In Parenthesis is an epic poem based on the First World War, written by David Jones.
The poem is split into seven parts and follows the journey of Private John Ball as he embarks on his infantry service in a mixed English-Welsh regiment. The poem itself is split into seven sections, covering the course of Ball’s journey from England to the Battle of the Somme.
In Part 1, Ball and his battalion march to Southampton and sail to the English Channel.
In Part 2, Ball receives training for the Front and after encounters his first experience of a long-range heavy explosive shell exploding nearby.
Part 3 describes the long journey to reach the front, with the men having to cross flooded communication trenches.
Part 4 details the daily experience of being at the Front, from morning stand-to to evening stand-down and the tedious nature of their life. It also describes the violence witnessed at the Front and the impact this had on the men.
Part 5 covers the social life at the front, with small parties at estaminets being the norm. This section also introduces Ball’s long march to the Somme.
Part 6 then covers Ball’s friendships with the other soldiers as well as the positions they attain within their battalion.
In Part 7, the Battle of the Somme begins and details of the death and injuries faced by Ball are heavy. This part also introduces the mythical Queen of the Wood who bestows garlands upon the soldiers.
