Famous quote by Philip Gibbs

"When we got down from the ambulances there were sharp cracks about us as bursts of shrapnel splashed down upon the Town Hall square. Dead soldiers lay outside and I glanced at them coldly. We were in search of the living"

About this Quote

In this poignant passage by Philip Gibbs, the author uses vivid images and a terse narrative style to convey the extreme truths of war. The scene unfolds as individuals disembark from ambulances amidst an environment teeming with danger and destruction. The "sharp cracks" heard around them symbolize the instant risk postured by neighboring weapons or gunfire, highlighting the unpredictability and violence characterizing their surroundings. This background not only increases the stress but also highlights the continuous risk dealt with by those involved in the conflict.

The reference to "bursts of shrapnel" that "crashed upon the Town Hall square" acts as a haunting illustration of the indiscriminate nature of warfare. Shrapnel, with its prospective to wound and eliminate indiscriminately, highlights the chaos and uncontrollable elements of battle, contrasting with the generally organized undertone of a town hall, a location where community and governance take place. The juxtaposition of these aspects strengthens the sense of war intruding on civilized society and stresses the interruption to normal life.

Gibbs' description of dead soldiers lying outside, observed with detachment, encapsulates the desensitization that can arise from prolonged exposure to violence and death. The cold look directed at the fallen shows a numbness that can become necessary for survival, as psychological engagement might hinder the urgent task at hand-- saving the living. This desensitization is not an indication of callousness but a pragmatic method to cope with the overwhelming nature of their situation. It reveals the psychological and psychological toll on those who endure such harrowing experiences.

The final expression, "We were in search of the living", records the underlying hope and focus of their mission: to discover and save survivors amidst the destruction. This pursuit of life, even in such dire circumstances, speaks to the strength and sustaining spirit of mankind, determined to discover twinkles of life and hope amid the shadow of death.

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About the Author

United Kingdom Flag This quote is from Philip Gibbs between May 1, 1877 and March 10, 1962. He was a famous Journalist from United Kingdom. The author also have 13 other quotes.
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