The War Prayer

Twain writes about “a fluttering wilderness of flags flash[ing] in the sun” and “pastors preaching devotion to flag and country” (Paragraph 1). The repeated motif of flags accentuates the story’s themes concerning nationalism. The image of a “wilderness of flags” suggests the country is lost in a wilderness of nationalism. The flag is an ever-present object, looming over the citizens. The continual references show how inescapable and prevalent jingoistic patriotism is in the lives of the citizens. Soldiers will go to battle “to win for the flag” (Paragraph 2), willing to die and kill for their country. The flag also connects to the story’s theme of religious hypocrisy as it becomes an object of worship. The flag becomes a false idol in the context of a Christian church.

Twain uses the motif of fire to describe the patriotism and passion of the country as the people prepare for war, writing, “in every breast burned the holy fire of patriotism” (Paragraph 1). This passion is ultimately corrosive, connecting to the story’s themes of the Consequences of Nationalism and Corruption in Organized Religion. Another reference to fire emphasizes this point.