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Theme Of Dignity In Unbroken

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Dignity is Essential for Life

In the book “Unbroken”, Laura Hillenbraud introduces a theme that dignity is vital for life. Dignity is something that is not easily defined. It’s not something you can touch or necessarily look at, but you can see the strength and sense of self pride in someone who is dignified. Louie Zamperini had a lot experiences that built up his dignity and vice versa. In what seemed to be the darkest moments of his life, he didn’t allow his dignity to be stomped out. It was only when he became obsessed with revenge and hatred that he allowed his dignity slip from his hands.
Louie grew up as a hard headed, rebel that was very successful in everything he did, from stealing from the neighbors to running. This built a strong …show more content…
There were many times when Louie felt as though all hope was lost but he did small things to try and preserve his dignity. “If the sharks were going to try and eat him, he was going to try and eat them.” (126) Louie saw this as a way to prove that he was still a fighter even when he was so close to physical death, he would not allow his circumstances to crush his spirits. Louie realized while he was held captive by the Japanese that, “Dignity is as essential to human life as water, food and oxygen.” (183) The Japanese believed that as prisoners they did not deserve to be treated like humans, and thus tried to rip away their dignity. Having your dignity taken away is close to having your life taken from you. If you have no self respect than you have no drive, nothing to push you to become better, and therefore, no purpose to live. Louie and the other prisoners were dedicated to rebel no matter what the cost. “Though the captives resistance was dangerous, through such acts dignity was preserved and through dignity, life itself.” (206) The captives would not have survived their time in the Japanese camps were it not for each little act of rebellion that led to a small victory. Louie was able to hold his head up high even in this tragic time because he was fighting for more than a sock full of sugar, he was fighting for his self

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