“In the trenches between the burial mounds hundreds of dead soldiers sat side by side with their heads against the torn earth, as if they had fallen asleep together in a deep dream of war.”
Analysis
The quote by J. G. Ballard vividly describes the scene of war with a haunting sense of intimacy and surrealism. The use of vivid imagery, such as soldiers sitting side by side with their heads against the torn earth, creates a powerful and poignant visual of the devastating effects of war. The imagery of the soldiers appearing as if they had fallen asleep together in a deep dream of war highlights the sense of camaraderie and shared trauma experienced by those who have fought together on the battlefield. The quote captures the horror and tragedy of war while also hinting at the complex emotions and experiences of those who have been caught up in it.
Modern Relevance
The haunting image of fallen soldiers in the midst of battle, captured in J.G. Ballard's words, serves as a stark reminder of the devastating toll of war. Even in today's conflicts, the impact on soldiers and their families continues to be a sobering reality. The emotional and physical scars of war are still very much present, highlighting the ongoing need for peace and diplomacy in resolving conflicts globally.
War imagery in literature
“In the trenches between the burial mounds hundreds of dead soldiers sat side by side with their heads against the torn earth, as if they had fallen asleep together in a deep dream of war.” - J. G. Ballard
Reflection Questions
As you think about the haunting image described by J. G. Ballard, consider the following questions:
- What emotions does this vivid description evoke in you?
- How does this image challenge or reinforce your beliefs about war and its consequences?
- What impact do you think witnessing such a scene would have on a soldier?
- In what ways does this quote make you reflect on the human cost of war and the fragility of life?
- How can we honor and remember those who have fallen in war, according to the imagery in this quote?
Similar quotes
“All around them were the bodies of dead Chinese soldiers. They lined the verges of the roads and floated in the canals, jammed together around the pillars of the bridges. In the trenches between the burial mounds hundreds of dead soldiers sat side by side with their heads against the torn earth, as if they had fallen asleep together in a deep dream of war.”
“Side by Side:We sat side by side in the morning light & looked out at the future together.”
“Sometimes, in the trenches, you get the sense of something, ancient. One trench we held, it had skulls in the side, embedded, like mushrooms. It was actually easier to believe they were men from Marlborough's army, than to think they'd been alive a year ago. It was as if all the other wars had distilled themselves into this war, and that made it something you almost can't challenge. It's like a very deep voice, saying; 'Run along, little man, be glad you've survived”
“Emma was no asleep, she was pretending to be asleep; and, while he was dozing off at her side, she lay awake, dreaming other dreams.”
“They took to silence. They touched each other without comment and without progression. A hand on a hand, a clothed arm, resting on an arm. An ankle overlapping an ankle, as they sat on a beach, and not removed. One night they fell asleep, side by side... He slept curled against her back, a dark comma against her pale elegant phrase.”