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.

The Fighting Ground

I realized that Jonathan is growing up and starting to understand what war is all about. When the narrator stated, “So did Jonathan. But he saw that once again the men had grown uneasy. In the face of the man who had last spoken, he thought he recognized the same look his father had had when he parted: fear.” This shows that yet again that Jonathan doesn’t know much about war because all he has been told is that soldiers are brave men so he expected the men he was with to be brave during the whole journey. This goes with the theme of Growing up because Jonathan is growing up and realizing that war is not easy and that every one gets scared. Jonathan is growing up and realizing that war is not good all the time

Choices

I noticed that Jonathan had a choice to fight in the war against the British. In the book the author states "You handle a gun" said the man, while Jonathan replied "Yes,sir." It annoyed me that he actually decided to join the man in war. Jonathan is blowing his whole life away, just to go experiance war. He doesn't even know how war would be like for him, especially since he is only 13 years old. Jonathan could probably die, and realize how he barely even got to live his life. Indeed Jonathan made the wrong choice to fight in the war.

I'll bet that Jonathan was isolated and alienated when he was marching with the army to the battelfeild. He felt isolated when he was holding the six foot gun. He was struggling to hold it while the other men were only holding there guns with on had. Also one of the men thought nothing of him and when they were marching he told Jonathan ''Why did you come'' and ''What are you doing here''. Then he felt alienated when no one offered him water when they were resting. Jonathan also was scared to ask so he didn't. Jonathan truly is getting isolated and alienated by the other men in the war.

The Fighting Ground

In The Fighting Ground, Avi blends symbology into his story about a 13 year old boy Jonathan, who has insisted that he desperately wants to go to war. However, when he goes to fight with his local regiment, Jonathan sees something completely different from what he expected. All of the soldiers are nervous, and the field is tense. Avi shows how, on the road to the battle, "The only sound was the shuffling of feet, an empty and hollow sound." During this dreadful silence, Jonathan realizes that "A storm was coming, a big one. He gazed about again. It was so quiet. He could hear no birds. Not even the men were talking." This silence, and anxiety gave an eerie aura. All of this gave the feeling that the upcoming battle would be filled with fear, dread, and even death! The truth of the matter is that Jonathan was blinded by his false beliefs, and he didn't realize the truth about war. Indeed, Avi truly meant to give a message about life, death, and war, so he created a symbolic book to tell his tale.

Growing Up

        Everybody matures at a different pace and we all have time to mature and make mistakes, but Jonathan doesn't. He has to grow up faster than the rest of his peers because of the choice that he has made. He decided to go to war and when in a war one mistake can risk yours and other peoples lives. He is forced to grow up physically, mentally, and emotionally. As a kid you don't have to worry about staying in shape and seeing people die around you, but Jonathan does and he is still a kid. He has to become stronger so he can hold a gun the right way. He has go out to war and watch people die or become hurt. That would tramatize me. He can't let his emotions get the better of him because that would put everyone in danger. He is not fit for this and he has nobdys support. He is alone. The author stated," Once more Jonathan allowed himself to drop to the rear deciding it was better to stay last". Growing up in a war is not healthy and that is exactly what Jonathan is doing. He indeed will have to grow up and quick because he doesn't have time to make a mistake like the rest of us do.

Choices

It annoyed me that Jonathan has the choice to not go to war and he actually takes the path down that way. He doesnt stop to think about whether or not he wants to go. It stinks because he's so young and he's giving his life away so quickly. The narrator stated "Why'd you have to come, I asked you. Jonathan searched for the words, Wanted too, he said". Jonathan wanted to come to war. Nobody was forcing him to run off and put his body in danger. The reason he wants to go to war is because he thinks its something to be proud of. Truly, Jonathan picked the wrong choice and no only for him, but for his family too.

Alienation and Isolation

I was surprised when Jonathan was willing to fight after he saw how nervous the men were. He could have said no or snuck out the back door! Jonathan can't even carry a gun right without it cutting into his neck so how can he expect to kill an enemy soldier!
On page19 the narrator states, "The gun was heavy. Jonathan tried throwing it over his shoulder and resting it as the others did, only to find its weight cut into his neck." Jonathan seems to be alienated because of his youth and how he could not handle the war. Perhaps Jonathan is to young for the war.

The Choice of Life and Death

Jonathan made a Choice that could cause him Life or Death. Jonathan wants to join a deadly force, the army, which could kill him. He is a thirteen who was asked a question that can cost him his life, "You handle a gun?" which Jonathan said "Yes, sir." Jonathan could have backed down like his friend who said no and may have lived a lot longer. In the book he thinks he must do it and says to himself "Go! Do it! Go Fight!" Indeed Jonathan is going to die soon the path he is going.

Choices

     Jonathan is making very important decisions in his life that may cause him to get in lots of trouble, maybe even killed.   For example, Jonathan wants to join the war.  He is only thirteen and he is thinking of battling the British, Hessians, and the loyalists.  This makes me think that if I were thirteen, I would not join the military.  I mean, when Jonathan recieved his musket, he could rarely carry it!   He also struggled with the flint rock and the ammuntion.  Jonathan had a very difficult time carrying the musket, and the ammunition and the flint rock kept banging against his legs.  These things were cut out to be carried by a tall man.   To me, he made a decision that was cut out for a man or at least an older teenager.  A thirteen year old joining the army is a very difficult and risk-taking choice.
    Not only does Jonathan struggle to carry his musket and supplies, but he is risking his own life.  First of all, the battle Jonathan is about to go into most likely has a larger enemy regiment.  The enemy soldiers are most likely to be trained, better supplied, and much larger in terms of numbers.  This makes Jonathan's chances of getting killed higher.  Also, Jonathan is helping for the American forces but I do not think he will make a huge difference in the battle.  He probably never shot a gun, reloaded it,  or even hold one.  Also, Jonathan can rarely carry a gun so he probably will take a while to aim and shoot also.  So this adds to Jonathan's unintelligent choice.  He even lied to his father's friend about this choice.  His father's friend asked him, "What are you doing here, did your father send you here?"  Jonathans father did not send him to the battle but Jonathan replied, "My father sent me to come."  So even lied to one of his father's close friends just to keep the choice his has made secure.
    
    

Life and Death

i was not so surprise anymore about jonathan going to war, but i was a little surprise that he was still not sure about it. "Go! Do it! Go Fight!" was what jonathan kept saying to himself and it sounded like he was still thinking about it, which is a good thing because this is really a big decision for him and if he doesnt decide carefully its going to be a fight between life and death. i truly know that a 13 year old boy does not want to die at that early age. so keep thinking jonathan.

A Blind Child

I was never suprised when Jonathan strolled off into war, it is obvious that his decision will come back to haunt him in the furture even more than it has now. He can hardly pick up a gun that is nearly six feet tall and is a pound, most of the other men are ignoring Jonathan and he is trying to prove himself but he is failing at the task! Jonathan needs more time to grow and mature into a large minded man before he goes out to war at thirteen years old! At that age he is no man, he is still a boy who dosent even understand half the dangers of war! Truly Jonathan is a foolish child and he needs to run away from the war, because he is standing between life and death, and he unfortunately is slowly approaching death!

Life and Death

I was surprised when Jonathan actually wanted to join the war. I don't think Jonathan realizes that war isn't fun and games it's a life or death situation. The narrator states in the story that Jonathan thoughts were saying to him, "Go! Do it! Go Fight!" Jonathan's thoughts are encouraging him to fight in war, but Jonathan doesn't realize he is ninety-nine percent going to die in war! Think about all the soldiers are almost six feet tall, Jonathan is only maybe five foot, four, what are the chances of Jonathan shooting one of those soldiers. If Jonathan wants to join the war he has to go through physical trainning and mental trainning as well. Truly Jonathan doesn't realize that joining the war may be the dumbest dessicion he may ever make!

Themes for the Fighting Ground.

In many ways Jonathan's decision will come to haunt him. He is growing up to quickly, he is only 13 and is already joining the war! He needs to remember that he is young and inexperianced. Another theme is Life and Death, which I mainly focus on the gun. The gun can save him but kill the other person or in the end he might die from the same gun he holds with his hands. Further on in the story I'm sure he will have to face many choices that will come as difficult. But if he can't handle them then what makes him think he will survive this harsh war? Good vs. Evil, who do you think is good and who is evil? If each person has the thoughts or intentions of harming the other person, then is there really a good to chose for? Alienation and Isolation, the war is lethal for everyone what makes him think that anyone would pamper him in these conditions, if he thought that he wasn't being taken care of before wait 'till he ventures further into the battle. Now comes the real main cause of all this commotion...war. Its harsh, no place for children, dangerous, and in my opinion is sad. Many bad outcomes come from this. But something that really is hurtful is losing a loved one. Jonathan is just another one lost in thoughts of the triumphs and rewards that come from war, but has yet to discover the sadness that trails along side.

Growing Up

Why do you suppose Jonathan wants to go to the war so badly? I realized that Jonathan probably didn't receive that much attention since he is a kid. He wants to grow up and be just like his father so he can recieve some praise for a while as a soldier. Everyone loves to hear people praising them however no one will ever put their life in danger to hear praises. In this case, war is the fight for independence not a game for praise. The narrator tells us, "Do it !" and "Go and Fight !". Jonathan's thoughts are pushing him to go to the war however he doesn't understand he could lose his life or even be a prisoner of the war (he might never return home). He also needs to be trained physically to be in the war. Truly, I think Jonathan should just enjoy his life as child and there is always time to grow up.

Age is Nothing but a Number or is it?

I wonder why Jonathan is so eager to join the war and become a soldier. There is nothing fun and entertaining about war. It is indeed serious business. As far as I am concerned he is only 13 years old. He's not a man yet so he shouldn't be involved in war duty. He needs to grow up first and enjoy his childhood while he has it. You only get to be a child once. Life isn't going anywhere anytime soon so why rush into the war so early. Jonathan's not nearly as experienced as the others or as strong. He confuses me when he thought "Go! Do it!" because death isn't a very fun thing. Apart from that, you also need to be tremendously ready to take on war, physically and mentally. He'd also have to wake up early for some hardcore training instead of playing in his backyard with friends all day. I know some people say age is nothing but a number, but in this case it is. A child going to war with a man is not fair and is frowned upon on my behalf. Perhaps some kids such as Jonathan, do not think like me which is why they believe in war, not childhood.

Six Themes of the story "The Fighting Ground" *GROWING UP *

I felt confused when Jonathan happily accepted the request to go to war because even though Jonathan was growing up even I wouldn't decide to go to war with many other people that are both younger and older than Jonathan that agree with me. Growing up also seems to be a big part of the story because Jonathan feels as if his parents are isolating him from the war and that he is all grown up and ready to enter brawl that he thinks would be spendid but in reality would be horrifying. On his way to the tavern he seems to stoop and think and in his mind he thinks "If I go to the tavern it is not only to get news but to fight in in the war. GO. DO IT. GO FIGHT IN THE WAR." because he obviously seems to think he is grown up enough to last a battle. Truly a person who is really grown up should see war as a bad ting and not a good thing like Jonathan

What's going on?

It surprized me when Jonathon did not listen to his mother when has specificly said not to go with the men going to battle station. He should have listen to his mother because she is very worried about him and he might die. Jonathon did not listen to his mother so at least he should have brought domething with him a gun, food or some kind of weapon. To a solider he is just a kid that will die when he enters the battle. He needs to be noticable to get attention from people on what is happenning if the British are coming or if it is practice when the Brittish come. Why didn't he stay well it is what he wanted. Truly it is surprizing when Jonathon went and find out what was going on.

Fighting Ground Statements.

This is where you will post tonight's homework. You are writing a response to the statements given to you in class. Please be sure to use one of the Reaction Starters in your response, and of course, citations!