Section 9: France 1917, Part 4, pages 269-310 Summary

As he continues forward, Stephen wonders what force impels him. His men have become formidable, and though he sometimes loves them for their courage, he feels contempt for them, as for himself, at other times. Only he and two men from his original platoon still survive. Reaching the Front, Stephen visits Weir who recounts going home on leave but having nothing to talk about with his parents. When Stephen asks why Weir is so anxious to survive, Weir says his life is all he has and maybe he will do something with it later. Jack writes Margaret, expressing sorrow at John's death. Weir's company digs a shallow tunnel to listen for the enemy's counter tunnels, and when they hear sounds of German activity above them, Weir evacuates the tunnel, leaving two men to ensure the...