Educational Notes

a. Why do the two soldiers spend their free time on Sundays away from the barrack out in the countryside?

Ans: The two soldiers, Luc and Jean, spend their Sundays in the countryside to escape the monotony of military life and to recall the peace of home. The green fields and cows remind them of their rural childhood and provide emotional comfort.

b. Why does the girl become the topic of conversation for these soldiers?

Ans: The girl becomes the focus of their conversation because she represents warmth, femininity, and a connection to normal civilian life. Both soldiers are attracted to her, and her presence becomes central to their Sunday visits and emotional connection.

c. Why does deception enter into their friendship?

Ans: Deception enters their friendship when Luc secretly starts visiting the girl without telling Jean. His actions show jealousy and possessiveness, breaking the innocent trust between the two friends.

d. Do you think that Luc is a betrayer of friendship?

Ans: Yes, Luc betrays the trust and innocence of their friendship by hiding his relationship with the girl. Instead of being honest with Jean, he deceives him and disregards Jean’s feelings, which leads to tragic consequences.

e. What is the cause of suicide of Jean? Do you think that it was the only release of his love?

Ans: Jean’s suicide is caused by emotional heartbreak and betrayal when he realizes Luc has taken the girl for himself. He feels lost, alone, and unable to express or overcome his grief. While suicide was not the only option, in his emotional despair, it felt like the only release for his pain.

a. What is the central theme of the story?

Ans: The central theme of the story is the tragic conflict between love and friendship. It explores how innocent companionship can be destroyed by jealousy and betrayal, leading to emotional isolation and tragedy.

b. "What are you doing here? Are you watching the grass grow?"

i. Who is the speaker?
Ans: The speaker is Luc.

ii. What does the word “here” indicate?
Ans: “Here” refers to the grassy field near the countryside where the two soldiers regularly visit.

iii. Who does “you” refer to?
Ans: “You” refers to Jean, who is sitting alone in sadness and silence.

c. "He leaned–he–he was leaning–so far over–that his head carried him away–and–he–fell–he fell—-"

i. Who is the speaker?
Ans: Luc is the speaker.

ii. Why is the speaker speaking with interruption?
Ans: The speaker is shocked, emotional, and trying to cover up Jean’s suicide. The interruptions show his guilt, nervousness, and attempt to explain the incident as an accident.

iii. What does he mean when he says “he–fell–he fell—”?
Ans: Luc is trying to convince others (and maybe himself) that Jean’s death was an accident, though it was actually suicide caused by Luc’s betrayal.

d. Two Little Soldiers can be viewed as a series of dramatic scenes. Describe the story as tragedy.

Ans: The story unfolds as a tragic drama where two innocent friends are drawn into a love triangle. The slow betrayal, hidden jealousy, and the final act of suicide make the story deeply emotional and tragic. It portrays how a small emotional betrayal can ruin strong friendships and lead to irreversible damage.

e. What is the setting and style of the story?

Ans: The story is set in a quiet countryside near a military barrack in France. The style is realistic and descriptive with emotional depth. Maupassant uses minimal dialogue and subtle emotions to develop tension, drama, and eventual tragedy.

f. How would you describe the conflict between the friends?

Ans: The conflict between Luc and Jean arises from hidden jealousy and romantic interest in the same girl. Luc’s deception and Jean’s emotional innocence create a deep divide. The lack of communication turns the conflict tragic, ending in Jean’s death.

a. Is it good to have conflict between friendship and love? Is it morally good that a person and his best friend can love the same person?

Ans: Conflict between friendship and love can destroy both. While it's possible for two friends to like the same person, it becomes morally difficult if honesty and respect are missing. True friendship requires open communication, and love should never come at the cost of betrayal.

b. How would you describe the triangular love?

Ans: Triangular love involves three people where two are in love with the same person. It often leads to jealousy, rivalry, and emotional pain. In “Two Little Soldiers,” the triangle leads to betrayal and tragedy, highlighting how such love without transparency can break even the strongest friendships.