57 pages • 1 hour read
Barbara W. TuchmanThe Guns Of August
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1962A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Symbols & Motifs
Elan and Cran
Roughly translated, these words mean spirit and guts respectively. The French think these are what will carry them to victory against greater forces. In the pages of history, such intangible ideas are hard to measure, but French spirit and guts may have carried them to victory. Badly beaten and exhausted, the French find the strength for one last battle that causes the German retreat. Though their spirit and guts have failed before, they rise now that Paris, the country, and the world are at stake.
King Edward VII of England
Edward represents the old order. His death marks an end to the old Europe—its close intermarriages and related ruling families. His funeral starts the book, and this funeral is, in a way, the beginning of the war. It is the last time the world will see such an assemblage of royalty—the next time they meet, it will be on the battlefield.
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By Barbara W. Tuchman
