Choices

I noticed that Jonathan had a rather difficult decision on joining the war to fight the British or not. In the book ''The Fighting Ground,'' author states a man aking Jonathan "Can you handle a gun," meanwhile Jonathan replied to the man "Yes,sir." I disagree on Jonathan's choice on getting listed in the war. Jonathan Needs to realize that by him getting listed in the war to fight trained and knowledgeable soldiers who are most likely adults, he is also being disloyal to his father and brother. I also understand Jonathan's point of view, which contains him trying to mature and be independent. On the other hand,it annoyed me that Jonathan doesn't know that he can learn how to be independent on his own. When Jonathan grows up to an appropriate age he may truly have another choice on joining the war for better causes.

Choices

I wonder why Jonathan decided to go in the war. He had a choice whether or not he wanted to be part of it, and he chose yes. Jonathan could be throwing his life away, and if he does survive he will be scarred for life. The author even stated that "Whenever Jonathan brought up the war, his fathers eyes would cloud up." His father went through hell when he was in the war, and the memories still haunt him. Does Jonathan not see the signs that war is a horrific place? If i were him i would be thankful that i had the choice of staying home, and not fighting, and i would take advantage of it. Jonathan should have truly thought this over, but it might be too late now.

Life and Death

I realized that Jonathan has begun to notice the dangers of the war and not the fancy clothing that they where. In the novel when the narrator stated, "Jonathan, feeling uncomfortable, let the man move on ahead...." This shows that Jonathan has relized that it is too dangerous to disobey his father now and that the war is going to effect him badly in the future. Jonathan thinks about what the solider that his father knew said about if his father had given him permission to fight in the war. Jonathan pratically choked on his words when he lied to him about what he had asked him. To me, that shows that Jonathan fears the danger that is up ahead and he could get badly injured. Indeed this is why i think Jonathan is beginning to relize the dangers of war.

Fight To The Death Young One

Will Jonathon survive? Come on seriously he has a 50% to survive!! First thing is that the gun is bigger than him, second he's only thirteen. I have the same feeling as his father. " You better not go". That should be in everyone's mind. Would You imagine a couple of men with a 13 year old boy contending with 1000+ british soldiers. So do you think Jonathon's over-confidence will help survivc or end up like his father? YOU DECIDE!!!

Alienation and Isolation

  I have realized that Jonathan is very much alienated and isolated.  When he reached the war camp, he saw something.  All of the men there were twice the size of him and they were much older.  When he saw them looking strangely at him, he felt alienated.  On page nineteen, the author stated, "Jonathan tried throwing it over his shoulder and resting it as the others did, only to find its weight cut into his neck.  He had to use both hands and carry it across his chest."  This shows haw he is isolated because all the other men carry the gun on their back with ease but for Jonathan, it is very hard.  This is why you can say that Jonathan is both alienated and isolated.  

What choice would YOU make?

I noticed that Jonathan encounters many choices to make in the novel. For example, he already made the choice to go to war. Also, he must decide whether or not to listen to his father. On page six, his father says, "Don't you--by God--don't you go beyond!" When his father exclaims this, he's telling Jonathan not to go beyond their property to the tavern. After that, he also chooses lies to mother to explain why he's going against his father's word. He must also answer the corporal's question as to whether he's going to fight or not. By now, he's not as confident about going as he was before. On page twenty-one, the narrator tells us, "Jonathan noticed how nervous they were. It hadn't occurred to him that they would be." He must choose to either go and fight like he was so certain he would before, or to bow out because everything wasn't how he assumed. There are many more choices that Jonathan needs to make.

Choices

If I were Jonathan and someone asked me if I could handle a gun I would lie and say no! I do not like the fact of the war and if I were Jonathan I would do anything to stay out of it! Jonathan actually had a choice to say he couldn't manage a gun because obviously his parents did not want him to join the war, but just saying he knew how to use a gun made him go into a battle, and he might not even come back home! Jonathan also had a choice to admit that the musket he got from the Tavern Guy was to heavy and big for him, but he decided to go with it anyways! Which was not a very smart idea because he has to be able to move around with the gun easily and smoothly. Truly, Jonathan messed up two choices (in my opinion), that could kill him, good luck Jonathan.