Chapter 6 Summary

Chapter Six returns to the daily journalistic narrative of Orwell's experiences as an infantry soldier. The front remains inactive and static for nearly two months, as Orwell continues nightly patrols. The Fascists keep up a very minor but continual shelling of the front lines. However, their artillery ammunition dates from 1917, and much of it does not explode. The Republicans frequently scavenge unexploded rounds, refurbish them, and fire them back at the Nationalists. Orwell and others engage in routine exploration of the so-called no-man's land between the opposing trenches. An ineffectual attack against the Fascists is finally conducted only to be quickly recalled. There are shortages of all supplies. Orwell's wife has moved to Barcelona, and she frequently mails him care packages. In late March, Orwell suffers from what he calls a "poisoned hand" (p. 77) and is sent to a rudimentary field hospital in...