A Rumor of War

A Rumor of War

by

Philip Caputo

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Howitzer Term Analysis

A piece of artillery that is notable for having a barrel, which can sometimes be quite long, that is used to launch projectiles. The howitzer is fired by pulling a lanyard, or a cord. A large howitzer can fire as many as five rounds per minute. It might also have a panoramic telescope to help soldiers sight an enemy target and a fire control quadrant to measure elevation. The cannon is used for long-range targets and is generally lowered when the enemy is close.
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Howitzer Term Timeline in A Rumor of War

The timeline below shows where the term Howitzer appears in A Rumor of War. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter Nine
Heroism and Identity Theme Icon
Loyalty and Camaraderie Theme Icon
Danger and Uncertainty Theme Icon
...Corporal Kazmarack. It is a rainy day. Caputo flinches from the sound of an eight-inch howitzer firing a round. Though Caputo knows that the sound is outgoing, the noise is remarkable.... (full context)
Chapter Ten
Heroism and Identity Theme Icon
The Morality of War Theme Icon
Loyalty and Camaraderie Theme Icon
Danger and Uncertainty Theme Icon
War and Disillusionment Theme Icon
...that night and knows that he will not get much sleep after midnight, with the howitzers booming all night. (full context)
Chapter Eleven
Heroism and Identity Theme Icon
Loyalty and Camaraderie Theme Icon
...base. The counterattack is getting under way. Caputo feels slight excitement when he sees the howitzers, “bouncing on their carriages behind the speeding trucks.” A column of white flame from burning... (full context)