Summary

In chapter 52 Getmanov and Novikov are holding a meeting together in order to plan for moving their tank corps to the front lines. Getmanov and Novikov clash with one another as Getmanov’s decision making is politically motivated while Novikov’s is strategically motivated. In chapter 53, Novikov goes outside to watch his soldiers prepare their tanks and equipment for their move to the front. As he watches, Novikov becomes very optimistic that they will succeed in battle. Chapter 54 describes Krymov in Stalingrad as he experiences a feeling of euphoria and faith in the “triumph of good” (231).

In chapter 55, Krymov listens in on a meeting of snipers that takes place at Batyuk’s quarters. The snipers discuss their indiscriminate killings of Germans. Krymov wants to urge the snipers to be more selective in their targets, sparing those who may share similar class...