Dos Passos, John 1896-1970 creator text utu 2008 monographic en 1 online resource : multiple file formats "One Man's Initiation—1917" by John Dos Passos is a novel written in the early 20th century. This work captures the experiences of young American soldiers during World War I, showcasing the contrasting emotions of excitement, fear, and existential contemplation as they navigate the chaotic landscape of the war. The primary character, Martin Howe, embarks on a journey across the Atlantic and into the trenches of France, facing the stark realities of war while grappling with the ideals and motivations that led him there. The opening of the story sets the stage on a bustling wharf, filled with anticipation as soldiers prepare to depart for battle. Martin Howe stands at the stern of a ship, reflecting on the gravity of his situation while engaging in lighthearted exchanges with fellow soldiers and conversations with women aboard. Amidst the lively atmosphere, a sense of dread looms as characters discuss the horrors of warfare and toxic gases that threaten their lives. The narrative swiftly transitions from carefree banter to moments of somber realization about the brutal nature of war, showcasing the spectrum of emotions experienced by those involved. Through vivid imagery and dialogues, Dos Passos introduces readers to Martin's internal struggles as he reconciles his youthful optimism with the harsh realities waiting for him on the European front. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Release date is 2008-01-07 Produced by V. L. Simpson, Sally Pursell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive) Original publication data not identified World War, 1914-1918 -- Fiction War stories PS Original publication data not identified https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/24202 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/24202 UtSlPG 260607 20260610133544.0 24202