ould use expressions such as that we were not mutineers, deserters, nor were we cowards and that was why we had to enlist in the services. 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(P.17). He felt that the expressions used by that society did not reflect the reality of war and of ones participation in it. On leave one time, Baumer returned home to visit his family. As he arrived home, it became very apparent that he had communication problems with the members of the home front. He saw the reason being that their military experiences were limited or non-existent and they just would not understand what he has gone through. When he went to his house, he was completely overwhelmed with joy and happiness that he could not even speak, he could only cry. His parents were very distant towards him. There was an uncomfortable feeling in the house and not much was said. At one point his mother asked, Was it very bad out there? when he answers, he lies to her. His answer is no its not so very bad, there are usually a lot of us together so it is not so bad. Baumer realizes that describing the horror that he lives with would only worry his mother and cause her more grief than is necessary, any way she would not understand the situation even if he did truthfully answer the question. Even in trying to use words to protect his mother, Baumer creates a separation between the two of them. The communication break down is just as bad between him and his father. His father pushes him to discuss the war and what has happened to him out of curiosity but does not realize the pain that this causes for his son. Again Baumer realizes that the truth would hurt and only enlarge the communication gap between the two if he tells him the truth, so Baumer lies again. There is nothing that his father enjoys more than hearing about the fight. H...
