Who said it?
"No one can ever say of me that I let down a pal"
Hawkins
The Title: Guests of the Nation
Irony
Most of the story’s action takes place inside this building, which belongs to an old woman and provides a temporary sense of comfort and routine for the characters.
The Cottage
This theme is displayed perfectly in Bonaparte's last line "And anything that happened to me afterwards, I never felt the same about again."
Psychological cost of war
and/or
Loss of innocence
Guests of the Nation is set during this war, fought between 1919 - 1921
The Irish War of Independence
"It would be great cruelty to put the wind to them now"
Noble
The card games
Metaphor
The execution takes place in this remote and symbolic location, described as soft, wet, and eerily quiet.
The Bog
This theme is embodied by the old woman, who witnesses the consequences of war without participating in it.
The impact of war on civilians/not participants
This was the dominant religion of the Irish, including Bonaparte and Noble.
Catholicism
"...now he knows about as much about it as they'll ever let him know, and last night he was all in the dark"
Belcher
Hawkin's view on religion vs Noble's view on religion
Juxtaposition
Bonus Points: What's the other/bigger thematic use of juxtaposition throughout the story?
This indoor location becomes a symbol of temporary peace and routine, where the men play cards and drink tea by the fire.
The Kitchen
This theme is shown when the Irish soldiers are ordered to execute men they consider friends.
Duty vs. Morality
This was the dominant religion of the British during this period, though not Hawkins, who's claims come off as anti-religious
Protestant
also accepted answer:
Anglican (form of protestantism)
"What use are those fellows to us?"
Bonaparte
Foreshadowing
This general area, once familiar and almost home-like, becomes symbolic of betrayal and emotional ruin after the killing.
The Countryside
When Noble refuses to pray and Hawkins mocks faith, the story raises questions about personal beliefs and this classic theme.
Identity
Was the King of England during the period Guests of the Nation is set
King George V
"I never said I had anything against you. But why did your people take our four of our prisoners and shoot them in cold blood?"
Jeremiah Donovan
Sense of Duty vs Friendship with the "guests"
Paradox
This unseen location/entity is referenced as the place where the execution order came from, representing blind authority and distant command.
"headquarters"
Though the men receive clear orders, the story leaves readers questioning whether their actions align with this philosophical theme.
Right vs. Wrong
And/or
Justice
Ireland (lol)