How are class distinctions represented in the novel Regeneration?

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Douglas Metcalfe – Regeneration

How are class distinctions represented in the novel regeneration?

Pat Barker's novel Regeneration explores the effects of World War 1 in both the physical and the emotional aspects. One area that Barker particularly focuses on is class distinctions in the British military. This issue of class distinction is addressed specifically on pages 66 and 67 of the novel through a conversation between Billy Prior and Dr. Rivers. The characters' discussion emphasizes the inequality and injustice of these class distinctions and the harm they produce on the war as a whole and on the men.

Class distinctions and the Class structure was very clear within the military. The Army "structured itself around class" and "in many ways . . . recreated the British class system in miniature: aristocratic generals, middle-class officers, and a working class rank and file" This structure reinforced on the war front the class distinctions of the home front, and the "long-standing prejudices of the British class system ensured that enlisted men were treated almost like children." Some soldiers played the role of servant and waited on officers of high class who enjoyed luxuries unheard of to those existing in the grime of the trenches.

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In spite of the large gaps between fellow fighting men as a result of cross over social practices and of class structure within the ranks, the progression of the war caused some class boundaries to begin blurring as a need for more officers arose. The Army's initial officer class of 15, 000 men was expanded with the addition of 235, 000 individuals over the course of the war. The either permanent or temporary commissioning of these individuals gave them the title of "temporary gentlemen".

This label of "temporary gentleman" applies to Prior in Barker's story, given his ...

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