Examples Of Unbroken By Laura Hillenbrand

Self-preservation. It is defined as “the preservation of oneself from harm or destruction” (Harper), or “a natural or instinctive tendency to act to preserve one's own existence” (Webster’s dictionary). But in its entirety, it is so much more than that. In Laura Hillenbrand’s World War II story of survival, resilience, and redemption, she illustrates the aspects of preserving oneself, and of how important self-preservation is when an individual experiences competing demands. Hillenbrand addresses the importance of not giving in to external forces. Of pressing on, even when the situation seems impossible. Self-preservation is not just avoiding harm; it is fighting for your life and your freedom, and continuing on, no matter how dire the circumstances.

Throughout the novel, Louie is looking for something, someone, to lean on. Later on, he discovers that his life was missing someone very important: God. While Laura Hillenbrand emphasizes how one must preserve himself to survive, she also emphasizes how important faith is to this self-preservation: “For Phil, there was another source of strength, one of which even Louie was unaware. According to his family, in his quiet, private way, Phil was a deeply religious man, carrying a faith instilled in him by his parents… Louie and Phil’s hope displaced their fear and inspired them to work toward their survival” (154). Phil’s faith greatly influenced his survival, and later, Louie’s faith served him in the same way. Hillenbrand writes that Louie found “day-break” (386). Louie, traumatized by his experiences in the war, finally found a constant in life. He found a God that he could turn to in times of trouble. Isaiah 41:10 says: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (New International Version). When Louie came to faith, he turned his life around and saved himself by finding hope in God. He saved his soul as well as his heart, and that is true