Civil War Movies: Glory
analytical Essay
1152 words
Final Take Home Essay on Glory The movie Glory is about Colonel Robert Shaw coming back from the fighting in the war and leads the first African American regiment in the Civil War, the 54th Massachusetts. The movie focuses on Captain turned Colonel Robert Shaw coming back from battle and training an African American regiment along with his friend Captain Cabot Forbes. The movie focuses on four African Americans, Sargent Rawlins, Thomas Searles, Jupiter Sharts, and Tripp, following their journey into a united division in the US military. The movie begins with Shaw in the Battle of Antietam, where he passed out due to his injuries and wakes up with the conflict over. Afterwards, he returns home in Massachusetts, showing signs that the battle had slightly traumatized him. Shaw meets Frederick Douglass there and is told that he will be the first to lead a colored regiment, the 54th Massachusetts. When he is told of this news, he asks his friend Cabot Forbes to assist him as his second in command. Shaw’s first volunteer for the 54th Mass. is other close friend Thomas Searles. After sending word of a colored regiment, many African Americans sign up, specifically Rawlins, Searles, and Tripp. However, Lincoln sends an order saying that any black person that takes arms in the war would either return to slavery or be put to death. Even though they face the threat of death, none of the soldiers-in-training leave. This scene is important since it demonstrates how much they are willing to sacrifice in order to get their freedom. The soldiers’ training begins and in order to train everyone correctly, Shaw brings in Col. Mulcahy. At this point of the film, some of the scenes can be viewed as Shaw being introduced to racism due to superiorit... ... middle of paper ... ...ious slaves the right to citizenship, meaning they were able to do anything that a normal citizen could do, for example hold seats of power. The Fifteenth amendment ensured that they were given the right to vote. However, the reason that their accomplishments were in vain was because they did not get rid of racism. Whatever advancement they made was taken back due to whites still believing in racism. After the Reconstruction era, the South feared an African American with power so they formed hate groups and technicalities to get around amendments. Even though the Fourteenth amendment ensured that slaves were given the right to citizenship, the whole ideal of “separate but equal” came into play. With the Fifteenth amendment, the South was able to justify the racist action of enforcing a literacy clause or a grandfather clause by writing it into their constitution.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the movie glory focuses on colonel robert shaw coming back from the war and training an african american regiment, the 54th massachusetts.
- Analyzes how shaw is introduced to racism due to superiority by firing his pistol near sharts, allowing mulcahy to be tough on searles, and whipping tripp for running away.
- Analyzes how tripp didn't want to carry the flag at first because he felt that the war was ultimately useless. the filmmakers' message in the film was to emphasize the importance of the african americans joining war, through the 54th massachusetts.
- Explains that african american troops made a significant contribution to the advancement of their race, but their advancements were in vain because they did not get rid of racism.
- Analyzes how major cabot forbes' character in the film was that of an honorable soldier and a friend to shaw.
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- The Civil War in the Film Gloryanalytical essayThe Civil War, a period of four years in the United States filled with bloody combat, thousands of casualties, and the destruction of much of Southern infrastructure. Although the Civil War had various causes (economy, politics, etc.), it mainly originated from the pressing issue of slavery at the time, mainly its expansion into the Western territories. As we all know, slavery was one of the most horrific times in our nation’s history, yet it was a typical and normal thing for the people of the 19th century. The film, Glory (1989), directed by Edward Zwick, doesn’t necessarily depict the horrors of slavery, however it does show 19th century America’s attitude toward African Americans, as well as the average African American’s hunger for freedom. The film begins with its protagonist, Colonel Shaw, being found by gravedigger John Rawlins (who later becomes a soldier in the Civil War). He is sent to a field hospital, and after he’s clear to leave, he visits his family at their plantation, where he meets Frederick Douglass, and is offered the position of Colonel for the 54th Massachusetts Regiment. He accepts the promotion, and invites his old friend, Major Forbes, to be his right hand man in leading the infantry. He accepts as well, and soon after, black soldiers quickly volunteer, of these including Rawlins, Searles, Trip, etc., which will become important factors in the plot of the movie. Throughout the film, it is clear how each character is very different from each other, for example, Private Trip, is very stubborn and rude, while Private Searles is much more calm, peaceful, and weakish. Yet as the plot progresses, the characters slowly and gradually mold into different personalities, some going through more changes than others. ...
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the film, glory (1989), directed by edward zwick, shows 19th-century america's attitude toward african americans, as well as the average african-american’s hunger for freedom.
- Analyzes how forbes changes from an irresponsible and careless person to a mature, leading man. he admits to colonel shaw that he is not responsible enough to lead an entire regiment.
- Analyzes how private trip's inner personality was brought out of him. he is an arrogant, stubborn man, but he is a caring person with good intentions.
- Analyzes how corporal thomas searles changed from a nerdy, bookish man to one of the bravest soldiers in the regiment.
- Analyzes how colonel robert shaw went from low self-esteemed to a confident leader. he understood the struggles of black soldiers, and fought bravely in the final battle.
- Analyzes how the changes of all of these characters were important in the plot of the movie. the film shows how all these completely different people changed to come together and fight for a cause that they all believed in.
829 wordsRead More - Gloryanalytical essayThe 1989 film Glory is a classic Civil War film based on the history of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment. The film focuses on the courage displayed by the first black regiment in the Civil War, also known as the “Fighting Fifty-fourth.” The regiment headed by the admirable Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, Matthew Broderick, must overcome an enormous amount of adversity during the war. The film was daring for filmmakers Zwick and Fields because it was a film not only with, “vivid and frightening battle scenes and finely etched dramatic characters, but a film that shattered the great Civil War taboo-it told a story of African Americans(Chadwick). Many articles and texts leading up to the film failed to mention the participation of African Americans in the Civil War. In fact, the participation of African Americans helped turn the course of the war and nearly 300,000 fought for the North.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that glory is a classic civil war film based on the history of the 54th massachusetts volunteer regiment.
- Opines that glory earned an impressive three academy awards due to its exceptionally talented cast and some of the most realistic and memorable civil war reenactments ever shot. the soundtrack, cinematography, and acting captivated my attention with a combination of triumph and tragedy.
- Analyzes how zwick effectively builds the characters of the 54th regiment by portraying the grueling months of training and development.
- Analyzes how zwick's choice of characters contributed to the success of glory. matthew broderick was an interesting choice to play colonel shaw and many film critics criticized his choice.
- Analyzes how zwick does an excellent job of not forcing the story. the inspiration is embedded in the characters and the manner in which they overcome obstacles, including, most prominently, their personal demons.
- Analyzes how zwick's portrayal of glory captures the feel of battle. the climax and outcome of the film remain true to the historical accuracy.
- Analyzes how the musical soundtrack created by james horner enhances the liveliness of the film. the final battle scene at fort wagner exemplifies this.
- Analyzes how the deep-rooted themes served as an asset to this american classic. the themes portrayed by zwick in this movie underlined the entire civil war.
- Analyzes how the concept of brotherhood is often a prominent theme of war stories and, in this movie, it is no different.
- Analyzes how glory is about how freed blacks were able to fight through adversity and silence the critics who said they couldn’t help in the war effort.
- Analyzes roger ebert's criticism of glory, stating that the movie is essentially about a black experience.
- Opines that glory is a carefully constructed film with some invigorating themes and portrays the lives of civil war soldiers.
- Opines that glory was not a movie about whether or not we should participate in wars. it was about the advancement of the black race and the vicious battle they had to fight along the way to attain freedom.
- Cites chadwick, bruce, lukas, blake, and ebert, roger. "glory." new york times 4 august 1989 5-7.
1891 wordsRead More - Movie Review of Gloryanalytical essay“Glory” is told mainly through the eyes of Shaw, played by Matthew Broderick. At the beginning of the movie, Shaw is fighting in a battle, and manages to survive, despite heavy Union losses. He is horrified with the violence of the war, and returns home to recover from his wounds. Shaw is recruited to lead the newly formed black regiment. Although he has grown up and still retained his abolitionist opinions, he still has doubts about the capability of black troops.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the movie "glory" tells the history and the story of the 54th massachusetts infantry, the first black regiment to fight for the north in the civil war.
- Analyzes how "glory" is told mainly through the eyes of shaw, played by matthew broderick.
- Analyzes how the 54th infantry was comprised of a diverse group of men. john rawlins is the fatherly-type man of the group.
- Explains that white soldiers were paid thirteen dollars per hour, while black soldiers received only ten dollars. the men realize this is because of their skin color, and wonder if they should quit the regiment and return home.
- Analyzes how shaw becomes enraged and threatens to report the man to the war department, for his treatment of the troops, and his personal conduct in war affairs.
374 wordsRead More - Racial Conflicts with African Americans and Chinese Americans in Americacomparative essayAfter the Civil War had ended, the destruction of African American slavery as a political system had been accomplished. With the 13th Amendment having been ratified, slaves gained their freedom from the white man’s control. Also, with the 14th Amendment, anyone who is either born or naturalized in America is thereby an American citizen and deserves all of the rights that are granted by the Constitution. In addition, with the 15th Amendment, anyone who is a citizen of the U.S. has the right to vote no matter their race, color, or previous servitude (Davidson 339). However, despite these adjustments to the Constitution, it did not mean that as soon as the Amendments were to be ratified that all African Americans wo...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that a more diverse america, specifically in the south and west, had begun to noticeably come into existence.
- Explains that after the civil war ended, the destruction of african american slavery as a political system had been accomplished.
- Explains that african americans wanted to leave their pasts as slaves and find a job where they weren't under white man's rule. they opted for sharecropping and chinese americans settled into rural areas.
- Explains that african americans wanted to separate themselves from their pasts as slaves. they wanted an education to understand their rights and read the bible.
- Concludes that both african americans and chinese americans faced racial conflicts due to political, economical, and social contributors.
1001 wordsRead More - Gloryanalytical essayBlack soldiers were among the bravest of those fighting in the Civil War. Both free Blacks in the Union army and escaped slaves from the South rushed to fight for their freedom and they fought with distinction in many major Civil War battles. Many whites thought Blacks could not be soldiers. They were slaves. They were inferior. Many thought that if Blacks could fight in the war it would make them equal to whites and prove the theory of slavery was wrong. Even though Black soldiers had to face much discrimination during the Civil War, they were willing to fight to the death for their freedom. In the movie “Glory“ the director focused on the African Americans in the north that fought in the 54th regiment led by Colonel Robert Gould Shaw. During the time of the Civil War, the African Americans that fought in the 54th regiment were often treated unfairly but there were always nice people that backed them up.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that black soldiers were among the bravest of those fighting in the civil war. they fought with distinction in many major battles.
- Analyzes how the 54th regiment was discriminated against because the soldiers were all different colored skinned and worked as slaves. in "glory," colonel montgomery, the sargent that trained and prepared them for war, and the colonel that was in charge of distributing necessities, acted like all african americans were uneducated.
- Analyzes how the whites showed sentiments towards the african-american soldiers, and there were tensions among them. in the movie, when thomas offered to teach tripp english, he rudely called thomas a black man.
- Explains that while there were racist sentiments towards the african-american soldiers, they also believed that the 54th regiment would accomplish something.
- Opines that the 54th regiment proved themselves to be a significant part of the northern soldiers in the civil war.
883 wordsRead More - Essay On African Americans During Reconstructionanalytical essayTherefore, when the Senate’s control by the Republicans passed the Thirteenth Amendments and was approved by the Confederate states it became law on December 18th 1865 (Mullane, 1993, p. 293). The Thirteenth Amendment emancipated all U.S. Slaves no matter where they were located and the Southern blacks now had to face the many challenges the Northern blacks has face for many years (Reconstruction and Its Aftermath, n.d., para 1). The new Reconstructed Congress approved the Fourteenth Amendment in which calling for equal protection for slaves under the law. Additionally, the passing of the Fifteenth Amendment had the power to abolish male suffrage, regardless of their race or color, but black women didn’t have the right to vote (Mullane, 1993, p. 293). The passing of the 14th and 15th Amendment was a huge success because it allowed the black males to have a say so in the new Congressional Reconstruction between 1867 and 1869 in which it allow black males the right to vote (Robin D. G. Kelley, 2000, p. 240). There was a major difference between the President Reconstruction plan and the Congressional Reconstruction because the
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the reconstruction years saw many changes as blacks adapted to their new struggles as free people. they learned to be self-independent of the whites by building their own churches, schools, and the role of black leaders.
- Analyzes how the reconstruction years affected african american history through political process, implementing of the black codes, and causing alterations of their social and political climates.
- Compares president lincoln's assassination with andrew jackson’s reconstruction plan, which emancipated all u.s. slaves and abolished male suffrage. the 14th and 15th amendments were a huge success.
599 wordsRead More - Civil War Reconstruction Dbqexplanatory essay...dom and right to vote established by the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments, blacks were still oppressed by strong black codes and Jim Crow laws. The federal government created strong legislation for blacks to be helped and educated, but it was ineffective due to strong opposition. Although blacks cried out to agencies, such as the Freemen's Bureau, declaring that they were "in a more unpleasant condition than our former" (Document E), their cries were often overshadowed by violence.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the united states changed dramatically from the beginning of the civil war to the fall of reconstruction. social and constitutional changes were necessary to protect the rights of all people, no matter their race.
- Explains that south carolina was the first state to secede from the union. the thirteenth amendment abolished slavery.
- Explains how literacy tests, grandfather clauses, and fear caused by the ku klux klan were used to keep blacks from exercising their right to vote. reconstruction ended in 1877 with the compromise.
- Explains that blacks were viewed as less than equal to whites during the period from 1860 to 1877. the political cartoon in harper's weekly depicts the horrors for former slaves.
- Explains how constitutional and social developments changed the united states to a revolutionary proportion between 1860 and 1877. the new amendments and the fight for civil rights altered the previous way of life and changed american society.
941 wordsRead More - Gloryanalytical essayIt is the evening before a powerful and epic battle with more than victory at stake. Tomorrow, the 54th regiment will forever stamp themselves as a symbol of hope and freedom in a new world during an attack on Fort Wagner as soldiers for the North. Dozens of men with young children, wives, and an idealistic dream of a free world will die in a matter of hours. As the Northern soldiers gather on this night before war, there are no tears of fear to be shed. The din in the air is that of song and the feeling is that of an inspirational victory. On this night before their death, slaves turned soldiers have put aside their personal differences and become one; a metaphoric battle has been won. This is one of the final scenes from the movie Glory, a power depiction of the heroic efforts of the first African American regiment during the Civil War. The deep, multiple plot layers, and moving acting performances in Glory create a captivating viewing experience.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the 54th regiment will forever stamp themselves as a symbol of hope and freedom during an attack on fort wagner as soldiers for the north.
- Analyzes how the 54th massachusetts infantry regiment led an unsuccessful attack on the confederate's fort wagner in 1863, paving the way for the successful entry of other black soldiers into the ranks of the union.
- Analyzes how the setting alluded to the camaraderie of theregiment, and the manner in which the men, who were once divided, came together for the common goal and good of all men.
- Analyzes how the dramatic use of make-up in the film creates an emotional reaction for the viewer.
- Analyzes how the overall visual impression of the lighting created a sense of reality and truth to the whole plot. the lighting came primarily from natural resources such as sunlight and campfires.
- Analyzes how the film stopped short of showing too much gore and only showed what was needed to convey the message. the uniforms were effectively displayed in terms of fit and color.
- Analyzes how glory was light on violence and language to appear to a broader audience. although it may not have depicted the civil war as graphically accurate, it retains its power and significance.
- Analyzes how glory uncovers various aspects of human nature, including the struggle for human dignity and the intricacy of interpersonal relationships.
- Analyzes how glory tells the story of an angry, resentful young soldier who struggles against his own demons. denzel washington won an oscar for his role as private trip.
- Analyzes how glory brings viewers into the emotion and intelligence of the nation during the civil war. power acting performances by denzel washington, matthew broderick and morgan freeman help to fully expose the emotional and historical significance of this film
- Analyzes how the depth of layers in glory's plot left many layers of theme for the viewer to absorb. the conflict associated with the basic human struggles of the characters defined this movie.
1374 wordsRead More - Effectiveness of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the Constitution of the United States of Americaexplanatory essay...h and 15th Amendments were made to improve the lives of African Americans and give them equal rights with white citizens. While the intention of the lawmakers was good, the amendments failed because of the strength of the feelings of former slave owners and their ability to influence the people that enforced the law.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the 13th, 14th and 15th amendments to the constitution of the united states of america were designed to make life better for african americans.
- Explains that even though the amendments were enacted, things weren't exactly fair. black families rented land from wealthy white families on which to live and grow crops.
- Explains that even though everyone knew about the 14th amendment, the black community still didn't have equal rights and protection. the ku klux klan was an example.
- Explains that the 15th amendment allowed everyone to vote, but people in the white community who didn't agree with the amendment weren’t going to give up.
- Opines that the 13th, 14th and 15th amendments were made to improve the lives of african americans and give them equal rights with white citizens.
1073 wordsRead More - Summary of the 1989 Movie Gloryanalytical essayRobert Gould Shaw was a son of wealthy Boston abolitionists. At 23 he enlisted to fight in the war between the states. The movie opens by Robert reading one of many letters he writes home. He is captain of 100 Union soldiers most of whom are older than himself. He speaks of the spirit of his men and how they are enthusiastic about fighting for their country just like the men in The Revolutionary war only this time they were fighting to give blacks freedom and to live in a United country where all can speak and live freely.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how robert gould shaw, the son of wealthy boston abolitionists, enlisted to fight in the war between the states. he is captain of 100 union soldiers who are older than himself.
- Narrates how the union marches on foot led by shaw, only to be bombarded with cannon shots and gunfire. after the battle, robert is taken to a hospital where lincoln would be issuing an emancipation proclamation.
- Analyzes how robert enforces the same regulations as the other regiments in the union. the pride of these black soldiers kept them from accepting the lesser salary offered and they chose for no payment as did their leader shaw.
- Analyzes how the 54th is victorious in their first battle at james island s.c. shaws close friend thomas is wounded but insists on continuing with the rest of the group. general strung brings shaw and his men to the beach at for wagner.
- Narrates how shaw and his men gather at the beach in front of fort wagner and march on foot with their soldiers until nightfall to fulfill their mission. they are buried together symbolizing the bond created between them as they fought for the equality of all men.
576 wordsRead More