Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Chapter Eight: "Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death!"
The beginning of chapter eight recounts Edgar Derby's speech about freedom and justice. He stands up to Howard W. Campbell, Jr., who was a Nazi hoping to gain support. Derby spoke the truth, "Derby spoke movingly of the American form of government, with freedom and justice and opportunities and fair play for all. He said there wasn't a man there who wouldn't gladly die for those ideals" (164). Derby's little outburst reminded me of Patrick Henry's speech. "Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death" was about revolting against England. Derby did not wish to enforce war, but both men spoke about patriotism. They were both protecting a land of freedom and opportunities. The "land" the two men spoke passionately about was The United States of America.
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I really like your comparison of Derby to Henry, Stephanie! It gains more significance when you look at the oppression of colonial America in Henry's time. Vonnegut writes how war turns people into the playthings of enormous forces which also somewhat applies to the British treatment of colonial America.
ReplyDeleteReally good connection! I would of never thought to compare this speech to Henry's "Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death" speech. Was Vonnegut trying to fit this into his message? The connection kind of got me thinking a little to much. Great Job!
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