No Desperate Hero Analysis

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Pages: 6

1. In the literary excerpt, No Desperate Hero: Manhood and Freedom in a Union Soldier’s Experience, By David W. Blight, we get a look through the eyes of a 27-year old Union soldier named Brewster who fought in the 10th Massachusetts. He entered the war with little combat experience and frequently exchanged letters home between his mother and two sisters who were his primary motivating factor; carrying him through the hardships that came with participating in the Civil War. One of the characteristics highlighted about Brewster was his drive to constantly better himself as a person, and pride for his company. At one point, Brewster is promoted to Second Lieutenant which instills greater responsibilities, and a new uniform that the members …show more content…
At the beginning of chapter XVI, titled Letters, the girls are reading by the candlelight after Marmee has gone to Washington D.C., upon receiving information that Mr. March has become ill. Alcott states that “for now the shadow of a real trouble had come, showing them (the girls) how rich in sunshine their lives had been” (Alcott 134). Here, Alcott is attempting to convey to her 19th century audience that especially during the time of the Civil War, families should cherish any precious or joyous moments that may be experienced. The Civil War was largely a time of great hardship and distress for many because most had either a father, husband, child, etc. away fighting for months at a time. As a result, contact was limited and due to limitations on medical technology, when a soldier was wounded or became ill, the probability of death was high. This scene is one of the first instances in the novel where Amy, Beth, Jo and Meg experience this state of hardship; Marmee is gone traveling and the health of their father or knowledge of if he will even survive is unknown to the girls. Alcott is attempting to portray to the reader that complete happiness during this time is hard to find and may be short lived, therefore, it should not be taken for granted, but rather embraced