When Henry and the regiment return to their lines after their charge, and after repelling the enemy's counterattack, they are greeted with derision by a waiting regiment. Henry's reaction is one of anger. The reader has seen Henry's anger approach the level of hate on other occasions in recent encounters with the enemy. Now Henry feels hate even for his fellow troops. He is an anger machine which could boil into hate for anything or anyone who challenges his courage or the courage of his regiment. This is quite a change from the fearful, doubting Henry whom the reader saw earlier in the book.
At the same time, Henry is also characterized as a realistic soldier. When he reviews the actions of his regiment in terms of the territory covered in the charge, he realizes that the distances covered "were trivial and ridiculous." He considers that perhaps the criticism of his regiment by the other regiment is justified. When he sees his disheveled regiment "gulping at their canteens," he feels disgust for their weakness because he thinks of his own behavior and performance during the charge and is quite pleased.
Thematically, this chapter continues to focus on duty and confidence. Henry knows that he has performed well. His commanding officer has praised him as a "jimhickey" soldier. He is initially angered by the criticism of the other regiment, but, on reflection, he can see their point. This shows maturity and confidence in his ability. As Henry's confidence grows, and as he learns the concept of duty, he is becoming an outstanding soldier.
