The soldier is described as being emotionally detached, which reflects his experiences in the chaos of war. Having faced severe trauma and heartbreak, this detachment becomes a protective mechanism. Often, the soldier may not even realize the extent of his emotional wounds due to the overwhelming nature of his experiences. This state of being allows him to endure the horrors of battle, but it comes at the cost of his emotional well-being.

In "A Soldier of the Great War," Mark Helprin captures this essence of soldiers who have weathered the storm of conflict. Their hearts may be shattered, yet they carry on, embodying the struggles and sacrifices made during wartime. This poignant insight highlights the often-hidden scars of soldiers, emphasizing the profound impact of their experiences on their psyche and the complexities of their emotional states.