England and Ireland have a long history of antagonism. This antagonism is seen clearly depicted in Guests of the Nation" by Frank O'Connor. Thanks to our fourth amendment, we in the U.S. will never have to quarter soldiers of an opposing army, or even our own army. Quartering of soldiers had been a standard practice in many countries for years, and during our revolution families had to quarter British soldiers, if you can imagine! However, the framers of our Constitution made sure that would never happen to us. A law professor we know says this is the foundation of everything in the Constitution, and begins his Constitutional Law class with this amendment, something most of us never think about, nor do we even know.
The Irish lady had to house the two English soldiers, and for her this situation worked well, because of the nature of Belcher, in particular. Belcher and Hawkins, the English soldiers had become cozy and friendly with their landlady and with the Irish soldiers Noble and Bonaparte. They had become so friendly that both sides had forgotten why they were quartered here, and what their military duty was.
This story raises the question of duty and the powers behind that duty. Did Donovan HAVE to kill Belcher and Hawkins? Could he have refused? If he had, what would have been his consequences? Did ne actually enjoy killing in retribution for the Irish soldiers' lives? Why was an Irish soldier named Bonaparte? Is this significant? What part do fate and destiny play in this story? Can we change fate, or are we hostage to it, as Donovan tells Bonaparte that Belcher and Hawkins are hostages?
This story raises many questions, and answers few. It leaves me with a feeling of unrest and dissatisfaction. This war which the English and Irish fought for years provided a pervasive sense of unrest to both parties.
I was very disturbed by this story. They became friends in the cottage and I agree that they forgot or actually were not told why they were keeping them in quarters. However, they were friends and yes in America we also don’t kill prisoners especially in retribution. We are better than that. My opinion of these solders is that they were young and ignorant morality has always overridden duty and can always be questioned.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you as far as the soldiers forgot their duty as soldiers. I think that Donovan was mentally stronger than Noble and Bonaparte. He knew that he had a job to do and that his life would be on the line if he didn't follow orders. Even though I don't feel like any of them wanted to do it, they all had to follow orders and all of them did their job well. They should not have ever became friends with the enemy to begin with. I have to admit that if it was me, I would have had to have tried to give them a running chance at least.
ReplyDeleteWhat a terrible but true story. This was a journey that I hope that I will never have to take myself. These men became so close.. they were CHUMS! The more I read these stories about war they all seem to be an antiwar story. I wish that people could really understand what is involved in war. Maybe people would not be so pig headed and be able to take instead go to war out of FEAR.
ReplyDeleteReading the post above about taking orders.. I have to refer to the Nazi's and them "just taking orders" This stance didn't keep them from being charge and convinced on "Crimes against humanity". Sorry kind of bold just wanted to point that out.