Glory
The 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.
Glory earned an impressive three Academy Awards due to its exceptionally talented cast and arguably 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. These men were fighting to free their very own race which adds to the emotion and sentiment this movie invokes.
Zwick effectively builds the characters of the 54th regiment by portraying the grueling months of training and development. One prominent example of this is in the end of their movie when the 54th is given the chance to fight in an attack on the beach of South Carolina at Fort Wagner. Determined to dismiss the belief that blacks would not be disciplined under fire, the 54th is at the forefront of the suicidal attack on Fort Wagner. During this battle, the 54th displays the courage that persuaded President Lincoln to enlist many more black soldiers.
Zwick’s choice of characters greatly contributed to the success of Glory. Matthew Broderick was an interesting choice to play the lead role of Colonel Shaw and many film critics criticized Zwick’s choice of Broderick. Broderick’s resume included films such as Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and War Games. In these movies he was better known as a teen rebel rather than a serious actor. This role gave Broderick the opportunity to extend his range and add to his resume. It was the acting of Broderick that laid the groundwork upon which the rest of the film could be constructed.
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.
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- Gloryanalytical essayGlory: A Look From Within It 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.
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 - 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 - Movie Review of Gloryanalytical essayMovie Review of Glory The movie “Glory” tells the history and the story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry. It became the first black regiment to fight for the North in the Civil War. The Regiment was made up of black soldiers – some were Northern freemen, some were escaped slaves. The leader was General Robert Gould Shaw, the son of Boston abolitionists. The men of the 54th Regiment proved themselves worthy of the freedom for which they fighting, and the respect of their fellow white soldiers.
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 - 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 - The story of the “Fighting Fifty-Forth” is a true testament of how when a country is in war or a time of despair they can ban together as one ,regardless of race to achieve an objective. Although they were treated unfairly and discriminated against, the 54th regiment paved the way for equality of not only African-American soldiers but for all African-Americans.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the lack of white union enlistment and confederate victories at antietem forced the u.s. government to reconsider its racist policy.
- Explains that black volunteers were trained at camp meigs in readville, ma on february 21, 1863. the fear of white officers was calmed when massachusetts governor john andrew appointed robert gould shaw as colonel and george p. hallowell as lieutenant.
- Narrates how shaw became colonel at camp meigs, where he and his officers worked with black soldiers whose bravery changed public perception of black military skills.
- Describes how the 54th regiment inspired boston's black community and provided pride for abolitionists across the country.
- Explains that the 54th regiment resolved the conflict over black enlistment in the union army, but the struggle of black soldiers to gain respect was just beginning.
- Explains how the 54th regiment fought alongside white soldiers of the 10th connecticut infantry in a skirmish on james island, sc. fort wagner protected battery gregg overlooking fort sumter.
- Describes how colonel shaw, accompanied by dying men, managed to reach the top of the parapet where a bitter hand-to-hand combat ensued, with the black union soldiers with bayonets against the white confederate soldiers.
- Narrates the story of sargent william h. carney, the first black man to receive the congressional medal of honor in 1900.
- Explains that the battle of fort wagner and the bravery of sgt. william h. carney were uncompromising testimony to the capability and nobility of black soldiers.
- Analyzes how the discrimination in pay led to anger and disappointment both by the soldiers and by gov. andrew, who had promised the men equal treatment if they enlisted in the 54th regiment.
- Explains that massachusetts senator wilson introduced a joint resolution to congress that would equalize pay for black soldiers.
- Explains that the 54th massachusetts regiment, their white officers, colonel, and allies, struck a blow for american freedom and unity and proved to the nation and the world the bravery and devotion of african-american soldiers.
- Opines that the story of the "fighting fifty-forth" is a true testament of how when the country is in war or despair they can ban together as one,regardless of race to achieve an objective.
- Explains that duncan, russell, ed., blue-eyed child of fortune: the civil war letters of colonel robert gould shaw.
- Explains emilio, luis f., a brave black regiment: history of the fifty-fourth regimental of massachusetts volunteer infantry, 1863-1865.
- Explains glathaar, joseph t., forged in battle: the civil war alliance of black soldiers and white officers.
2301 wordsRead More - Civil War Movies: Gloryanalytical essayThe 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...
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.
1152 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 - African Americans in the Civil Warexplanatory essayAbout 180,000 African American people comprised 163 units that served in the Union Army, during the time of the Civil War, and many more African American people had served in the Union Navy. Both the free African-Americans and the runaway slaves had joined the fight. On the date of July 17, in the year of 1862, the U. S. Congress had passed two very important acts that would allow the enlistment of many African Americans, but the official enrollment had occurred only after the September, 1862, issuance of the, Emancipation Proclamation. In general, most white soldiers and officers, had believed that most of the black men, who had served in the Civil War, lacked the courage, and the will to fight and the power to fight well. In October, in the year, 1862, many African American soldiers, who were a part of the, 1st Kansas Colored Volunteers, had silenced their critics by repulsing the numerous attacking Confederates at the battle of Island Mound, in Missouri. By the date of August, 1863, fourteen of the Negro Regiments, were in the open field and they were ready for service. During the Battle of Port Hudson, on May 27, 1863, the many African American soldiers, had courageously advanced over the open fields, in the face of, danger, and deadly artillery fire. Although the attack had failed, the African American soldiers had proved their capability to withstand the heat of battle.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that many african-americans and runaway slaves had joined the fight, but the official enrollment had occurred only after the september, 1862, issuance of the emancipation proclamation.
- Explains that the confederate general, nathan bedford forrest, led 2,500 of his men against the union-held stockade at fort pillow in the bordering state of tennessee.
- Describes how the 1st kansas colored's fought bravely against the strong confederate force at honey springs, in 1863.
- Explains that the battle of new market heights was one of the most heroic engagements that involved the african americans.
1168 wordsRead More - The Myth of the Lost Causeanalytical essayFollowing the defeat of the Confederacy and to lift the morale of a shattered people momentum gathered to enshrine the Myth of the Lost Cause which would transform the Southern soldier living and dead, into a veritable hero.
In this essay, the author
- Describes the myth of the lost cause, which would transform the southern soldier living and dead, into a veritable hero.
- Explains that stonewall jackson, robert e. lee, and other confederacy generals died during the war.
- Explains that d.h. hill, a friend of longstreet, published land we love, which became the southern magazine.
- Explains cooke's impressive literary output polarized southern perceptions of the war transforming the stigma of defeat into a badge of honour that confederate veterans could wear proudly.
- Explains that lee's prominence changed quickly when a group of his former staff officers and subordinates set about enshrining his memory in southern history.
- Narrates how the lee memorial association of lexington fought publically for lee's glorification of his memory. pendleton and early collaborated on the character assassination of lieutenant general james longstreet.
- Explains that early had failed as a soldier but was to prove the pen mightier than the sword. he fled to canada after the surrender fearing federal retaliation after ordering the burning of chambersburg, pa.
- Analyzes how lee attacked longstreet in an 1872 speech to commemorate the 2nd anniverary of lee's birthday, claiming that he intended to attack at dawn with longstreet'
- Explains that the southern historical association waged an unrelenting campaign to deify the south.
- Opines that the release of the movie birth of a nation helped the myth more than jubal early or john gordon. over the intervening years, lost cause has assumed reality and is accepted as fact.
- Analyzes how the myth of the lost cause found its basis in jubal early's ego which was to build him into something he wasn't, a good soldier.
- Acknowledges that the kkk played a significant role in the glorification of the myth and will leave it at that.
- Opines that they prefer the myth to the possibility that it was just another war.
1363 wordsRead More - The Importance of Black Soldiers in the Civil Warexplanatory essayThe American Civil War is perhaps the most important event in U.S. history since the American Revolution. Over half a million men would perish between the Union and Confederate Armies. It is important to know that Ulysses S. Grant was an important figure (perhaps the most important behind Abraham Lincoln) in the war. Many will see him as the hero of the American Civil War. Nevertheless there were others who would play an important role to help the Union win the Civil War. The implementation of black soldiers was crucial to the Union in order to achieve victory against the Confederate Army. Yet, the contributions and accomplishments of black soldiers during the Civil War were overlooked for nearly a century following the Civil War. However, within the last 30 years, many scholars and historians have begun to publish books on the history of black soldiers and their contributions to the Civil War. During the Civil War, free blacks were permitted to serve in the Union Army. But it was not until 1863, that black soldiers would see combat and charge against the confederate armies. It is estimated that around 186,000 African American served the Union Army throughout the war, with the creation of 163 colored regiments. My research paper will focus on the Black regiments of the American Civil War and their importance to U.S. history. Some of the important issues that will be discussed in this paper will include the struggles of black soldiers during the Civil War, from their wage earnings (where most made less money than white soldiers); the clothes they wore (most had no uniforms at all). Also, many of these soldiers had trouble getting the basic necessities like shoes, socks and soap. Other areas I will discuss will be the discriminatio...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the american civil war was the most important event in u.s. history since abraham lincoln. grant was an important figure in the war.
- Explains that the civil war began when fredrick douglas asked president abraham lincoln to create a black regiment of around 10,000 men.
- Explains that many white soldiers were not happy that black soldiers had enlisted to fight alongside them. they were assigned to the most degrading duties and were provided inferior equipment.
- Explains that the first major battle fought by a colored regiment was the battle of at port hudson, louisiana.
- Explains that the 4th colored troop was created on july 15, 1863 in the state of maryland.
- Explains that the struggles for african-american troops continued long after the american civil war ended. black soldiers had to fight for the same pay as white soldiers.
- Concludes that black soldiers and black regiments were critical in achieving victory against the confederate armies and reuniting a nation.
- Explains wilson's study of black bands and black culture in the union army during the civil war.
- Describes brewer, james h., binder, frederick m. and costa, dora l.
- Cites ervin, jordan l., glatthar, joseph t. and hyslop, stephen g.
1732 wordsRead More