In "Death of a Hero," various settings play a crucial role in shaping the narrative and the protagonist, George Winterbourne. These locations, ranging from the ravaged landscapes of World War I battlefields to the bustling streets of London, reflect the contrasts and conflicts in George's life and mind. The novel intricately weaves these places into a tapestry that underscores the themes of war, artistic aspiration, and disillusionment.

No Man’s Land

No Man’s Land stands as a haunting symbol of the devastation wrought by war. It is the perilous strip between rival trenches on the French front, embodying the chaotic consequences of political ignorance and technological misuse. Soldiers like George face unimaginable challenges here—extreme fear, fatigue, and elemental agony—which transform him profoundly. Upon his return to London, the disconnect between those who have faced such horrors and those who remain ignorant is stark and jarring for George. The land’s harsh realities cultivate a deep bitterness, shared by both George and the novel’s narrator, in response to the prewar optimism of their compatriots. Despite valuing the camaraderie found in the trenches, George is continually confronted with the stark devaluation of human life, leading to an existential despair. No Man’s Land, rife with fragmentation and destruction, becomes a powerful metaphor for George's collapsing psyche.

Hill 91

Embedded in No Man’s Land, Hill 91 is another battleground of strategic and symbolic importance. It is fiercely contested yet represents little more than a "prestige" territory, underscoring the often arbitrary nature of military objectives and the senselessness of war.

Dorsetshire

In stark contrast to the war-torn landscapes, Dorsetshire represents a period of happiness and tranquility for George and Elizabeth Winterbourne. Before the war's reach extends to dominate their lives, they visit this picturesque rural county in southwest England. Later, Dorsetshire becomes a site for officers’ training, hosting George and the narrator as they prepare for the looming conflict.

Dullborough

Located near Martin’s Point, Dullborough is where George attends "The School." It is here that he develops a distaste for conventional ideologies, setting the stage for his later artistic endeavors and critical worldview.

London

London serves as a pivotal backdrop for George's life before and after his wartime experiences. It is the place where he escapes the constraining expectations of his parents, seeking refuge and sustenance through writing. The vibrant literary circles he navigates in the city mirror the real-life experiences of Richard Aldington, the novel's author. Yet, as George returns from the front lines, he increasingly perceives the London literati as superficial and disconnected from the grim realities of the war, contributing to his sense of alienation.

Hampton Court

Hampton Court, with its rich historical and cultural heritage, provides a momentary escape from the bleakness of war. It is here that George and Elizabeth enjoy a brief idyll amid the glorious gardens, underscoring the stark contrast to the battlefield’s desolation. This serene setting offers a glimpse into Aldington’s appreciation of both the artistic and historical grandeur of London, despite the novel’s overall critical tone.

M-

On the French front, the town of M- is emblematic of the constant peril faced by soldiers. Regularly targeted by heavy artillery, it represents the omnipresent danger and destructive force of the war environment in which George is stationed.

Maison Blanche

Maison Blanche, a village near where George meets his demise, symbolizes the tragic futility of war. Even in retreat, as victory nears for the Allies, George's impulsive act exposes the relentless toll the war takes on individuals. Here, personal loss and the larger, senseless loss of life intersect in a poignant climax.

Martin’s Point

George’s artistic journey begins in Martin’s Point, a town on the English Channel that evokes the author’s own memories of Dover. It is a formative setting where George first nurtures his artistic dreams, which are later tempered by the harsh realities of adulthood and war.

Each location in "Death of a Hero" contributes uniquely to the novel’s exploration of war’s impact on the human spirit and the complex interplay of personal and societal expectations. Together, they create a multifaceted narrative that traces George Winterbourne’s transformation and ultimate disenchantment.