Contrast and Similarity in The Death of a Soldier and Two Soldiers Essay Example

those with a greater concern for their country.

Pete feels duty-bound to join the fighting, while his father, who himself did a tour of duty in the first World War, is more worried about how Pete’s absence will impact himself and his farm. Pete’s father does not “see a bit of use” (85) in Pete signing up to participate in the combat of the second World War. Pete’s mother, as well, exhibits an understanding of her son’s reasons for wanting to fight, but not the forces which make it necessary: “You got to go, and so I want you to go. But I don’t understand it, and I won’t never, so don’t expect me to” (85).Faulkner portrays a soldier’s family as being motivated primarily by their own needs. However, war is always likely, and it is each generation’s duty to join the combat in defense of their country.

Both Stevens and Faulkner tend to be in agreement that war is a requirement of civilization, much like the passage of the seasons and other occurrences in nature. As Pete’s younger brother states in “Two Soldiers”, the daylight “had started while I wasn’t watching” (87). This shows how time marches forward, whether the country is at war or not.Stevens, too, makes a similar reference in the lines “The clouds go, nevertheless, In their direction”. Both works concede the continued existence of war and soldiers necessary to fight it.

Of the two authors, Faulkner endorses patriotism. In portraying two generations of soldiers, he underscores the fact that the father no longer believes blindly in a soldier’s heroism while Pete is so full of patriotism he inspires his younger brother

to feel the same. Conversely, Stevens emphasizes that a soldier’s death on the battlefield occurs without fanfare and the soldier’s patriotism makes no difference in regards to a war’s resolution.Both Stevens’ and Faulkner’s works represent the concept that a certain reciprocity between a soldier’s heroism and his country’s victory in war exists.

The soldier surely risks his life in defense of his country but his country would be at great risk without realizing a victory in war. As a compulsory part of life and society, war will cause the deaths of soldiers, whether the soldier’s motivation is due to love of country or simply the duty he feels to perform his part.