Chapter 9 Summary

Barcelona is a radically changed city. Within the past three months since Orwell's last visit, the city seems to have become hostile to the militia units and is decidedly non-revolutionary. Popular Army officers swagger about, receiving higher pay and nicer uniforms. The officers are all armed with pistols, which are virtually unobtainable at the front lines. Forced conscription is taking place, and war enthusiasm is flagging or completely absent. As the social revolution dwindles away, many people see no reason to continue the armed struggle. Propaganda channels enthuse about the Popular Army and denigrate the militias. Class and privilege have returned to Barcelona. The wealthy can get anything, but the poor are truly destitute; "A fat man eating quails while children are begging for bread is a disgusting sight" (p. 115). Orwell manages to procure a tiny, automatic pistol from the black market.

Rumors...