Glory Movie Sparknotes

“Glory” is a 1989 film talking about the story of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. It was the first regiment of African Americans from the North to serve during the Civil War. The American Civil War was fought between the Union and Confederates. The Civil War was the deadliest in American History. More than two percent of the population died during the war. Many people sacrificed their lives in the war. People like the characters in “Glory”.

The movie “Glory” is based on the true story of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw. The movie was made by the letters he would send back home. Though most of the characters are fictional, they all have a unique story to tell. The infantry was formed of black soldiers, some were free and others were slaves

Shaw invited Forbes to become a Major in the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry in November 1862. Sealers were their first volunteers. Shaw was constantly criticized for his treatment of the men. Shaw hired Sergeant Major Mulcahy to train the men. Mulcahy thought he was being too easy on the men and favoring his friendship with Thomas Searles. Eventually, Shaw became a very respected leader amongst the men. Colonel Robert Shaw is a very complex character. At first, he seems to think the 54th will not be effective during the war, but he realizes they have potential and starts becoming the men’s

His friendship with Shaw changed when he joined the 54th as he would not treat Thomas as an equal since Shaw was the Colonel. Searles would rise to the rank of Corporal. He is often the liaison between the white officers and the black soldiers. There is a scene in the film where Sergeant Mulcahy tells Thomas to hit him but instead, he knocks him out. He then continues to say hurtful things to him and says he is the worst soldier. He tries talking to Shaw but he refuses. Even after this, he is determined to improve and doesn’t give up.

Thomas sets a good example to his fellow soldiers as he is very strong, independent, brave, studious, and respectful. He is a very unique character as no matter how hard things get, he still looks at the bright side and never gives up. He fought for what he believed was right and never let anyone tear him down. At the end of the movie, he died from a canister