We are Craiglockhart's success stories. Look at us. We don't remember, we don't feel, we don't think - at least beyond the confines of what's needed to do the job. By any proper civilized standard (but what does that mean now?) we are objects of horror. But our nerves are completely steady. And we are still alive.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the resilience of individuals who endure trauma, highlighting a struggle for normalcy amidst horror.
In this quote, Pat Barker portrays the psychological toll of war on soldiers, emphasizing the disconnection they experience from their own emotions and thoughts. Despite facing horrific circumstances and being deemed 'objects of horror' by civilized standards, they maintain a sense of steadiness and survival, underlining the extraordinary courage required to endure such experiences.
In practice
This quote could be used in a discussion about the psychological effects of war on soldiers.
Sometimes, in the trenches, you get the sense of something, ancient. One trench we held, it had skulls in the side, embedded, like mushrooms. It was actually easier to believe they were men from Marlborough's army, than to think they'd been alive a year ago. It was as if all the other wars had distilled themselves into this war, and that made it something you almost can't challenge. It's like a very deep voice, saying; 'Run along, little man, be glad you've survived
Jump off. You are a protected individual. Do not fear.
Honor, justice, and humanity, forbid us tamely to surrender that freedom which we received from our gallant ancestors, and which our innocent posterity have a right to receive from us.
Where it is permissible both to die and not to die, it is an abuse of valour to die.
There is no room for military people, including our veterans, to see themselves as victims, even if so many of our countrymen are prone to relish that role.
I don't want to be a dissident. But in the same time, I don't want to go back home and be silent again.
I've read that if an avalanche buries you and you're lying there underneath all that snow, you can't tell which way is up or down. You want to dig yourself out but pick the wrong way, and you dig yourself to your own demise.
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