With the devastation currently taking place in Ukraine, we have decided to feature a story highlighting the misery of innocent victims of war. Roald Dahl’s short stories are known for their dark comedy and unexpected endings. There is nothing funny about this story. However, he does manage an unexpected twist that emphasizes the overall theme reflected in the title: In war, things can go from “beautiful” to your worst nightmare overnight. Other themes: (for civilians) indiscriminate bombing, senseless death and destruction, psychological trauma, anger, revenge; (for combatants) collateral damage, personal survival.
It is important to note that the title refers to the British aviator as much as the old man’s family. The sudden understanding that comes when he recognizes the old man and turns to speak to the old woman says it all. Yesterday was “beautiful”; he was safely doing his job across the water or high up in the clouds. Today, he is injured in enemy territory with no way to return to the mainland. Moreover, according to the old lady, perhaps they (the “Germanoi”) will turn up tomorrow.
Additionally, it should be recognized that this is not an “anti-German” war story. The allied air forces also resorted to indiscriminate (carpet) bombing of German cities towards the end of the war, and the United States leveled Hiroshima and Nagasaki, killing around 150,000 civilians, to end the Japanese conflict. In this, they were just as culpable as the planes bombing the village in the story.
Original Text / PDF / Audio (1,700 words)