How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Endless war. He wondered. He did not think that possible, not if the law of the historical cycle was a valid law. Perhaps, after all these years, the historiographers had been unwilling to recognize history as a spiral, perhaps because a spiral was so difficult to describe. Easier to photograph the spiral from the top, easier to flatten the spring into a coil. (5.3.21)
For the first time in his fourteen-year career as a history teacher and historian, the looming threat of war causes Tristram to doubt the cyclical model of history that he's been teaching to his students all these years. What changes if human history is viewed as a spiral rather than a circle? What kinds of different movements or changes does a spiral allow?
Quote #8
Then all the big noise ceased, nor were there any specifically human sounds, only animal gasps of those late in dying. One last flash showed him his watch: 2203. Three minutes from start to finish. (5.8.26)
When Tristram experiences firsthand the chaos and horror of trench warfare, one of the things that strikes him is how little time it takes for bloody violence and total defeat to occur. Just as the cyclical model of history suggests that the actions of whole civilizations or societies matter very little in the grand scheme of things, Tristram's experiences in war teach him just how swiftly and easily human lives can be snuffed out.
Quote #9
With a tiny itch of hope, Tristram said, 'Do you think people are fundamentally good?'
'Well,' said the major, 'they now have a chance to be good.'
'Exactly,' said Tristram. 'Which means that it won't be long now before the return of liberalism. I don't think a Pelagian State would renew your charter.' (6.2.39-41)
Although Tristram questions the cyclical model of history during his time in the British Army, by the end of the novel, his faith in it seems to have been restored. Why?