John

John is a pivotal character in the novel, embodying themes of trauma, loss, faith, and the haunting persistence of the past. As a soldier in World War I, John’s experiences are deeply scarring, leaving him physically and psychologically wounded. His struggle to reintegrate into civilian life after the war illustrates the long-lasting effects of trauma, not just on the individual, but on those around him, particularly in his relationship with Helena. John’s significance in the novel is multifaceted. Firstly, he represents the generation of men whose lives were irrevocably altered by the Great War. His character is a vessel for exploring the theme of trauma, particularly how the horrors of war continue to shape lives long after the conflict has ended. John’s inability to escape the shadow of his war experiences is a poignant reminder of the ongoing significance of the past, a theme that...