Dramatic significance of the Chocolate Cream Soldier episode
Chocolate Cream Soldier is Bluntschli in the play and this nickname is used for Bluntschli by Raina. In the whole play, Raina uses the nickname Bulgarian soldier. He is exhausted and hungry. He tells Raina that he always carries chocolates to the front, instead of a cartridge and that as he is starving he would like to have some at the time, Raina gives him some chocolates and nicknames him 'Chocolate Cream Soldier'.
In Act II, Bluntschli comes back to return the coat of Major Petkoff in which he was sent away disguised. As soon as Raina sees him she impulsively exclaims, 'Oh! my Chocolate Cream Soldier'. Further in Act III, the photograph of Raina episode occurs.
Raina has put her photograph in Bluntschli's pocket with the inscription 'From Raina, to the Chocolate Cream soldier, a Souvenir' on it in Act I. Major Petkoff's suspicion is aroused. Explanation follows and consequently, Louka gets Sergius and Raina is engaged to her Chocolate Cream Soldier.
This episode vividly brings out the truth that in war food is as important as ammunition. It also imparts comic relief. Also, it ties up all the loose ends of the play and brings about a happy conclusion.
