Rebecca West The Return Of The Soldier Analysis

Rebecca west The Return of The Soldier illustrates the mental and social change in perspective of shell shock soldiers returning home from war. Christopher, the soldier returning from World War 1 after his unfortunate mental injury, to his wife Kitty and Jenny his cousin, faced scrutiny and doubt by both women in respect to his present state. His condition, thereof, was not fully accepting as oppose to that of a physical injury. Soldiers who’ve suffered shell shock in general was alienated because society was skeptical what to make of these scarred soldiers and often shunned them in public. Furthermore Christopher’s condition affects his old way of living: Also his wife and cousin sense of belonging. War, therefore, have a profound effect on
Christopher’s isolation, however, was not by society but, occurred within the confines of what is to be a refuge of love and understanding, his family. Kitty, Christopher’s wife, persona reflects that of a repulsive and materialistic woman whose acceptance of human flaws is disdain. In her response to Mrs. Margaret “If he could send that telegram, he is no longer ours” sets the tone for her condescending attitude toward her husband’s mental state. Christopher’s absence in the beginning as both Jenny and Kitty are both wishing for his return is a complete irony where Chris’s traumatic return leaves him feeling more absentminded than before “like a blind man waiting for his darkness to lift” (West, p. 125). Furthermore in returning home Christopher feels a sense of nostalgia along with his amnesia towards his home. Trapped back in time where he was in love with the local innkeeper daughter Chris is completely alienated from his previous life he knew the upper class hold on his adult life which includes his obnoxious and brittle wife,