Question 2 In the following excerpt, the author explores
authority, such
the relationship between the older generation-those with
as teachers, parents, or government leaders-and
excerpt and then answer the questions.
the younger generation. Read the
For us lads of eighteen they ought to have been mediators and
guides to the world of maturity, the
world of work, of duty, of culture, of progress-to the future. We often made fun of them and played
jokes on them, but in our hearts we trusted them. The idea of
authority, which they represented, was
associated in our minds with a a greater insight and a more humane wisdom. But the first death we saw
shattered this belief. We had to recognise that our generation was more to be trusted than theirs. . ..
The first bombardment showed us our mistake, and under it the world as they had taught it to US
broke in pieces.
While they continued to write and talk, we saw the wounded and dying. While they taught that duty to
one's country is the greatest thing, we already knew that death-throes are stronger. But for all that we
were no mutineers, no deserters, no cowards--they were very free with all these expressions. We loved
our country as much as they; we went courageously into
every action; but also we distinguished the
false from true, we had suddenly learned to see. And we saw that there was nothing of their world left.
We were all at once terribly alone; and alone we must see it through.
Part A
ut the relationship between the generations.