Chapter 1
The first chapter of Testament of Youth sets the stage for the narrative by introducing readers to the main character, Vera Brittain, and her life before the start of World War I. This chapter shows how Vera is deeply devoted to the church and is determined to pursue higher education at Oxford despite the opposition she faces from her family. Vera’s academic aspirations also conflict with her belief that marriage and having children is a woman’s main role in life. This chapter paints a vivid picture of the life of an upper-middle-class young woman in the early twentieth century, and hints at the heartbreaks that she will endure in the years ahead. An example of this is when Vera's brother, Edward, has to leave to go to war. Vera can feel Edward's impending departure just through the dinner conversation. His mother ends up bringing up the subject of war and while Vera gives her mother a heavy feelings as she becomes scared and crying. This example foreshadows the events to come and emphasizes the overwhelming emotion in Vera's life as the war draws closer.
Chapter 2
The second chapter of Testament of Youth focuses on Vera’s experiences at Oxford, where she meets many inspiring and influential individuals. This chapter shows Vera gradually becoming more independent in her thinking and growing into her own beliefs. This is demonstrated through her “Woman’s Parade,” which served as a protest to the gender-biased curriculum at Oxford. It also highlights her notable friendships with Winifred Holtby and Gilbert Cannan. Vera talks about her struggles of fitting in and how this situation taught her to make her own decisions and voice her opinions without fear. An example of this is when Vera goes to the suffragette march and is surrounded by compassionate and motivated women. She feels liberated from the opinions of her family or school; it is in this moment of being surrounded by supporters that Vera finds her true passion for equal rights and freedom.
Chapter 3
In chapter three of Testament of Youth, Vera reflects on the events leading up to and immediately following the outbreak of war. This is a difficult time for her and her loved ones as the reality of war begins to set in and affect her family. Vera is suddenly forced to confront her newfound independence as she realizes the significance of the war as a seismic shift in the lives of those around her. An example of this is when Vera is working in a hospital, where she meets men and women who have all been affected by the war in different ways. She sees the impact of the war firsthand and is made painfully aware of the tragedy of war. Vera also confronts her feelings of survivor guilt and the daunting prospect of caring for the soldiers who have been injured and left scarred by the war. This experience reinforces and helps her to focus her efforts towards peacemaking.
Chapter 4
The fourth chapter of Testament of Youth focuses on Vera’s struggle to come to terms with the way the war has changed her life and the lives of everyone she knows. This chapter highlights the personal cost of war by showing the effect it has on Vera’s relationships with her family and friends. In this chapter, we also see Vera reflecting on the magnitude of her loss and the pain that it causes her. An example of this is when Vera visits her brother’s grave and realizes the magnitude of her, and other’s sacrifices for the future of the country. This allows Vera to gain a sense of understanding about the consequences of the war and acceptance of her own losses. This chapter shows how Vera can move on and continue to fight for her beliefs despite the losses she has experienced.
