Reality Of War In Soldier's Heart By Gary Paulsen

384 Words2 Pages
In Gary Paulsen’s novel Soldier’s Heart, the protagonist, Charley Goddard, experiences the brutal reality of war during the American Civil War. Through Charley’s journey, Paulsen delivers a poignant message about the psychological and emotional toll of war on soldiers.The novel explores themes of trauma, loss, and the dehumanizing effects of combat. Through vivid descriptions and character development, Paulsen crafts a narrative that forces readers to confront the realities of war. Paulsen paints a vivid picture of the horrors of war, emphasizing its impact on the human psyche. Early in the novel, Charley’s excitement about joining the Union army quickly turns into a grim realization of the brutality of combat. He witnesses friends and fellow