Final answer:
The phrase 'the iron of war had entered into their souls' symbolizes the deep, psychological impact of war. The language in 'Chickamauga' changes from glorifying war to confronting its harsh realities, showing the disillusionment with the romanticized idea of it.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding War and its Influence
When the author writes 'the iron of war had entered into their souls,' they are using a metaphor to suggest that the effects of war were impacting the townspeople deeply and fundamentally, much like iron being a strong and pervasive material. This imagery conveys how war invades and occupies the psyche, leaving a lasting imprint. In contrast to the literal interpretation of consuming heavy metals, this phrase figuratively represents the invasion of war's influence into their being.
Regarding the warrior-fire mentioned in 'Chickamauga', there is a shift in language from glorifying war to indicating its brutal realities. The terms reflect a sense of heroism and adventure at the beginning, which later transitions to a more somber understanding of war's grim consequences. The initial phrases like 'adventure,' 'memorable feats,' and 'intrepid victor' give way to imagery and vocabulary that highlight destruction and disillusionment, emphasizing the stark contrast between the romanticized vision of war and its violent truth.