In Hillenbrand’s gruesome novel, Louis Zamperini faces the toughest of challenges, some that are purely indescribable and difficult to comprehend for the average human, but his ability to persevere and accomplish the unheard of demonstrates his character’s ability to tackle adversity head on. After a victorious landing on a Japanese island, the men are transferred to POW camps, where they assume they will face their deaths. Both men are taken special interest in, but Zamperini especially because of his Olympic past. Zamperini first meets the “Bird” at a new POW camp and realizes that a real life nightmare has entered his life. Zamperini, anxious and angry, is unsure of how to react, “Louie was on his own. As the attacks continued, he became increasingly angry. His …show more content…
Furthermore, Louie Zamperini’s perseverance pays off and victory is granted. The war is over and Zamperini faces a much needed return home. Hillenbrand states, “As he walked over the bride, Louie glanced back. Some of the guards and camp officials stood in the compound, watching them go. Louie raised his arm and waved the war goodbye. He crossed over the bridge, and the camp passed out of view” (Hillenbrand 325). Zamperini has officially gained his victory, and his ability to persevere and face the greatest of challenges paid off. He accomplished the unheard of, all because of his ability to never give up. In this quote, Hillenbrand shows Zamperini’s gratitude towards the men that once beat him by his ability to wave goodbye. Although they caused him so much pain, he does not let that bring him down and continues to put a smile on his face and stay positive, something that is extremely necessary in times of perseverance. Louis Zamperini truly accomplished the unheard of and faced adversity head