Chapter 24 Summary and Analysis

In March of 1917, Sassoon was still in the 2nd Battalion in the trenches near Morlancourt. Graves and Sassoon exchanged letters throughout the period. In the letters, Sassoon became increasingly erratic in his political views. Sassoon's exploits on the battlefield became increasingly impressive but also increasingly dangerous. Sassoon was again wounded and returned to England for convalescence. In England, he met several anti-war pacifists who recruited him to their cause—he deserted his post and sent a letter to his commanding officer denouncing the war and announcing his intention to refuse further service. Sassoon mailed a clipping of his letter—widely published in newspapers—to Graves. Upon its receipt, Graves immediately realized that Sassoon would face court martial and a prison sentence for his actions. Graves immediately made several contacts and called in whatever political favors he possessed. His...