The Fighting Ground

Consider Jonathan’s journey and how he changes throughout the novel. Before he gets recruited, what does Jonathan believe it means to be a soldier? How does his opinion change by the end of the 24-hour period? Explain.

Teaching Suggestion: This Discussion/Analysis Prompt invites students to recontextualize the theme Glory Versus Tragedy in War to the novel. In the beginning, Jonathan only sees the glory in war, such as the uniforms and the pride for fighting for one’s beliefs. However, as he treks with the Corporal and fights the Hessians, the reality of war begins to dawn on him, and he comes to terms with the fact that there is tragedy in warfare. This realization climaxes when he learns that his ally of the Corporal, as opposed to the Hessian enemy, is responsible for the death of the boy’s parents. The line between good and bad becomes blurred at the fight at the abandoned house, and by the end of the novel, Jonathan is relieved just to be home and alive. Before beginning the discussion, students may benefit from writing a brief outline of the events that occur over the 24-hour period; this may help them identify where Jonathan’s opinion changes and why.