Let’s Rewind – Answers
1. Why were the passengers in the train distressed?
The passengers in the train were distressed because they were either on their way to visit their sons who were going to the war front or returning after seeing them off. All of them were parents or relatives of soldiers and carried the emotional burden of separation, fear, and grief caused by the war.
2. Why, in your opinion, did the woman ask the stout man if his son was really dead?
The woman asked the question not to doubt him, but because she was emotionally overwhelmed by his calm and composed way of talking about his son’s death. She wanted to understand how someone could speak so proudly and without sorrow about such a loss. Her question was honest, coming from her deep grief and confusion.
3. Why did the stout man break down at the end of the story?
The stout man broke down because the woman’s question “Is your son really dead?” forced him to truly confront the reality of his son’s death. Until that moment, he had been hiding his emotions behind pride and patriotic words. Her question shattered that emotional barrier, and he was unable to hold back his sorrow any longer.
4. The other passengers were amazed to see the stout man break down. How would you respond in such a situation?
I would respond with empathy and understanding. I would not judge his earlier words because I would realise that he had been trying to appear strong. I would try to comfort him and let him know that it is okay to express pain. Sometimes people need time and support to show their real feelings.
5. What does the story tell us about the different ways in which people cope with grief and loss?
The story shows that everyone deals with grief differently. Some may express it openly through tears, while others may hide it behind words of strength, duty, or patriotism. But deep down, the pain is the same. No one can escape the sorrow of losing a loved one, even if they appear calm on the outside.
6. Pirandello’s story ‘War’ presents a realistic picture of the misery and the meaninglessness of war even today. It also appears to question the value of nationalism. How, in your opinion, should the concept of nationalism be widened to promote cooperation rather than competition between nations? Do you think that a unified world would ensure a better future for humanity, and for the planet Earth? Mention instances from the story and recent events in current life to support your arguments.
The concept of nationalism should move beyond pride and competition to focus on cooperation and peace. The story “War” shows how ordinary people suffer the most during war, not leaders or politicians. The stout man’s breakdown reflects the deep emotional damage war causes to families. Nationalism should not encourage fighting or hatred among countries. Instead, it should promote unity and kindness.
In today’s world, climate change, poverty, and pandemics are problems that affect all nations. Only global cooperation can solve these. For example, countries shared vaccines during COVID-19 and worked together for relief. A unified world focused on peace and shared humanity will ensure a safer and better future for everyone and for our planet.
Let’s Recall and Recreate
1. Speech on Hiroshima Day: “The Real Victims of War”
Good morning respected Principal, teachers, and dear friends,
Today we observe Hiroshima Day, a solemn occasion to remember the victims of one of the greatest tragedies in human history. On this day, we must reflect not only on the horrors of war but also on the silent victims who carry emotional scars that last a lifetime.
Luigi Pirandello’s story “War” brings us face to face with such victims — parents who send their children to battlefields, trying to convince themselves that they are proud, while hiding unbearable sorrow. The stout man in the story speaks bravely of his son’s sacrifice, but when asked a simple, piercing question — “Is your son really dead?” — his emotions break free. He sobs uncontrollably, showing us that beneath every proud soldier’s parent is a heart that bleeds silently.
The real victims of war are not just soldiers. They are the mothers who wait without hope, the fathers who smile through tears, and the children who grow up without parents. War does not end when the fighting stops; it lives on in the pain of those left behind.
Let us raise our voices not for weapons, but for peace. Let us honour those who suffer in silence by working to ensure that no more lives are lost to violence. A world without war is not a dream — it is our responsibility.
Thank you.
2. Debate Prompt – Is the Future of War Self-Destructive?
For the motion:
- Modern warfare has become more dangerous with biochemical weapons, drones, and cyber attacks.
- Civilians are often the primary victims.
- Technological war could lead to mass destruction.
- War causes lasting trauma, poverty, and divides nations.
Against the motion:
- Technology can prevent war through surveillance and diplomacy.
- Advanced communication helps in global cooperation.
- Defence systems act as deterrents to violence.
Conclusion: Even if technology advances, the only real progress lies in building a peaceful and united world.
3. Diary Entry – From the Grieving Woman
Date: August 6
Place: Train to Sulmona
Dear Diary,
Today was one of the most emotional days of my life. As I sat in the train, surrounded by strangers, my heart was weighed down with grief. My only son is at the frontlines. I don’t know if I will ever see him again.
At first, I felt alone in my sorrow. Then I heard other passengers talk. One man said he had lost his son in the war. But what shocked me was how calmly — even proudly — he spoke about it. He said we shouldn’t grieve; instead, we should feel honoured that our children fight for their country.
His words confused me. Should I really not cry for my son? Should I be proud instead? But my heart couldn’t stop hurting.
Finally, I gathered the courage to ask him, “Is your son really dead?”
That one question broke him. His pride crumbled. He wept like a child.
That moment showed me that pain unites us all, no matter how strong we pretend to be. Behind every smile hides a sorrow that words cannot erase.
With a heavy heart,
— A Mother
4. Narration – A Passenger Describes the Incident to His Children
Let me tell you what I saw on a train journey during the war — something I’ll never forget.
I was seated in a crowded train compartment, filled with people who had either just sent off their sons to the battlefield or were on their way to visit them. Emotions were heavy in the air. There was a woman who couldn’t stop crying. Her husband sat beside her, helpless and silent.
Then, a man — large and seemingly cheerful — started speaking. He said his son had died a month ago, but he was proud. He told us we should not cry, because our sons were dying for the country. His words were powerful, convincing even. We all sat quietly, thinking he had conquered grief.
But then, the quiet woman asked gently, “Is your son really dead?”
That single question shattered him.
The man who had seemed so brave broke down in tears. His proud words melted into sobs. In that moment, I saw the truth of war — not in battlefields, but in broken hearts. And I realised that even the strongest among us carry wounds we cannot see.
It was the most honest thing I had ever witnessed.
Let’s Perform – Reader’s Theatre Script: “War”
Characters:
- Narrator
- Grief-stricken Mother
- Stout Man (Father who lost son)
- Husband
- Other Passengers
Setting:
- Crowded train carriage at dawn
- Emotionally heavy atmosphere
Narration (Sample Start):
Narrator: The train had just stopped at Fabriano. In the smoky carriage, a woman in mourning and her pale husband sat silently. She was going to bid farewell to her only son…
Sample Dialogue:
Husband: Are you all right, dear?
Wife: (hiding her face) Don’t talk to me.
Passenger 1: You should be thankful. Your son is only now leaving. Mine was wounded twice!
Stout Man: Enough! Our children don’t belong to us. They belong to the country!
Woman: (after silence) Then… is your son really dead?
Stout Man: (trembles, then weeps uncontrollably)
[Add background music to enhance emotion during climax.]