Section 5 Summary

This section begins with the sentence, "There was quite a commotion."

Bardamu is taken to a hospital for soldiers who have psychological problems, or in his words, for men with "sick or impaired patriotism." The war and its "idealistic absurdities hemmed in by insane, bellicose platitudes" have driven many to respond with insanities of every order. The hospital staff suspects the patients of faking their problems and so they constantly scrutinize the men's behavior. Even the concierge, popular for her sexual generosity, is known for snitching to the authorities. From this hospital, the men are usually sent back to the front, shot for treason, or put in a real insane asylum.

Lola visits Bardamu to ask if he has gone mad and whether they will cure him. Bardamu responds that there is no cure for fear, causing her to lose all respect for...