e instincts perpetuate the life of the individual and the life of the species. But after calming down, Baumer realizes what he has just done-he has killed a man, not some abstract enemy.
             He then becomes sympathetic to this enemy soldier. Looking through the man's papers, Baumer vows not to forget the name: Gerard Duval, printer. Guilt and horror overcome him as he bandages the dying man. Baumer says that he would have shot Duval to end his suffering groans had he not lost his revolver. After Duval finally dies, Baumer asks the dead soldier to forgive him. If he had known that Duval had a family and was a man in every way like Baumer himself, he would not have struck him, he says. Baumer identifies with Duval as a soldier having the same fears and agonies about death and the senselessness of the war. He sees beyond the armed Duval in his uniform to see the sorrow of Duval's family. He promises to write to Duval's wife and to assume the responsibility of providing for his family.
             ...