In "Rilla of Ingleside" by L.M. Montgomery, a character named Walter expresses a profound concern about the impact of war on everyone in Canada. He foresees that the conflict will deeply affect every individual—man, woman, and child. He speaks with intensity, suggesting that the emotional toll will be so severe that people will mourn deeply, feeling the pain in a visceral way.

Walter metaphorically refers to the war as a dance of death that will last for years, indicating the protracted suffering and loss it will bring. He emphasizes the inevitability of heartbreak, suggesting that many will endure profound grief as a result of the ongoing violence and turmoil. This poignant reflection captures the harsh realities of war and its far-reaching consequences on society.