The novel also deals with the unfairness of life the way things do not always turn out the way one hopes. Charlie’s love for his brother proves stronger than his love for country, leading to his execution, but the ever-present sense of duty is still there. Although Charlie is forced to join the military when the war starts, both brothers feel it is their duty to fight for their country. He goes before the firing squad singing his favorite childhood song.

The last chapters of the book are a countdown to the moment when Charlie will be executed at dawn. As a result, Charlie is condemned to execution as per the British army’s strict policy. When he will not do that, he is charged with cowardice and disobeying a direct order. Tommo is injured, and Charlie is ordered to leave him behind. They move to the front lines of battle where they face the horrors of war. Forced to head to Belgium to fight, he and Charlie encounter a sergeant with a terrible demeanor. Tommo remembers the events leading to the present moment. He was heartbroken when Charlie and Molly rushed into marriage at the local church before he and Charlie signed up to fight even though they were not old enough. Charlie had always looked out for Tommo, but Tommo felt left out as Charlie and Molly developed a secret relationship, which Tommo did not understand. As they grew up and the war spred across Europe, Charlie and Molly began seeing each other. Tommo is in love with Molly with whom he had fallen in love at first sight in school.

Michael morpurgo war