Saving Private Ryan: A Test of Character

by Clinton R. LeFort, Christoph Braun (Photographer)

Saving another man’s life in the face of death requires moral character (Gabbard 131). When soldiers give their lives for the sake of another they teach a silent lesson of morality and virtue. Their actions say that war is about “building character and not about brutality and stupidity” (Gabbard 132). Rather than putting the emphasis on death and dying, the hero puts the emphasis on virtue and life. Captain Miller fights for freedom and valor. In the opening scene of Saving Private Ryan virtue and heroism seem to be void of any meaning. Steven Spielberg paints war as ugly and horrific in the opening minutes of the movie. As the pressure of war sets in on the small group of soldiers led by Captain Miller both the virtuous and vicious characteristics of the soldiers are revealed. A sharp contrast is made between Captain Miller and Corporal Upham; while Captain Miller ultimately faces the enemy fire in order to bring down the enemy tank, Corporal Upham fails to pull the trigger on the enemy only an inch away. Captain Miller remains a stable model of determination and courage under fire while Corporal Upham shows an increasing growth of fear and lack of nerve in the face of death and ill treatment.

128 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 29, 2013

About the author

My writing career began in grade school, where I became interested in reporting and poetry. I wrote lots of poetry and prose in High School, then developed a philosophy in graduate school. After graduating from LSU and USC I became interested in dramatic writing for theater and film. My latest works have been a combination of spirituality, suspense and philosophy. Back in 2006 I wrote 4 major books, which came out of several small newsletters I registered with the Library of Congress. My present interest are in screenwriting and spirituality; how to express religious truths for the screen.
One discovery as a writer is that you are always searching for the perfect way to say the same basic human experiences with more meaning, helping the reader to remember a word, a phrase a meaningful event so that the author and the reader can relate.

Reviews

[Alex Robertson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Somewhat interesting but short

Would not really recommend this book. Not enough in it for casual reading pleasure. Could not keep my interest for long with no new concepts.