict pain long after the armistice. Billy’s leg still causes him pain and nearly gets him killed when he attempts to flee the retreat and his leg cramps up. “Billy tried to straighten his body, but as he moved, his war wounds came to life, shooting pain through him as he tried to take a step.”(260) Lady Rowan informs Maisie that James still suffers from pain in his leg and arm from a shrapnel wound. The wounds have had plenty of time to heal, but the pain continues. Long after the war is over the mental problems still