After the Dancing Days is set in post-World War I.
The fighting has finally stopped, so Americans can breathe a sigh of
relief. A treaty is still being
worked out, but Americans simply want their lives to return to normal.
An excited public welcomes
home the returning soldiers. The
soldiers that did not make it home are eulogized as gallant heroes.
It is ironic that the United States finds it easier to cope with the
soldiers that died than with those who actually return home.
The soldiers that return home are in great need of acceptance because
they are the most sick and wounded.