# Masculinity and War in One of Ours

> Theme guide for One of Ours by Willa Cather.

War is initially romanticized as an adventure and a proving ground for manhood, offering Claude an escape from domestic failure. However, the brutal realities of combat—death, violence, and loss—complicate this ideal, though Claude ultimately finds a sense of purpose and camaraderie in the army.

## Where it surfaces

- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/one_of_ours_se/chapters/iv): Claude's father's 'rugged masculinity' and Claude's own self-imposed physical tests reflect a harsh ideal of manhood.
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/one_of_ours_se/chapters/viii): Claude's decision to enlist is framed as a test of manhood and duty, contrasting with his earlier indecisiveness.
- [Homecoming in Uniform](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/one_of_ours_se/chapters/x): Claude's uniform and soldierly bearing are contrasted with the local boys' cowardly bullying; he embodies a chivalric ideal of manhood.
- [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/one_of_ours_se/chapters/xi): Claude's uniform and soldier identity, discussions of military drills and the dangers of war.
- [Book IV: The Voyage of the Anchises](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/one_of_ours_se/chapters/book-iv-the-voyage-of-the-anchises): The voyage highlights different models of masculinity among the soldiers, from bravado to quiet resolve.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/one_of_ours_se/chapters/i): The train is filled with young soldiers, all of the same sex and age, and the shipbuilding scene evokes the martial spirit and the 'going over' to war.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/one_of_ours_se/chapters/ii): The chapter portrays the young soldiers' excitement and bravado as they depart for war, highlighting the masculine ideal of sacrifice and duty.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/one_of_ours_se/chapters/iii): The chapter explores ideals of soldierly camaraderie, courage, and the transformation of ordinary men into a noble fighting force.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/one_of_ours_se/chapters/iv): Victor Morse's tales of aerial combat, the discussion of weekend wives, and the contrast between carefree attitudes and the grim realities of war explore masculine identity and wartime bravado.
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/one_of_ours_se/chapters/v): The men's stoic endurance of illness, death, and harsh conditions reflects the wartime ideal of masculine resilience.
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/one_of_ours_se/chapters/vi): Claude's handling of Bert Fuller's breakdown and the burial of soldiers explores the tension between expected stoicism and human vulnerability in wartime.
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/one_of_ours_se/chapters/viii): Claude's sense of duty and adventure in war, and his rejection of the safe farm life, reflect themes of masculinity.
- [Book V: “Bidding the Eagles of the West Fly On”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/one_of_ours_se/chapters/book-v-bidding-the-eagles-of-the-west-fly-on): The chapter explores traditional notions of manhood through military training, camaraderie, and the anticipation of battle.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/one_of_ours_se/chapters/ii): Victor's bravado and Claude's admiration reflect wartime ideals of masculinity; the wounded soldier embodies the physical cost of war.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/one_of_ours_se/chapters/iii): The contrast between the idealized 'red badge of courage' and the grim reality of wounded soldiers challenges traditional notions of masculinity and heroism.
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/one_of_ours_se/chapters/vi): The training and rivalry between Claude and Gerhardt, as well as the soldiers' perceptions of Gerhardt's masculinity, highlight themes of masculinity in a wartime context.
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/one_of_ours_se/chapters/viii): The soldiers' bathing, camaraderie, and discussions of war experiences reflect masculine bonding and the harsh realities of military life.
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/one_of_ours_se/chapters/ix): The chapter contrasts the youthful, almost girlish appearance of the British soldier with the brutal realities of combat, and Claude reflects on how war transforms ordinary men into legendary figures like Victor Morse.
- [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/one_of_ours_se/chapters/xi): Claude and Gerhardt lead a dangerous raid, demonstrating courage and endurance under fire; Claude's physical suffering and refusal to go to the hospital reflect stoic ideals.
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/one_of_ours_se/chapters/xiii): Gerhardt discusses his choice to serve rather than seek exemption, linking manhood to bearing arms, and reflects on the destruction of art and life.
- [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/one_of_ours_se/chapters/xiv): Claude envies David's artistic skill and feels inadequate, while the war provides a sense of purpose and adventure.
- [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/one_of_ours_se/chapters/xv): The chapter emphasizes the physical endurance and stoic camaraderie of soldiers as they march through mud, capture prisoners, and discard gear to survive.
- [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/one_of_ours_se/chapters/xvi): Claude's bravery in charging the German officer and his concern about David doubting his nerve highlight the pressure to prove one's courage in combat.
- [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/one_of_ours_se/chapters/xvii): The soldiers' camaraderie, gallantry, and romantic pursuits contrast with the grief of Sergeant Hicks and the tragic masculinity of Lieutenant Müller's honorable suicide.
- [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/one_of_ours_se/chapters/xix): The chapter explores the transformation of soldiers like Hicks and the burden of expectations on men like Claude.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/one_of_ours_se/themes/masculinity_and_war
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/one_of_ours_se/themes