In the novel Regeneration, there is a strong focus on the relationships presented between the men, with Barker emphasizing the idea of ​​ambiguity between conflicting feelings ( or coexisting) of companionship and romance. In this way, there is a fine line between “the right kind of love” and something less platonic. Barker's exploration of these competing perspectives allows Regeneration to comment on attitudes toward homosexuality that prevailed around the time of World War I and to contrast these attitudes with more modern, politically progressive responses to relationships. homosexuals. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayBarker emphasizes the idea of ​​camaraderie in terms of hero worship in particular, referring to the relationship that Sassoon spoke with the other soldiers on the front line. Graves states that “men love him…And he loves them. being separated from them would kill him” – referring to the forced separation that occurred due to Sassoon’s statement. With this quote we get an idea of ​​the camaraderie that exists between the men and the mutual respect and care that also seems to be a fundamental aspect of their relationships. As Sassoon was known for his courage, nicknamed "Mad Jack", he is revered by men who admire the sacrifices he is willing to make. Although this is ironic because, in reality, Sassoon's reckless actions were an attempt to get himself killed, showing how the definition of "hero" has become synonymous with suicide. While in any other context this might be seen as cowardly, his behavior is hailed as death would have been in the name of the country. Just as the young soldiers admire Sassoon, he too “loves” them, suggesting a genuine aspect of their friendship. Additionally, it is implied that Sassoon acts as a father figure towards the men, in that he wishes to be close to them, much like a parental figure. While Rivers is often adopted as a father figure, Sassoon, in his role as a general, also plays the role and cares for the younger men, showcasing their youth and innocence. Although being separated from the men, and therefore from the war zone, is actually what keeps Sassoon safe and alive, Graves argues that it is being separated from them that keeps him actually “kills”. This shows the co-dependence the men had on each other, acting as lifelines for each other during battle. Overall, this relates to the idea of ​​trust and loyalty between men during war. Camaraderie is also shown between Rivers and Sassoon, their relationship going beyond just patient and doctor. This is seen when they discuss Sassoon's return to the front line, as River says "you know I will continue to do everything I can for you." This implies that Rivers acts as a parental figure by doing his best to ensure that Sassoon gets what he needs, while also bringing up the idea of ​​protection. This is similar to how Graves puts his reputation on the line to help Sassoon after his statement, with both men pledging to do everything they can to protect Sassoon. The use of “you know” suggests that there is a mutual understanding between the two, linked to the idea of ​​trust. In addition to this, Sassoon's earlier reference to the officers as "them", while he and Rivers are "us", also shows this, in the way she creates the idea of ​​camps; He and River are on the same side, loyal to each other. The fact that Sassoon's enemy is no longer theGermans, but people of his own nationality, shows his attitude towards those in authority and the idea that the real enemy is internal. In contrast, he and Rivers have a strong bond, emphasizing the idea of ​​camaraderie, even outside of the trenches. However, Barker seems to make an active effort to connect the idea of ​​homosexuality with platonic relationships, essentially referring to the lack of acceptance of romantic love between men. An example of this is shown when Sassoon says "That...that abominable thing must have been there the whole time and he didn't see it", in reference to Grave's negative reaction to his friend's homosexuality . The word “abominable” is harsh, but represents the common opinion of people of the time. At the time, it was illegal to be gay and love between men was only seen as acceptable if it was strictly platonic. In contrast, a modern reader would be more accepting of the idea of ​​homosexuality, which is why Sassoon's phrasing is uncomfortable to hear, despite the fact that it was a common sentiment expressed during times of war. Interestingly, World War I and modern attitudes toward homosexuality and war have essentially changed over time. Most people today would view war as a negative thing, whereas during World War I, patriotism ensured strong support for the war effort. Even more so, the idea of ​​a change in attitude towards sexuality and the idea that same-sex love is now acceptable, whether platonic or not, whereas before he wasn't. Barker perhaps creates this dramatic contrast between the past and present in order to criticize the attitudes that perpetuated society previously. This modern perspective - that homosexuality is acceptable - is the one put forward by Sassoon, in dramatic contradiction to the views of the time, as Rivers' scathing, or perhaps realistic, reaction shows. Sassoon says, "I thought things were getting better," showing that, in his view, love between men was becoming more widely accepted. On the other hand, Rivers says: “It’s time for you to grow up. I started living in the real world. The age difference between the two is made evident by this exchange, with Sassoon coming across as more ignorant of reality, as well as the consequences that could arise if he stopped "toeing the line." Rivers also seems to view the idea of ​​accepting homosexuality as unrealistic by saying "grow up," as if the wish to live openly is nothing more than an unattainable pipe dream that will never come true. At the time the novel was written, the age of consent had recently been lowered from 21 to 16 for homosexuals in the United Kingdom, demonstrating that same-sex relationships were considered more equal than heterosexual relationships. Barker may have included Rivers' cynicism as a contrast to the progress that had been made, thus creating the idea of ​​hope, even though the future may seem bleak. It's an idea that could extend to war, with many people believing that the horrible losses of war would lead to a better future in the long term. Although not completely free of discrimination, the current situation of gay men and women is a step closer to the idyllic society that Sassoon aspires to and that Rivers does not let himself believe. due to the fact that the word "homosexuality" is not mentioned throughout the novel, representing the stigma behind the word at a time when the word and sexuality were seen as something dirty. The ambiguous reference to "this kind of love", although it,.