64 pages 2 hours read

Ford Madox Ford

Parade's End

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1928

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Book 3, Part 3, Chapters 1-2Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Book 3: “A Man Could Stand Up—"

Book 3, Part 3, Chapter 1 Summary

Valentine goes to see Christopher. She is apprehensive: She does not know what to expect. Christopher greets her at his door in a whirlwind. He is busy carrying furniture and leaves her to wait briefly for him. The house is bare. Christopher is living like he did in a military camp. Valentine is afraid. She wonders if Christopher will murder her. However, she is also excited to be with him again. She sees an open letter from Sylvia. She tries desperately not to look at it. The phone rings and Valentine answers. It is her mother. She tries to dissuade Valentine from being with Christopher unless she absolutely must. Valentine says she must be with him. Mrs. Wannop then speaks to Christopher.

There is a knock at the door; it is McKechnie. Valentine herds him into the kitchen. She wants Christopher to finish the conversation with her mother. Soon, Aranjuez arrives with his girlfriend, Nancy, and with a soldier missing an arm. They say they must see Christopher. It is Armistice Day, marking the end of the war. The old Colonel is in town too. Christopher comes down the stairs. Valentine is crying.

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By Ford Madox Ford