The Characteristics Of Shinji's To Be Heroic

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Recommended: Suicide in the military

To Be Heroic
Seppuku was first developed in the 12th century as a means for samurai and soldiers to achieve an honorable death (Andrews). Lieutenant Shinji Takeyama is more heroic than his wife Reiko. Shinji’s internal conflict is between taking orders to kill his fellow troops and disobeying the orders from his superior officer. Shinji devotes his life to the Imperial Forces, and is willing to sacrifice his life for them. He struggles with his own personal morals in deciding in what he should do with his conflict. His bravery to go through with the ceremonialist act demonstrates that his actions speak louder than words. Committing suicide is the most honorable way to die.
There is no doubt that Shinji is a loyal countryman. He joined the military and became a Lieutenant for the Imperial Force. The day of the first gunfire, the Lieutenant is woken up by the mustering alarm. He quickly dons his uniform and scampers to the streets without even speaking a word to his beautiful new wife Reiko. As Shinji …show more content…

His actions speak louder than any of his words could. As he comes to terms of his decision, he tells his wife that he shall cut his stomach that night. Then Shinji suggests that his wife and he should begin their preparations. He comes out of the bathroom in a full uniform and writes the farewell note “Long Live the Imperial Forces—Army Lieutenant Takeyama Shinji”. This not only shows he intends to follow through with his plans, but wants to show his loyalty to his Army. Shinji gazed in his wife’s eyes as he leans his body over the point of the sword. He aims to strike himself deep into his stomach. His sharp cry pierced the room. As his first blow was not fatal, when he returned to consciousness he thought about his power and courage. He continues to advance with the act thrusting his sword to the opposite side of his stomach. Even when Shinji is dying he did not regret his choice. To die with honor was on his

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