The Loss Of Life In My Brother Sam Is Dead

In the past, the ultimate outcome of war has been freedom and sovereignty, but along the way many casualties had to be made. Many wars in history have rewarded nations with liberation and freedom from tyranny. For example, the American Revolution provided America with independence from Britain and proved that they could prosper on their own. Although independence was gained, some say that the end result could have been attained without the fatalities and violence of war. They don’t believe the freedom was really worth the fight. In My Brother Sam is Dead, by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier, Tim Meeker is torn between his brother and father on whether or not the American Revolution is worth the loss of life. Tim’s ultimate decision

Life is captured by cattle thieves and put on a prison ship. Life tells Sam early on in the novel, ”As a subject of the Lord Our God I don't question His ways. As a subject of His Majesty, George the Third, should you question his ways?” (7). Although he is a Loyalist, Life is put on a British prison ship and dies of cholera. He is loyal to the king his whole life, but when he is captured his loyalty is disregarded and unrewarded. Life gives the king his undivided loyalty and what does he get in return? Nothing; he dies a prison to the side he supported and defended. In the beginning of the book, Tim doesn't fully understand his father's loyalty, but he knows that his father had reasons behind what he believed. When his father dies, he chooses to be a Loyalist, but soon realizes that there's use of staying loyal to a monarchy that won't even protect their followers.Throughout the novel, Tim is exposed to the betrayal of either side and he concludes that if war means the splitting of families and friends then he will never be able to support it, no matter the

Tim discovers the violence and thirst for power from the death of his best friend. His father’s death shows him the disillusionment and reality of war. Finally, the execution of his only brother makes him aware of the injustice and disloyalty of both sides. The pain Tim experiences and the desolation he sees in those around him prove to him that the fight isn’t worth the cost. Throughout history, people have had to suffer immense amounts of pain not knowing whether or not their descendents have a chance at freedom. War may bring freedom and prosperity, but not without the cost of killing the innocent and bringing misery and sorrow into the