The Waves

Why doesn't Percival's death have a strong effect on Bernard in Section 5?

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Bernard has mixed feelings about the news of Percival's death in Section 5 because it also corresponds with the birth of his first child. This is an important occasion for Bernard because it simplifies the realization of the way life functions for him. Rather than being completely paralyzed by the news of death, Bernard is provided with simultaneous news of life. In this sense, it makes it easier for Bernard to move on from such a shocking an unexpected event yet can also be seen as a kind of "unfair advantage" when compared with the way Neville and Rhoda react to the news.