Student Question
How does the rhythm of the last two sentences in paragraph 8 and 9 reflect the content?
Quick answer:
The rhythm of the sentences in paragraphs 8 and 9 of "An Episode of War" by Stephen Crane reflects the lieutenant's shock and the men's disbelief. The slow, hesitant rhythm as he stares at the forest and moves rearward mirrors his disorientation and indecision. The gentle, methodical rhythm of handling his wounded arm shows his careful, protective attitude. The repetitive rhythm of the men's gaze conveys their surprise and incredulity at the suddenness of his injury.
In the short story "An Episode of War" by Stephen Crane, an army lieutenant is sorting a supply of coffee with his sword when he is suddenly struck by a bullet in his right arm. He cries out in surprise and pain, and he has to transfer the sword to his left hand. He looks around as if stunned before attempting to sheath his sword. Someone has to help him put it back in its scabbard. The other men are sympathetic, but now that the lieutenant is wounded, they don't want to even touch him. As Crane explains, "A wound gives strange dignity to him who wears it."
In fact, the lieutenant is experiencing battle shock because of the unexpected wound inflicted upon him. The online Psychology Dictionary gives this definition of battle shock:
A combat stress reaction wherein a soldier is unable to engage in further...
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military combat. Due to the trauma wrought by war, this acute stress reaction results in adverse behavioral changes which manifest in symptoms such as disorientation, disorganization, and indecision.
The lieutenant's disorientation is clear as he looks at the forest from which the shot came as if he cannot comprehend what he is seeing. The rhythms of the sentences at the end of paragraph 8 and in paragraph 9 are intended to help readers feel this shock that the lieutenant is experiencing.
He again stared over the breastwork at the forest, and then turning went slowly rearward.
The rhythm of this sentence is slow and hesitant. We can sense that the lieutenant can hardly believe what has happened to him and is finding it difficult to make decisions.
He held his right wrist tenderly in his left hand as if the wounded arm was made of very brittle glass.
The rhythm of this sentence is gentle and methodical, as if to mimics the attitude that the lieutenant has towards his wounded arm. He wants to protect it and keep it from further injury.
And the men in silence stared at the wood, then at the departing lieutenant—then at the wood, then at the lieutenant.
The rhythm of this sentence indicates the surprise and incredulity of the men whom the lieutenant leaves behind in battle. They look back and forth from the battlefield to the wounded lieutenant as if they cannot believe what has just happened so quickly. One moment the lieutenant is standing with them, and the next moment he is injured and heading to the rear to seek medical help.