Courage in Pat Barkers Regeneration Essay -- Pat Barker Regeneration

Courage in Pat Barkers RegenerationDuring the Vietnam War, many Americans decided to choose conscientious objector status and serve the war effort in non-combative ways others moved to Canada, leaving their families, their communities, and their nation because of strong political convictions. While some said these citizenry were cowards and a disgrace to their families and their nation, others argued that those had just as much courage as the men on the front lines. Although moving to Canada was far less difficult than existence sent to Vietnam, these Draft Dodgers proved they had courage to stand up for what they believed in. On pages eight and twenty-two of Pat Barkers Regeneration, two very highly esteemed accords argon introduced, the Military Cross (MC) and the Victoria Cross (VC). The protagonist of this novel, Siegfried Sassoon, responds to his military honors by demonstrating two kinds of courage, peerless lauded by his government and popular opinion and one be amiss an d disdained by his society. Though Barkers novel presents these two types, she ultimately values courage of personal conviction. Not only does Sassoon exert this courage of personal conviction by writing a letter to his commanding officer, but also by throwing away one of the prestigious medals.The Military Cross (MC) Award was instituted December 28, 1915. The award is presented to officers of the rank of Captain or below, for distinguished and meritorious services in battle (Brew). Most often meritorious services in battle style crossing enemy lines and running through enemy trenches in order to save men of the officers battalion. This award is ranked as one of the highest honors possible for an officer to attain, and is clearly for gallant and dis... ...how they were perceived by different individuals in Regeneration, two different types of courage are seen one that was applauded by the government and public opinion, and one that was misunderstood by Sassoons society. It takes personal conviction exhibited through courageous acts to live with yourself in the face of a worldview at odds with your own.Works CitedBarker, Pat. Regeneration. New York Plume, 1993.Brew, Steve. intrepidity Medals Awarded to 41 Squadron Pilots. World War One. 2003. Veterans Affairs of Canada. 20 Apr. 2004 <http//brew.clients.ch/Medals41.htm.Chapman, Mike. Victoria Cross Facts. British Gallantry Awards. 1981. PE Abbott, JMA Tamplin. 19 Apr. 2004 <http//www.victoriacross.net/medal.asp.Duffy, Michael. Military Cross. First World War.Com. 2000-2004. 19 Apr. 2004 <http//www.firstworldwar.com/atoz/mc.htm.