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Dolly Dunne
Major Stokes is a British officer in the British Army. He treats Irish soldiers with disdain and contempt, and he insults Willie callously. As the chairman of the court-martial, Major Stokes orders Jesse Kirwan’s execution in August 1916. As the war progresses, the death toll of soldiers weighs more heavily on Major Stokes, and he hangs himself in the fall of 1918.
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Major Stokes Character Timeline in A Long Long Way
The timeline below shows where the character Major Stokes appears in A Long Long Way. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 9
...captain is. Willie first says Captain Pasley but then corrects himself. One of the officers, Major Stokes , reads Captain Sheridan’s message and insults the Irish soldiers for not being able to...
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The three officers receive word that 800 out of 1,200 men died in the attack. Major Stokes despairs at this news. He tells Willie that he’ll send rations of stew and rum...
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Chapter 12
...that the rebels in Dublin are being executed. Yet the corporal also expresses dislike of Major Stokes —who he says wouldn’t hesitate to shoot any Irishman—and calls Jesse a “nice lad.”
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Chapter 13
...in August. Father Buckley speaks on Jesse’s behalf, but Willie is not allowed to attend. Major Stokes , the chairman of the court-martial, rules that the military must uphold duty and discipline...
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Chapter 15
...Irish play called “The Rising of the Moon.” A line officer plays the Policeman, while Major Stokes plays the Rebel. Despite all belonging to the King of England’s army, the men in...
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Chapter 18
After the attack, Major Stokes visits the soldiers in the trenches near Langemarck. He approaches Willie in particular to make...
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Chapter 23
After the summer of 1918, Major Stokes hangs himself in a barn. He leaves behind a note to his wife apologizing for...
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