Perverted Patriotism essays

Perverted Patriotism essays Describe how patriotism is perverted in After the First Death. Of all ennobling sentiments, patriotism is probably the most easily manipulated. It can give a powerful expression to the best of a nations character: commitment to principle, strength and devotion. Patriotism can be great, but when taken too far innocence becomes evil. Patriotism can be described as the devotion to the welfare of ones country. In the novel After the First Death by Robert Cormier patriotism is perverted and used as an excuse by both opposing sides: the terrorists (Miro, Artkin, Antibbe, Stroll and Sedeete) and the secret organisation, Inner Delta. The terrorists justify their ruthless acts by excusing themselves as freedom fighters for their country. The head of Inner Delta, General Marchand or assumed identity General Rufus L Briggs takes patriotism to such extremes that he willingly sacrifices his son in order to defeat the terrorists. Thus, it can be said both sides value patriotism over life itself. Inner Delta is a secret government military organisation, which controls and maintains security for the benefit of the American citizens. It is not fully specified what the agency does, but it can be gathered that it is a type of intelligence organisation similar to the Australian equivalent ASIO. The head of this organisation, General Marchand takes patriotism to his heart. He believes the only thing worth living for is ones country. General Marchand perverts patriotism in After the First Death due to past events that have had a deep impact on him and affected him greatly. His patriotic ways came from the death of a close friend during WWII. Caught up in the fever of patriotism Mark Marchand joined the army along with his friend Jack Harkness towards the end of 1941. Jack died in battle while fighting overseas with Marchand. Mark vowed over his friends grave that he had not died in vain. This ...