The War Prayer

Nationalism implies a devotion to one’s country that ignores the ramifications for other countries. “The War Prayer” depicts nationalism as a storm that leaves only ruin in its wake. The narrator refers to a “fluttering wilderness of flags” and “cyclones of applause” (Paragraph 1). The citizens are caught up in this storm. In this frenzy, they lose their ability to think rationally and their sense of self. Only by standing outside the storm, as the story grants readers the chance to do, can one see things clearly and objectively. The story allows readers to witness the folly that comes when nationalism is taken to an extreme.

As important as what Twain writes is what he does not. There is little characterization. The churchgoers are referred to in terms of the groups to which they belong. There is also little dialogue. The narrator mentions “the half dozen rash spirits that ventured to disapprove of the war” (Paragraph 1) but does not record what they say. Their words are ignored by the narrator just as they are by their fellow citizens. The only recorded words of the churchgoers are those of the war-centric invocation, uttered in unison, underscoring their lack of individuality.