Put Out More Flags by Evelyn Waugh. Summary of the book.

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Put Out More Flags by Evelyn Waugh

Overview

Put Out More Flags is a 1942 novel by Evelyn Waugh, a famous English novelist. It tells the story of Basil Seal, a British aristocrat, and his misadventures as he navigates through the chaos of the Second World War. Throughout the book, Waugh satirizes the absurdities of war and the British class system. The novel is considered to be one of Waugh’s best works, and it has been adapted for television and film.

Plot Summary

Basil Seal is a British aristocrat who has little interest in the war and views it as a distraction from his life of leisure. He is drafted into the army and assigned to a regiment that is full of officers who are much older than he is. Despite his age, Basil quickly rises through the ranks, eventually becoming a major. As he struggles to deal with the bureaucracy and the realities of war, he makes a series of blunders that lead to his eventual dismissal from the army.

At the same time, Basil is also struggling with his own personal issues. He is in love with a young woman, but is unable to commit to her because of his family’s disapproval. He also falls in with a group of wastrels and con men, and is constantly in search of ways to make money. As the war drags on, Basil finds himself in increasingly dire straits, and he is forced to make a decision about his future.

Themes

Put Out More Flags is a satirical look at the absurdity of war and the British class system. Waugh paints a vivid picture of the chaos and confusion of war, while also poking fun at the rigid class structure of the British upper classes. He also explores the idea of loyalty and duty, as Basil is forced to decide between following his conscience or obeying the demands of his superiors.

The novel also touches upon the idea of patriotism and heroism, as Basil finds himself torn between his own desires and the demands of his country. Ultimately, Basil is forced to make a decision about what is truly important to him, and whether he is willing to sacrifice his own comfort for the greater good.

Interesting Facts

  • The title: The title of the novel is a reference to the British tradition of putting out flags in times of celebration. It is also a call to arms for citizens to show their support for the war effort.
  • Adaptations: Put Out More Flags has been adapted for both television and film. The most recent adaptation was a television series released in 2015.
  • Awards: Put Out More Flags was the recipient of the James Tait Black Memorial Prize in 1943.
  • Influences: Waugh’s novel was heavily influenced by his own experiences during World War II. He wrote the novel while stationed in Yugoslavia, and many of the characters in the novel are based on people he had met during his time there.

FAQs

  • Who wrote Put Out More Flags?
    Put Out More Flags was written by Evelyn Waugh, an English novelist.
  • What is Put Out More Flags about?
    Put Out More Flags is a satirical look at the absurdities of war and the British class system. The novel follows the misadventures of Basil Seal, a British aristocrat, as he struggles to navigate the chaos of the Second World War.
  • What awards did Put Out More Flags win?
    Put Out More Flags won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize in 1943.
  • Has Put Out More Flags been adapted for television or film?
    Yes, Put Out More Flags has been adapted for both television and film. The most recent adaptation was a television series released in 2015.

Put Out More Flags is a classic novel by Evelyn Waugh that has stood the test of time. It is a satirical look at the absurdity of war and the British class system, and it explores themes of patriotism, loyalty, and heroism. The novel has been adapted for television and film, and it won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize in 1943. Put Out More Flags is an entertaining and thought-provoking read, and it is sure to delight any reader.

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