The Soldier’s Reconciliation with the Enemy

Across the River and into the Trees

This flow follows Cantwell’s refusal to reduce former enemies to hatred, while acknowledging that combat and historical injury continue to divide people.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Enemy at the Piave The Enemy at the Piave from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Enemy at the Piave Combat without hatred Cantwell remembers killing enemy soldiers who crossed the marshes, but says he did not hate them.

The Enemy at the Piave from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Enemy at the Piave Combat without hatred Cantwell remembers killing enemy soldiers who crossed the marshes, but says he did not hate them.

The Enemy at the Piave Combat without hatred Cantwell remembers killing enemy soldiers who crossed the marshes, but says he did not hate them. They were men carrying out their own military duties. A hard distinction His account separates the necessity of fighting from the ease of dehumanizing an opponent. The distinction does not lessen the violence; it explains how he survived it mentally.

The Germans He Liked The Germans He Liked from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Germans He Liked Personal friendships Cantwell tells Renata that he liked several German soldiers, including Erwin Rommel and Ernst Udet.

The Germans He Liked from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Germans He Liked Personal friendships Cantwell tells Renata that he liked several German soldiers, including Erwin Rommel and Ernst Udet.

The Germans He Liked Personal friendships Cantwell tells Renata that he liked several German soldiers, including Erwin Rommel and Ernst Udet. He distinguishes these personal relationships from their roles as enemies. Renata’s objection Renata recalls that Germans killed her father and burned her family’s villa. Cantwell acknowledges her anger rather than requiring her to share his view.

Enemy and Human Being Enemy and Human Being from "Across the River and into the Trees". Enemy and Human Being A soldier’s position Cantwell says his profession requires him to be prepared to fight likely enemies, even when he likes them as people.

Enemy and Human Being from "Across the River and into the Trees". Enemy and Human Being A soldier’s position Cantwell says his profession requires him to be prepared to fight likely enemies, even when he likes them as people.

Enemy and Human Being A soldier’s position Cantwell says his profession requires him to be prepared to fight likely enemies, even when he likes them as people. He treats the contradiction as part of military life. Kindness after killing He argues that people who have killed many can afford to be kind. The claim is not a denial of violence but an effort to prevent hatred from becoming permanent.

The Boatman’s Pain The Boatman’s Pain from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Boatman’s Pain A civilian consequence Alvarito explains that the boatman’s family was assaulted by Moroccan troops during the war.

The Boatman’s Pain from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Boatman’s Pain A civilian consequence Alvarito explains that the boatman’s family was assaulted by Moroccan troops during the war.

The Boatman’s Pain A civilian consequence Alvarito explains that the boatman’s family was assaulted by Moroccan troops during the war. The information connects the local hostility to a broader history of military violence. Understanding without repair Cantwell recognizes why his uniform provokes anger, though the boatman had not told him directly. Awareness does not undo the harm, but it changes the meaning of their conflict.

A City After War A City After War from "Across the River and into the Trees". A City After War War inside ordinary life Venice is full of people living with histories of occupation, loss, and damaged buildings.

A City After War from "Across the River and into the Trees". A City After War War inside ordinary life Venice is full of people living with histories of occupation, loss, and damaged buildings.

A City After War War inside ordinary life Venice is full of people living with histories of occupation, loss, and damaged buildings. Cantwell’s friendships cross former enemy lines, but the scars remain present. Reconciliation without erasure The novel offers courtesy, jokes, and shared meals without claiming that reconciliation removes the past. Peace is a way people live together, not proof that injury has vanished.

During Cantwell’s memories of the First World War

During dinner with Renata

During the same discussion of wartime enemies

After the hunt, at the lodge

During Cantwell’s last day in Venice