England looked strange to us returned soldiers. We could not understand the war-madness that ran wild everywhere, looking for a pseudo-military outlet. The civilians talked a foreign language. I found serious conversation with my parents all but impossible.

Robert Graves
About This Quote

This quote touches upon the cultural differences between the people in England during the time of World War I. During this time, England was regarded as a civilized nation. However, the way in which the war was fought by England made them seem like they were insane. The civilians in England were not in support of what was happening in the war, but instead choosing to talk about other things.

They did not want to be directly involved with it and, when that was impossible, tried to ignore it. This quote shows how the English were struggling with their culture and beliefs during this time.

Source: Goodbye To All That

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