# War and Patriotism in There Is Confusion

> Theme guide for There Is Confusion by Jessie Redmon Fauset.

World War I serves as a backdrop for exploring patriotism, sacrifice, and the irony of Black soldiers fighting for a country that denies them equality, with characters like Philip and Peter experiencing both valor and disillusionment.

## Where it surfaces

- [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/xxv): Peter's conflicted feelings about fighting for America as a Black man, and his aunt's pride in their family's military history, highlight the theme of patriotism amid racial discrimination.
- [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/xxix): Meriwether sees the war as a gesture for freedom and is willing to die for it; Peter hopes to be killed to escape his personal dilemmas.
- [The Inferno of War and Brotherhood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/xxx): The brutal reality of war is depicted through the mud, violence, and death at Brest and the front, contrasting with ideals of patriotism.
- [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/xxxi): Maggie's work in France and the soldiers' resilience highlight the complexities of patriotism amid racial prejudice.
- [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/xxxii): Philip's service in the war has left him physically broken, and he reflects bitterly on how fighting for a country that oppresses him has cost him everything.
- [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/xxxiii): The celebration of returning soldiers contrasts with the ingratitude and discrimination they face, as seen in the mobbing of black soldiers and the empty promises of freedom.
- [XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/xxxiv): Peter's service in World War I and his reflections on Meriwether Bye's death underscore the irony of fighting for a country that denies full citizenship to Black soldiers.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/themes/war_and_patriotism
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/themes