Armistice Runner - Session 11 - Reading Comprehension answers

In chapters 22 and 23 of 'The Armistice Runner', Ernest runs to the village seeking refuge from relentless shelling. The village has suffered greatly, evident in the extensive damage caused by both the shelling and the soldiers' actions, as well as the toll of a four-year war. The villagers, appearing as vagrants with their dirty and tattered clothing, have been left to find shelter amidst the ruins. Ernest is embraced by a French man, a gesture of relief upon hearing that the war has ended. Tensions rise as the villagers, driven by a desire for revenge for the numerous lives lost—including three buried within the village—seek to kill a German soldier. Ernest intervenes, deciding to arrest the soldier to prevent the villagers from committing a vengeful act that would leave them with a burden of guilt. To convince a French woman to release the soldier, Ernest claims the man's importance to his own mother.

The chapters highlight the immediate aftermath of conflict, where the lines between justice and revenge blur, and the human cost of war is painfully visible. Ernest's actions reflect a deep understanding of the consequences of violence, not just physically but also psychologically, as he strives to prevent further suffering. Through these poignant scenes, the narrative explores themes of humanity, compassion, and the complex emotions that surface when wars come to an end.