Glory (The Movie) Essay, Research Paper
Glory, a word used to dignify or praise. If you look glory up in
the dictionary you will find it described as great honor, praise, or
distinction. It goes on to praise worthy asset, it is adoration. I myself
think that the dictionary’s definition that says ” a height of achievement,
enjoyment or prosperity” would best suit the title of the movie. I believe
that the word glory was chosen for this film because what these men
went out to fight for was glory. They were fighting old battles which
they held within themselves for the past, they wanted dignity, and they
wanted the north to win, they also wanted to just fight. They found
fighting much more of a privilege and looked past what most people
would find containing violence, pain, agony, or plain stupid. The war
wasn’t just that to most soldiers, but what the men of the 54th regiment
were fighting for goes way beyond that. They were fighting for, and
trying to achieve dignity. Their fighting was an impression and was to
stand up against the people who wouldn’t give black people a chance,
not even to die for their own country. I believe that this movie was titled
glory because they fought for, and in my opinion achieved glory.
Lincoln wanted to do better things for the union, he himself
actually said that if he could save the union without freeing any slaves
that he would, so his best interests were in the Union not the slave
situation. I believe that the effort that the men of the 54th Regiment
changed his views. I mean when the turn out was so great it was
surprising. When after told the conditions by being captured by the
opposing side, they still stayed! And even when their pay was to be
exceptionally lower then that of the white troops, they tore up the checks
and they went to the extent of going without pay. Even the white
commanding officers chose to go along with them which I think was
unity within their regiment.
I believe that the Regiment worked especially hard with every
task, no matter how trivial. They had no trouble at all, and when they
did, by a solider who appeared to leaving was simply trying to get shoes
to help him better himself in being a solider. This was an event which
led to a much higher one, the realization that the 54th regiment worked
much harder then the rest, and needed to be treated with more respect
and to be given the necessities that they deserved. To many people and
especially white soilders they were simply a joke, but they proved them
wrong.
I think that the leading white commander, who seemed to appear
skeptical of the whole idea at first, changed throughout the progression
of the troops. He like most soldiers again thought that they would never
get to fight and would just be considered a joke. Once he saw the
realization of how serious they were his views changed. He also kind of
babied them at first with the thought that they would not get to fight. I
think he disapproved of the normal harsh treating that any white solider
would receive. I think that the commanders friend also changed. He
was an intelligent man who took things to heart. He was very serious
and he was disciplined. To the others he appeared to want to be white.
They were stereo typical and were despicable to him. He was brought
up to have a vast education and on the thought that his studies were
most important. He was very willing to do new things and to have new
experiences. When he arrived at the sight he realized how rough it was.
He had to hurt people and that concept was difficult for him. He
changed by becoming more courageous and experienced being a brave
solider.
The Regiment achieved glory with certain events. First when they
all tore up their paychecks, and even the white commander did also.
They would not accept less for more, if that was the case then they
would go for none. Another event was when the commander demanded
shoes for his men. At first when they blew him off he kind of accepted
that, but when he realized how much they really needed them he took it
upon himself as their commander to do what it takes to get them shoes,
and along with it pride for themselves and for their commander. Lastly
when he let his men lead the attack at Fort Wagner. This showed how
good they really were under these poor conditions.
During the Civil War when the 54th Regiment was to lead the
attack at Fort Wagner it was a slap in the face to all of those who denied
them of anything they deserved and those of whom thought it was
simply a joke. They went above and beyond the call of duty that they
were asked to do, even to people told and to people who viewed the
movie it would give them pride and to teach them a lesson. The 54th
Regiment taught people about pride, unity, and hard work. They
showed people that they truly cared and were out to achieve what they
were after even if it did cost them their lives.
The fighting conditions were awful, and gruesome. Once they
shot they had to automatically reload, taking agonizing time, resulting in
more reloading then actual shooting. Once they ran out of ammunition
the would have to use bayonets to literally stab their opponent. This
combat was really combat, they were no bombs, or nuclear weapons.
This was hand to hand combat resulting in many deaths and countless
amputations. This was so horrible that simple accounts of these
incidents were enough to make someone’s stomach turn. These injuries
that today would be considered not fatal were deadly back then. They
had no medicines, or anesthesia for pain. Being shot anywhere but the
arms or legs was basically a result of death. Being shot in the arm or leg
resulted in amputation.
I think that the movie was genuine in capturing the events, the
dramas, and the emotional experiences during this war. I think that all
of the characters in this movie had worked hard and did their best. The
conditions they were under didn’t really phase them. I can say that I
identified with them, they realized how they were treated yet they
fought back in a positive way more so then I can say I would if I were in
their shoes. When watching this movie I can say I felt mad when the
regiment was treated unfairly or even frustrated. During the fighting and
when they died I felt bad and realized that they probably knew their
future the whole time. I think that what they did, experienced and
strived for was glory.