In H.G. Wells' "The War of the Worlds," the artilleryman expresses a profound sentiment regarding the nature of conflict between humans and the Martians. He compares the situation to a disparity in scale, likening the human struggle to an unfathomable confrontation between man and ants. This perspective suggests that the Martian invasion is not truly a war in the traditional sense but rather a catastrophic encounter where humans are overwhelmed by a far superior force.

This statement reflects a theme of existentialism present in the novel, wherein human beings grapple with their place in the universe and confront the reality of their vulnerability against a more powerful adversary. Ultimately, the artilleryman's quote alludes to the futility of the struggle and highlights humanity's fragile position when faced with forces beyond their comprehension or control.