- 1. The Return of the Soldier, a poignant novella by Rebecca West, explores the profound effects of World War I on its characters, particularly focusing on the psychological trauma experienced by soldiers. The story centers around Chris Baldry, a soldier who returns home from the war suffering from shell shock, which causes him to lose his memory of the past fifteen years of his life, including his marriage to the practical and somewhat unfeeling Kitty. The narrative unfolds through the perspective of Jenny, Chris's cousin, who becomes a lens through which the reader experiences the complexities of love, loyalty, and the haunting reality of war. As Chris's memories are erased, he finds solace in the simplicity of his pre-war existence and rekindles his connection with his first love, Margaret, who represents a lost innocence starkly contrasted with the grim realities of the present. West's nuanced characterizations and keen observations delve into themes of identity, trauma, and the harsh awakening to the disillusionment wrought by war, ultimately raising questions about the nature of memory and the human capacity for both healing and suffering.
What event triggers Chris Baldry's condition?
A) World War I
B) The Spanish Civil War
C) World War II
D) The Franco-Prussian War
- 2. What is Chris Baldry suffering from upon his return?
A) Amnesia
B) PTSD
C) Depression
D) Insomnia
- 3. Which character represents the past for Chris?
A) The Colonel
B) Dr. Anderson
C) Jenny
D) Margaret
- 4. What type of narrative is used in 'The Return of the Soldier'?
A) Second-person
B) First-person
C) Stream of consciousness
D) Third-person limited
- 5. What theme is central to the novel?
A) Love and betrayal
B) Memory and trauma
C) Faith and doubt
D) Wealth and class
- 6. How does Chris feel about his past life with Jenny?
A) He cherishes it
B) He is indifferent
C) He hates it
D) He does not remember it
- 7. What does Chris's amnesia symbolize?
A) Fear of death
B) Escape from reality
C) Longing for childhood
D) Loss of identity
- 8. What does the character of Margaret represent?
A) Reality and despair
B) War and destruction
C) Ambition and greed
D) Idealized past and innocence
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