Summary
In an era of profound global upheaval, *The Common Cause* masterfully dissects the delicate fissures within the Palmer marriage, a domestic landscape already fractured by Helene's burgeoning infatuation with the charismatic Edward Wadsworth. This simmering personal crisis finds an unlikely, yet ultimately redemptive, crucible in the brutal theater of World War I. As Orrin and Edward are swept into the martial current, and Helene dedicates herself to the harrowing work of a Red Cross nurse in a beleaguered French village, their individual trajectories become inextricably linked to the larger human struggle. A perilous reconnaissance mission sees Edward gravely wounded, his very survival dependent on Orrin's selfless act of rescue, a moment of stark camaraderie that transcends their romantic rivalry. The subsequent nocturnal invasion, a terrifying descent into chaos, further solidifies this bond, as Orrin valiantly shields Helene from an encroaching German officer. It is, however, the dying Edward, his spirit forged anew by the crucible of conflict and sacrifice, who articulates the profound moral lesson, imploring the estranged couple to rediscover their shared foundation. His final, poignant testament to the power of unity, delivered just as the world itself exhales a sigh of peace, serves as the ultimate catalyst for their reconciliation, transforming a tale of personal betrayal into a resonant ode to collective resilience and renewed purpose.
Synopsis
Helene Palmer and her husband Orrin have grown apart, and she becomes infatuated with bachelor Edward Wadsworth. With the outbreak of World War I, Orrin and Edward enlist, while Helene works as a Red Cross nurse in a small French town. Edward is wounded on a dangerous scouting mission near the town and Orrin carries him to safety. The enemy invades during the night, and Orrin rescues Helene as she is about to be overpowered by a German officer. The dying Edward, morally strengthened by his experience as a soldier, encourages the couple to reunite. Soon after, peace is declared.
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