War and Violence

World War I and urban violence (murders, fires, strikes) permeate the narrative, with war depicted as a distant but consuming force that disrupts lives, while street-level violence reflects the city's raw brutality.

The news of Sarajevo and the looming war permeate the chapter, juxtaposing personal drama with global catastrophe.

The chapter opens with the aftermath of World War I, featuring returning soldiers, patriotic displays, and the lingering impact of conflict.