Sarah+Bock+AQWF

Group Homework (Research and Character): Animal Farm Chart: pg. 131 >> I am put out in the front line once again. It’s been a long time since I’ve marched through these trenches. I had forgotten how dirty these trenches were. How terrible the living conditions were. How many men have suffered here. >> Boldly marching, I go out with my inferiors. I can feel their curious eyes on me, but I try my best to ignore that and focus on the war. I used to be good at war. I still am good! After all, I am a respected commander. I am the one who prepare these soldiers for the reality of the front line. I just have to follow my own teachings! I sure regret now that I hadn’t joined the soldiers on their drills... But no time to worry about that. >> The fighting has begun. Experienced soldiers run expertly through the no man’s land, while the new recruits march boldly behind, pretending not to be intimidated. I try to copy the experienced ones’ gait, and run in. >> As I run, a bullet whizzes by my head like a fly, almost giving me death, and a small wound. Nervously, I start to walk backwards. I hadn’t expected such a near-death experience! I’m not ready to die! There are so many thing I haven’t done yet! Before I know it, I stumble into a dug-out; next to me, is a young soldier I once trained - Paul Baumer I think it is. He looks at me with a bewildered look and shouts, “Get out!” >> I know that I should get out. I, a senior officer, should be marching outside leading the younger recruits. My brain knows that, but I don’t. I can feel the shame exploding from my throat, and I quiver my lips. >> “Out!” Paul repeats. >> Bringing out my animal instincts, I respond by crouching back against the wall, and showing my teeth. This bring out his animal instincts, as he grabs my neck and shakes me like a sack. My head feels dizzy, and I can barely make out what he’s saying. >> “You lump, will you get out - you hound, you skunk, sneak out of it, would you?” I feel my eyes getting watery, from shame. I let Paul bash my head against the door and kick me in the ribs. I take this abuse, until a lieutenant comes along with another wave of attack. He yells, “Forward, forward, join in, fellow.” >> The order of command puts me straight again. I am again the strong soldier that I had once been. I straighten up, swallow my tears, and march on bravely towards the enemy trenches. As I start running, I can feel my old skills coming back naturally. After a while, I even manage to pass the lieutenant.