The Significance Of The Underdogs In 'The Brave Three Hundred'

Many battles, wars, and competitions, such as athletic events, have an underdog and a favored side. The underdog is typically known for losing, but that is not always the outcome. In the Revolutionary War, America were the underdogs against a well-trained, British army with more soldiers and equipment. Although they were the underdogs, they never backed down, and ended up earning our country’s independence. Another great example of the underdogs coming out on top is during sports, or athletic competitions. The polls, rankings of colleges, are constantly changing, because the top ranked teams are defeated by the unexpected victors. This scenario is demonstrated in all sports, whether they are professional or amateur, just like James Baldwin

They fought until they were all dead, because if they survived and were not triumphant, they would not have anything left anyway. At first they were overcome with fear of their opponents, but throughout the story they gained confidence, and decided to fight for their home or die trying. The significance of the soldiers deciding to fight without fear, but with purpose and determination made the outcome of the war a lot closer. Just a little hope can make a big difference in a competition, like James Baldwin wrote in his true inspiring short story, “The Brave Three Hundred.” James Baldwin told the story of a small Spartan army led by Leonidas, who stood up against a much larger Persian army to defend its territory and nearly were victorious (Baldwin). If the Spartans would have continued to fear the large, highly trained Persian army, they would have been demolished, and not even have stood a chance at defending

The team coming back to win at the last second or minute never gives up, which is why they are successful. A great example of someone pursuing a dream that may have seemed impossible at one time was the story of Michael Jordan, a famous basketball player. He did not play very much when he was younger, but he always practiced and never gave up. Through his effort and determination, like the effort and determination James Baldwin described of the Spartan, he achieved his dream, and become one of the best basketball players in history. Obviously, if everyone played and fought like the Spartans, than not all of them would win. However, it would make certain games a lot closer, and give every team a chance at