Morality vs Duty Essay

When we hear stories about soldiers and about war, it’s usually about patriotism for one’s country, their duty, the bravery of the soldier who died in battle, and the pride at a soldier’s return. The story that is not typically heard is what it really feels like to put on a uniform, go to war, and come 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 Murakami’s gruesome story, â€Å"Another Way to Die.† Here is a lieutenant struggling with the barbaric orders he was given to execute three prisoners with a bayonet 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, â€Å"What the hell good is it going to do to kill these guys? †¦adding a few bodies to the count isn’t going to make any difference. But orders are orders. I am a soldier and I have to follow orders† (1039). Ultimately, the lieutenant employs another soldier to execute the final prisoner with a baseball bat. Perhaps this is an example of the lieutenant’s inability to go against his moral fiber. He does his duty by making sure the order is carried out, but he cannot 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 never even held a baseball bat before. Yet, they were all surprised when the prisoner, â€Å"with his last drop of life,† sat up, â€Å"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 time ever at a human being. However, he chose not to think about it until after the war was over. How could he? Certainly he wouldn’t be able to do his duty if he let his morals get in the way. In Frank O’Connor’s story, â€Å"Guests of a Nation,† one can assume that duty would become obsolete-Especially since the prisoners and captors had become friends. The tone of this story seems hopeful. The scene is in a cozy little cottage run by an odd, but likable old woman. The characters are all cheerful and friendly towards each other. It is difficult to keep in mind that there is a war going on and that these four are enemies. Even the narrator, Bonaparte, has a hard time believing they are hostages and is surprised and saddened when he learns that he may have to shoot them (1024-1025). Hawkins, the more animated hostage, has a hard time believing it as well. It’s not until the very last moment that he realizes they’re earnest. He says to Donovan, â€Å"What have you against me, Jeremiah Donovan?† (1027). That he knows his full name and it comes naturally to say it aloud, should be enough proof that these men are not enemies. Hawkins asks if anyone thought he would shoot Noble if he had to and Donovan points out, â€Å"yes, you would†¦. Because you’d know that you would be shot for not doing it.† Regardless, Hawkins insists he would never shoot a pal. Hawkins contends that his morals are higher than his duty. But then again, he’s not the one holding the gun. Bonaparte, keenly aware of the gun in his pocket wishes they would attempt to run away, knowing he wouldn’t 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, â€Å"I never could make out what duty was myself. I think you’re all good lads, if that’s what you mean. I’m not complaining† (1029). I’m 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. One 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 move past. Think about it; all our lives we’re taught what is right and what is wrong. Then, one day, you are ordered to torture or kill a stranger. Even when they’re interrogating a prisoner the right way-that is, not torturing them- they are gaining intimacy just so they can exploit them. At what point does duty beat morality? The truth is, for most soldiers, it doesn’t. Despite the task they are ordered to execute, virtually every soldier has an overwhelming sense of guilt and regret. Is a soldier’s 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 admit out loud.