I imagined leave would be different from this. Indeed, it…
““I imagined leave would be different from this. Indeed, it was different a year ago. It is I of course that have changed in the interval. There lies a gulf between that time and to-day. At that time I still knew nothing about the war, we had only been in quiet sectors. But now I see that I have been crushed without knowing it. I find I do not belong here any more, it is a foreign world. Some of these people ask questions, some ask no questions, but one can see that the latter are proud of themselves for their silence; they often say with a wise air that these things cannot be talked about. They plume themselves on it. I prefer to be alone, so that no one troubles me.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The narrator feels alienated after war, realizing he no longer fits into the world he once knew.
In simple terms: War changes identity and creates a sense of not belonging.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and accept personal change after trauma.
Themes
war
alienation
identity
silence
Mood
lonely
reflective
Type
personal
philosophical
When to use this quote
- post‑war reintegration
- mental health counseling
- support groups for veterans
Key Concepts
existential crisis
psychological trauma
social disconnection
Questions to Reflect On
- How has war reshaped your sense of self?
- What can help bridge the gap between past and present?
A Different Perspective
Silence can be a coping mechanism but may hinder healing.