Dunstan is reborn during World War I. How does his first life affect his second life?

Ramsay steps back from his narrative to inform us as to the reason we are being treated to his life history. The year is now 1969, and he is writing to the headmaster of the Colbourne boy’s school he had taught at to protest the tributary send-off he was given upon his retirement. Ramsay takes insult to his portrayal in this article and the dismissal of his subject of ‘mythic history’, along with the lack of mention of his ten books. He writes to prove to the headmaster that he has in fact led a rich and full life, in his own way, which Dunstan describes as being ‘cast by Fate and my own character for the vital though never glorious role of Fifth Business!” THus Dustin's life affects him greatly. It shapes the person he had become and proceeds to unfold his story to us.