Morality vs Duty Essay

When we hear stories about soldiers and about war, its usu everyy about nationalism for geniuss country, their tariff, the bravery of the soldier who died in thresh abouttle, and the pride at a soldiers return. The tarradiddle that is non typically hear is what it really feels like to put on a uniform, go to war, and suffice home. The psychological and emotional trauma these young men and women face in war is nothing short of moral anguish.This is evident in Haruki Murakamis gruesome story, Another Way to Die. Here is a lieutenant seek with the barbaric orders he was given to execute three prisoners with a knife and a fourth prisoner with a baseball bat. Throughout the story the lieutenant would often repeating his orders and muse over the senselessness of the act. In sum, he says, What the hell good is it going to do to kill these guys? adding a few bodies to the count isnt going to make any difference. alone orders argon orders. I am a soldier and I relieve oneself to fol low orders (1039). Ultimately, the lieutenant employs another soldier to execute the final prisoner with a baseball bat. Perhaps this is an example of the lieutenants unfitness to go against his moral fiber. He does his debt instrument by making certain(predicate) the order is carried out, but he rout outnot do it himself.As one can only imagine, it can be difficult to bludgeon someone to death. This soldier, ordered to carry out the task, had neer even held a baseball bat before. Yet, they were all affect when the prisoner, with his last drop of life, sat up, as if he had fully come awake and then grab on to the veterinarian standing nearby (1041). The lieutenant had to fire his gun for the first sentence ever at a human being. However, he chose not to study about it until after the war was over. How could he? Certainly he wouldnt be able to do his duty if he let his ethical motive begin in the way.In Frank OConnors story, Guests of a Nation, one can assume that duty woul d become obsolete-Especially since the prisoners and captors had become friends. The facial expression of this story seems hopeful. The scene is in a cozy little cottage pop off by an odd, but likable old woman. The characters argon all cheerful and friendly towards each other. It is difficult to keep in consciousness that there is a war going on and that these four ar enemies. Even the narrator, Bonaparte, has a hard time believing they are hostages and is surprised and saddened when he learns that he may bring in to blare them (1024-1025).Hawkins, the more fairylike hostage, has a hard time believing it as well. Its not until the very last moment that he realizes theyre earnest. He says to Donovan, What have you against me, Jeremiah Donovan? (1027). That he knows his full name and it comes naturally to say it aloud, should be bountiful proof that these men are not enemies. Hawkins asks if anyone thought he would shoot Noble if he had to and Donovan points out, yes, you wo uld. Because youd know that you would be ray of light for not doing it. Regardless, Hawkins insists he would never shoot a pal. Hawkins contends that his morals are high than his duty. But then again, hes not the one holding the gun.Bonaparte, keenly aware of the gun in his pocket wishes they would attempt to run away, knowing he wouldnt shoot at them if they did (1027). Donovan, their leader, never did get too close to the hostages and seemed to have no problem firing at them. His sense of duty was high. He asks Belcher if he understands that they are only doing their duty, to which Belcher remarks, I never could make out what duty was myself. I think youre all good lads, if thats what you mean. Im not sound off (1029). Im not actually that sure Belcher would have shot either of them if the roles were reversed.It is difficult enough to cope with the loss of a friend. nonpareil can only imagine if you were the one ordered to kill your friend. How does one come out of something like that? Noble turned to God. Bonaparte never feels the same about anything again. Surely this is not something that they will easily melt down past.Think about it all our lives were taught what is right and what is wrong. Then, one day, you are ordered to torture or kill a stranger. Even when theyre interrogating a prisoner the right way-that is, not torturing them- they are gaining niggardliness just so they can exploit them. At what point does duty beat morality? The truth is, for most soldiers, it doesnt. Despite the task they are ordered to execute, virtually every soldier has an overwhelming sense of sin and regret. Is a soldiers guilt worth their sense of duty in the end? I highly doubt it. Perhaps, this is the reason those stories are often swept under the rug. The shame is too much to lead out loud.