Summary

In Chapter 51’s third person narration, Leyla asks Rustem Bey why he seems so unhappy. Rustem explains he has bad a feeling about this new war. He tells Leyla that he believes, “If a war can be holy, then God cannot” (269). Rustem warns Leyla he may die even though he is not fighting, as bandits will likely make their way into the town.

In Chapter 52 the narrator observes Polyxeni as she visits Nermin, Karatavuk’s mother. Nermin says Karatavuk told her he would write letters to her, but she cannot read. Polyxeni gives Nermin some olives, and tells her that if she eats one every day, Karatavuk will safely return to her.

In Chapter 53, the narrator explains that because Armenians are forced to fight for the Ottoman Empire, they resist. Thus, for their intolerance, Armenians are removed from their homes to areas...