Now It Can Be Told · Question
How does Now It Can Be Told develop the theme of Class and Inequality?
Answer
Now It Can Be Told by Philip Gibbs develops Class and Inequality across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The narrative contrasts the sacrifices of common soldiers with the profiteering, complacency, and indifference of the wealthy and powerful, highlighting the betrayal of fighting men by society's elites.
The narrator notes the disparity between the comfortable home front (munitions workers buying furs, laughing girls) and the soldiers in the trenches, as well as the conservative, upper-class nature of the generals.
The brigade major's Christ Church arrogance and the officers' hostility toward the narrator reflect class tensions and the divide between regulars and outsiders.
The contrast between the luxurious château headquarters and the soldiers living in ditches highlights the inequality between officers and men.
Evidence in the book
- Part I: Observers and Commanders
The narrator notes the disparity between the comfortable home front (munitions workers buying furs, laughing girls) and the soldiers in the trenches, as well as the conservative, upper-class nature of the generals.
- What of England?
The brigade major's Christ Church arrogance and the officers' hostility toward the narrator reflect class tensions and the divide between regulars and outsiders.
- VIII
The contrast between the luxurious château headquarters and the soldiers living in ditches highlights the inequality between officers and men.
- After the Armistice: Occupation and Reflection
The contrast between the privileged staff officers at Montreuil and the suffering soldiers in the trenches highlights class divisions.
- XI
The soldier, a common man who answered the call for king and country, faces the ultimate punishment while the officer class calmly resumes breakfast, highlighting the disparity in power and consequence.
- XV
The contrast between the privileged staff officers (with red tabs and polished boots) and the ordinary soldiers is highlighted, fueling hatred and resentment.
- XVIII
The contrast between the generals in safe châteaux and the fighting men dying in the trenches highlights class divisions and the inequality of sacrifice.
- XIX
The contrast between high-ranking generals (like Hunter Weston with his theories) and the common soldiers who bore the brunt of costly battles is highlighted.
