Turkish Gambit Mesdames, Keep Well

¶ … Turkish Gambit Mesdames, keep well away from men when they are excited by battle, or even worse, by victory" (Akunin 173). This quote shows the effect war has on the fighters. It shows how it can change men into "barbarians" as the author calls them, or animals. It also shows why people like to fight wars. They enjoy the feeling of winning or conquering, and they enjoy celebrating victory with their friends. It also shows that all wars eventually end - someone wins and someone loses.

Someone has something to celebrate and someone else does not. The war's over! The truce envoys arrived from Constantinople today! By railway, just like in peacetime!" (Akunin 173). This quote embodies everything that the Russians were fighting for. They won the war and have power over the Turks. It also shows the negotiating and politics that take place after a war is over and someone has lost.

Now, the negotiators step in, and that is what all the fighting leads to - one side getting what they wanted while the other side loses something that was important to them. It shows the underside of war, which is all about power, politics, and negotiation, when many people think it is just about fighting and winning. However, war is more than fighting and winning. It is hardship, it is power, and it is about gaining opportunities by defeating others.

Oh it's ages since I had a ride in a train,' she sighed dreamily. 'Lie back on your soft seat, open a book, drink some hot tea'" (Akunin 173). This quote indicates how man people take common comforts for granted, and that all these things can change when there is a.