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Calvary · Question

How does Calvary develop the theme of War and Disillusionment?

Answer

Calvary by Octave Mirbeau develops War and Disillusionment across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

The Franco-Prussian War is depicted as chaotic, senseless, and dehumanizing, with soldiers driven by selfishness and despair rather than patriotism, highlighting the futility and brutality of conflict.

The chapter vividly portrays the horrors and futility of war, from the refugees' exodus to the soldiers' fear and the general's incompetent orders.

The narrator's memory of killing a Prussian soldier parallels his guilt over killing Spy, showing war's lasting trauma.

Evidence in the book

  • II

    The chapter vividly portrays the horrors and futility of war, from the refugees' exodus to the soldiers' fear and the general's incompetent orders.

  • XII

    The narrator's memory of killing a Prussian soldier parallels his guilt over killing Spy, showing war's lasting trauma.

Characters

Themes