Testament of Youth

Though the newspapers are reporting grim news from Europe, Brittain cannot take the information seriously until Edward appears at home, having arrived from Uppingham in his Officer Training Corps (O.T.C.) uniform. Buxton is suddenly in upheaval as various frightening rumors about Germans and Russians travel throughout the town and anxiety foments. Edward spends an evening with his friend Maurice, during which the two young men discuss enlisting, responding to the “suggestions put forward with such authoritarian impressiveness by the Headmaster of Uppingham and the O.T.C. organizers” (80). Edward receives letters from Roland, revealing Roland’s determination to get a commission, and the Brittain family descends into despair over Edward’s inevitable decision to go to war.

In Buxton, “the ladies of the Buxton élite” (81) seek to organize war efforts as fall of 1914 approaches. These efforts inspire annoyance in Brittain, but she decides to attend first aid classes. She receives word from Roland that his poor eyesight may mean that he will not be able to go to war and that he will attend Oxford. Brittain’s reaction to this news is mixed; she is happy that he will be safe and near her, but skeptical regarding a potential romantic relationship with Roland.