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Prisonessence
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The Quest for Glory in the Firlm The Bridge Over The River Kwai
“Who pants for glory finds but short repose: a breath revives him, or a breath overthrows”… Alexander Pope
The position of glory is a precarious one at best says Alexander Pope. One who desperately seeks glory will find it only in passing, and in his quest for it can, in fact be consumed and consequently destroyed by it. In the film The Bridge Over the River Kwai, Colonel Nicholson is the character that best represents the quest for glory and the fleeting victory that it brings. In the process Nicholson disregards his position as a British officer and the responsibilities that he has to his country and to his men. The Colonel pursued the glory of building a magnificent bridge and when that glory was attained, he went too far, and muck like his cane he too was overthrown.
This pointless quest for personal glory happens many time throughout the course of events. Confronted with imprisonment at the hand of Colonel Sito, Nicholson tires to get the Japanese to abide by the Geneva Accords, and have only the enlisted men work, not the officers. Nicholson almost loses his life in this pursuit of glory, first when the Japanese threaten to shoot both him and his fellow officers, and a second time when he is imprisoned in the box and refuses his release unless all of his demands are met unconditionally. When this drama concludes, it appears that Nicholson has won, but has he upheld his duty as a British officer? He has increased the workload of the enlisted men, ends up having the officers work, and he does not simply work on the bridge as ordered, but he aids the enemy by improving it. All this is done so that people will see the bridge and say, “The British soldiers built that.” And the glory that he desperately seeks will be his.
The doctor seems to share Alexander Pope’s point of view throughout this ordeal. He is the voice of reason and subsequently is ignored by Nicholson entirely. He is ignored when he tells the Colonel to stop opposing Sito simply because of his pride, and he is ignored when he tells him not to have the wounded work as it could worsen there condition.
Where Men Win Glory is an ironic euphemism for war. The title is ironic because there is nothing glorious about war or the way it ended Pat Tillman’s beautiful life. Jon Krakauer orchestrates this masterpiece with his diligently, articulated descriptions and with a timeline sewn together from the threads of two worlds. The author’s style can best be characterized by his challenging, precise diction and his ability to fluently intervene pertinent quotes and facts that further persuade the reader toward his cause. Throughout the book, the author’s tone harnesses resentment towards the militant hierarchy; for through its ingenuousness, deceit, and manipulation, the military uses Pat’s death as propaganda to bolster the war’s support. Furthermore, the military covers up the fact that Tillman was a victim of fratricide, and it deceives the nation into believing Tillman’s end was a valiant fight against insurgents. When the truth is exposed and pursued by Dannie - Pat’s mother - the army destroys evidence and pleads guilty to ignorance as a rebuttal. This book is molded by three prodigious aspects that help to illustrate Pat’s life story. The carelessness of war, importance of family, and enhancement through change were all important ingredients that created a virtuous life. Each theme, in addition, challenges me personally to reassess the facts I have been fed and the reality that I have been presented. By doing so, I can achieve a sound base of knowledge and an intellectual prowess capable of challenging all facts presented.
... military allowed him to take calculated risks that won him the Battle of Quebec. By distracting the larger portion of the French forces, Wolfe was able to get a fair fight upon numbers, but not at all in the sense of military ability. He was not mad, he was a student of war and he was able to excel when it counted the most. When it was told to King George II that Wolfe was mad the king replied with, “Mad is he? Then I hope he will bite some of my other generals!” (May, 25). Not only did Wolfe have the respect of his soldiers, but even that of the king of his country. Patton was considered a madman as well, but at the end of the day results are what count. He died heroically on the battle field, victorious, and will forever be one of the most infamous characters of modern American history.
“By all the gods that romans bow before I here discard my sickness soul of rome “
“Wherefore rejoice? What conquest brings he home? - What tributaries follow him to Rome, To grace in captive bonds his chariot-wheels?”
"Let the heavy soul burn on the light men's feet, where death to a noble end makes dying so sweet".
Horner states " throughout gender history, men have been pressured to react to deadly crisis according to the sacred rules of a male honor code. From Odysseus to King Arthur, from Ulysses to George Washington and from Aeneas to Norman Schwarzkopf, clearly the most widely accepted values of integrity, dignity, respect, self respect, valor and thus unquestioned masculinity hinge upon a commissioned response to fear and duty." (Horner, 1999) Tim Obrien shows that the classic battle of good versus evil. Lieutenant Cross's desires of Martha created an illusion that caused him to focus on himself, instead of his troops. The central tension comes between his imaginary love affair and the real responsibilities he has as the officer in command. He bypassed all his responsibilities, for his
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall”
Being one of the most controversial generals of World War II and in American history, General George S. Patton is today regarded as a folk hero due to the eponymously named 1970 film, Patton. Well known for his aggressive battle strategies, charismatic personality, profane language, and contentious public comments, Patton often brought forth an amalgam of frustration and admiration among his colleagues and soldiers. His posthumous biographical film which details a section of his life is, for the most part, historically accurate in both its telling of World War II battles and of Patton’s personality, ambitions, and beliefs. However, where the film suffers primarily is the slight oversimplification of Patton’s disposition
“The Charge of the Light Brigade” is a poem to celebrate the bravery and honor of the heroic soldiers who surrendered themselves to a greater cause. Throughout the poem Tennyson draws the reader to notice their courage, discipline, and willingness to trust in their commanders. The soldiers of the light brigade, knowing that their lives are in danger and might end soon, nevertheless follow their commander’s orders and charge at the enemy at the end of the valley. The mission is important and necessary for the success of the British campaign and these men take on all the artillery fire from all sides to follow through with their commander’s orders. Tennyson states clearly that this behavior deserves honor, and that the fame of these soldiers
Finally, Tim O’Brien conveys how society’s view on courage plays an important part in the creation of guilt for soldiers in the Vietnam War. At the start of “On the Rainy River”, Tim O’Brien is drafted to be in the Vietnam War against his will. O’Brien says, “I was drafted to fight a war I hated...the American War in Vietnam seemed to me wrong.,” (40). However, regardless if one was against the war, they were forced to anyway. In adhesion, society developed one stance on the war pertaining to courage, which is that the man needs to do the bravest thing, which was to go to war and fight. Although this also ties with the theme of masculinity with men being tough, it more importantly exemplifies courage in going to risk your life for the good of the country.
...not theirs to fight. It is essential that the Tragic Hero accepts his necessary doom. It completes the hero. “I know my hour is come...Farewell to thee...I shall have glory by this losing day” (205).
Glory Road is a movie based on a true story in El Paso, Texas around 1966 when Coach Don Haskins broke down the color barrier by bringing seven African American players to play for the Texas Western College basketball team. He went to the college summer league in Kansas City, Kansas to check out players and try to recruit them to come to Texas Western on a full scholarship. The basketball team learned early on about Coach Don Haskins expectations, his ambition, punishments and authority. Out of all the games they played, the team lost one game. While on the road the entire team endured ridicule because of racism and racist remarks. Coach Don was a great motivator and expressed to the team that your dignity is inside you and no one can
“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.
...is final passion. From the stern general who had, as his first line, the cold “’Tis better as it is” (1.2.6), he has traversed a pilgrimage of known and feeling sorrow. And, it must be repeated, it will depend upon the beholder whether one judges or rejoices in the transfiguration of loving not wisely but too well. (66)
When the doctor gets word that Kino has found the pearl he quickly rushes to their house to care for Coyotito after first turning them away. The doctor decides to help Coyotito because he realizes they now can afford to pay him which makes him start to recall the luxurious life he once lived while in Paris. This shows that the doctor does not care about helping Coyotito; he is merely interested in getting paid so he can live like he once did. The doctor is a good examp...