The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

by

Ann Shaffer

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The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society: Part 1: 14 May, 1946 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Isola tells Juliet that she's getting the house ready for Juliet's arrival and has told all her friends to write about their experiences. Then, Isola recounts seeing the invading Germans for the first time. Elizabeth was with Isola and she suggested they go stare at the Germans. When they got down to St. Peter Port, they found the Germans shopping. Many were acting like tourists. Then, a regiment of marching soldiers turned onto the street. A man who'd fought in World War One cried and after a few minutes, Elizabeth suggested they get a drink.
The juxtaposition of the shopping Germans with the marching ones reinforces that not all Germans act a particular way: like the islanders, they hold differing thoughts and ideals regardless of their participation in the German army. The marching Germans, however, impressed upon the islanders that their cruelty was going to rule, not their kindness.
Themes
War, Hunger, and Humanity Theme Icon