Baylor College Medical School

Christmas, 1914 by Frank Richards

!. What does the behavior of the British and German soldiers on Christmas day reveal about their attitudes toward each other and the war?

2. Why are the French angry with the British soldiers after the Christmas Day cease-fire?

3. How would you describe Frank Richards' attitude toward the enemy?

The above questions are for the link below..... Hope you can help.....

Link:

http://www.firstpost.com/topic/holiday/christmas-frank-richards-the-christmas-truce-1914-literary-discussio-video-6XAuECyC6gc-47203-1.html

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Last updated by jill d #170087
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The soldiers evidence the idea that this war is not really agreeable to any of them. They hate the war, the idea of war, and they have no real animosity toward each other as individuals. The French are angry because the Germans have perpetrated such damage and death on the French and the French countryside and it makes no sense that they would be friendly to the British. Richards seems to understand the other side and their point of view; he wants the war to be over and he wants to go home.

1) Already answered

2)

3) Friendly

Now I'll go check out this video.

1) the officers toasted to a quick end to the war (British and German)

2) The French were saying "all manner of nasty things about the British Army."

I didn't hear anything about the French listed above in that clip.

Greta,

I just listened to the video again. The only mention of the French being angry is the one I have cited above. It was the very last sentence in the video.

Jill

Jill,

Is question 1 answer...The soldiers evidence the idea that this war is not really agreeable to any of them. They hate the war, the idea of war, and they have no real animosity toward each other as individuals. The French are angry because the Germans have perpetrated such damage and death on the French and the French countryside and it makes no sense that they would be friendly to the British. Richards seems to understand the other side and their point of view; he wants the war to be over and he wants to go home.

Is question 2 answer.....2) The French were saying "all manner of nasty things about the British Army."

Is question 3 answer....friendly

Looks right to me. Friendly in the sense that he understands they are just humans like everyone else.

There was no mention in the text or video of anything about hating the war or idea of the war. The French are not mentioned at all except for the quote below (NUMBER 2). Richards was just a man enjoying the reprieve from action for the holiday..... as were the members of his group, and the Germans.

1) The British and German soldiers did not hold individual grudges between them, but rather were fighting a war between countries. The troops represented the countries at war; the troops on both sides would probably have been friendly in different circumstances; all men involved were human beings, with human emotions and feelings.

2) The French were saying "all manner of nasty things about the British Army."

3) Frank's feelings were friendly.

Thank so much for your help Jill. How late will you be here or well Aslan be on the late shift.

Greta

Asla will be popping on at midnite....... you're very welcome!