Plot summary - CCEADivided by rank and class

Both Jerry and Alec set off together, but because of Alec’s class he is immediately signed up to train as an officer.

So despite the fact that they are stationed together when they arrive in France, they are now divided by rank as well as class.

However, they continue their friendship.

Another officer, Bennett, gets hold of three horses and all three men spend an afternoon horse riding together. Jerry tells the others that he’s an Irish republican, and he is learning how to use a rifle for the fight in Ireland.

Front line

The men are commanded by the ruthless Major Glendinning.

While seeming to despise the young soldiers from every rank, Glendinning is particularly against friendships between men of different rank and class.

Like Alec’s mother, he is disapproving of the relationship between Alec and Jerry.

Harsh treatment from Glendinning is only one of the horrors they encounter.

Much of the story in this section shows the horrific living conditions, terrible boredom and constant fear soldiers encountered on the front line.

Arrested

Soon Jerry gets word from his mother that his father has gone missing on the battlefield and that she wants Jerry to find him.

Jerry - without informing Alec or anyone else - leaves to search for his father.

When he comes back he is arrested for desertion, for which the punishment is death.

In a final act of terrible cruelty, the tyrannical Major Glendinning orders Alec to lead the firing squad that will execute his friend.

Without permission, Alec goes to visit Jerry in prison where he encourages Jerry to talk about their time together as boys in the countryside.

Love and friendship

While Jerry reminisces fondly, smiling at the memories, Alec shoots Jerry himself – it is a final act of love and friendship.

For this crime, Alec too is sentenced to death.

The narration ends back where it began, with Alec awaiting execution.