Bartle's Powers Summary

Powers gives the perfect example of veteran guilt and split second decisions made by young adults in the book when Bartle makes a promise he cannot guarantee to Murphy’s mom (39) and later the disposing of Murphy’s body (chapter 10). Civilians may only identify or understand part of what Bartle feels. They can identify that Bartle feels guilty for what ends up being the wrong decision. This decision was made in a high stress situation surrounded by potential danger made by young men that thought that was best at the time. The consequences for making that wrong decision for Bartle ends up being prison time and Sgt. Sterling commits suicide from guilt. What civilians may not understand is Bartle has a chance to get away with it after Sterling’s
suicide but chooses to face the consequences under the burden of his own guilt. This guilt falls under both Bartle’s original promise as well as veteran code that he must face up to his wrong decision which is why when the military police finally find him he puts up no fight.