Summary
Gone to Soldiers by Marge Piercy delves into the intricate question Albert Einstein posed to Sigmund Freud, "Why war?" Set against the tumultuous canvas of World War II, the narrative intertwines the lives of ten central characters, exposing the brutal "inhumanity of man" through the prejudices faced by Jews and women. The novel suggests that wars, whether they rage against societal oppression or internal struggles, are won only by surmounting formidable obstacles.
The Power of Memory and Identity
Dedicating her work to her grandmother Hannah, Piercy immortalizes her as a gifted storyteller who brings the past alive in the present. This theme of memory is vital, as Jacqueline Lévy-Monot's journey becomes almost sacred, affirming her identity both as a woman and a Jew. Jacqueline's narrative unfolds through diary entries, capturing her role as a bearer of stories, much like her grandmother before her.
Storytelling as a Quest for Identity
The art of storytelling isn't limited to Jacqueline; Louise Kahan, a war correspondent, and Abra, through a series of interviews, also embark on personal quests for identity. Louise revisits her traumatic past, including her experiences of rape and abortion at fifteen, and her struggle against the confines of a stifling marriage. Her eventual divorce from Oscar and her subsequent life as a single mother highlight the societal limitations placed on women during wartime. In a poignant moment of realization, Louise acknowledges the dire fates of countless women who suffered due to systemic violence, urging her to reconcile with Oscar in pursuit of peace and gratitude for life's gifts.
Lessons in Equality
Abra, meanwhile, must relinquish her dependence on Oscar to discover fulfillment in equal relationships. Her journey is echoed in the aftermath of Hiroshima, when Daniel, her beloved, expresses his vision of a devastated future, prompting the crucial question of action. "First, put our opinions in the report if we can," Daniel suggests, positioning Gone to Soldiers as a comprehensive report on the causes and impacts of war, as experienced through individual tales of intolerance, miscommunication, and systemic abuse.
Challenges of Crafting a Complex Narrative
In an interview featured in the anthology Ways of Knowing, Piercy reflected on the novel's complexity, noting the challenges posed by its ten interwoven viewpoints. She likened it to a cantata, where each character's unique social world, history, and challenges contribute to the overall tapestry. Piercy purposefully disrupts linear storytelling, opting instead for a narrative structure that moves readers through the interconnected threads of diverse human experiences.
A Feminist and Jewish Perspective
As an influential feminist and Jewish novelist, Piercy addresses the pernicious effects of anti-Semitism, exemplified by characters like Daniel, who dreams of a world where Jews are no longer marginalized. The battles in the novel extend beyond wartime Europe, encompassing domestic issues in America that reflect societal misuse and oppression of women. Louise's near-fatal abortion, Naomi's pregnancy following rape, and Bernice's struggle against gender stereotypes underscore the pervasive injustices women face on multiple fronts.
Subjugation and Resistance
The novel portrays the dehumanizing conditions in prison camps, where women endure brutal treatment, and contrasts it with societal norms that strip women of their rights and dignity. This systemic oppression forces women into conflicts over their identities, whether in war-torn Europe or within the prejudiced confines of American society. Piercy explores how these external and internal wars shape women’s pursuit of self-worth and autonomy.
A Multitude of Answers
The question "Why war?" echoes through the lives of characters like Louise, Daniel, Jacqueline, Abra, Naomi, and others, each dealing with intersecting issues of women's rights and interpersonal relationships. Piercy’s narrative argues that overcoming humanity's destructive instincts...
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requires men and women to forge relationships based on equality and healing, transcending boundaries of nation, religion, and class.
Redefining "Real" Womanhood
Piercy scrutinizes societal expectations of what it means to be a "real" woman. In Gone to Soldiers, as in her earlier novel Small Changes, men often dictate that a woman's identity should revolve around her relationship with a man. By challenging these constraints, Piercy posits that a "real" woman is one who commands her destiny, free to pursue education, career, and personal relationships without societal or relational bindings.
Affirming Jewish Heritage
The novel also explores Piercy’s commitment to her Jewish roots, underscoring the role of memory as both a shield against future injustices and a means of cultural affirmation. Jacqueline’s vow to "live and tell the world about this" reflects Piercy’s mission to confront societal wrongs and advocate for a world free of barriers imposed by gender, race, or religion.