Expert: Josh Silverstein - 10/21/2006

Question
If a debate were to take place with regards to the soldier in the short story "old man at the bridge" what could be some basic starting points in prosecuting the actions taken by the soldier.

Answer
Hello,

The soldier tries to encourage the old man to move a little farther along, for he knows the bridge is likely to be bombed. The old man, however, is simply too exhausted to proceed. The soldier then reflects on the overcast sky, which might prevent the planes from bombing the bridge. In this sense, the soldier seems to be engaging in the same type of wishful thinking as the old man, who must convince himself that the cats can take care of themselves and the birds can fly away. Death is imminent however. Deep down, the soldier and the old man both know this.


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Josh Silverstein
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