In the Midst of Life · Chapter
Concerning the Wish to Be Dead explained
In 1861, during the Civil War, a man named Armisted requests a military commission from the Governor, despite his Southern sympathies.
What happens
In 1861, during the Civil War, a man named Armisted requests a military commission from the Governor, despite his Southern sympathies. He reveals his true motive: he wishes to be killed in battle because his wife has been unfaithful. The Governor, after initial reluctance, grants him a captain's commission in the Tenth Infantry.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
In this excerpt, the narrator’s emotional and psychological peak occurs as she confesses her intense, almost i…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Death and Mortality
Armisted actively seeks death in battle as a solution to his personal anguish.
- Illusion vs. Reality
Armisted's outward request for a commission masks his true motive of seeking death.
- Social Cruelty and Hypocrisy
The Governor's initial judgment and the societal pressures surrounding honor and infidelity are highlighted.
Characters to notice
- Captain Armisted
Requests a commission from the Governor, revealing his desire to die in battle due to his wife's infidelity.
- General Cameron
The Governor of the State, who initially denies Armisted's request but later grants a commission.
Key passages
“Try always to get yourself killed.”
A good soldier should always seek to die in battle.
Armisted cites this as his reason for wanting a commission.
“In my family, sir, we do not do that—no Armisted has ever done that.”
Suicide is not an option for an Armisted.
Armisted rejects the Governor's suggestion of suicide.
