TOW #8 - IRB Unbroken

    Millions of men and women fight everyday in combat across the world. Many Americans, however, are unaware of the soldiers that are risking their lives to protect the country. Through Unbroken, Laura Hillenbrand reveals the struggles of Louis Zamperini, a WWII prisoner of war survivor, and displays the heroism of soldiers to the Americans public. Hillenbrand effectively shares the fascinating life of the war survivor by appealing to the audience's emotions through the references of the personal resilience and significance of family.
    The life of Louis Zamperini was filled with both physical and mental struggles. From the time when he was bullied as a kid to the near-death circumstances he faced in the Japanese prisoner of war camps, Zamperini fought through many obstacles. However, in the midst of all the suffering, the survivor remembered his brother advising him, "A lifetime of glory is worth a moment in pain" (Hillenbrand 35).  Had it not been for this significant advice, Louis Zamperini may have struggled even more to overcome the challenges that he faced. Through the inspirational quote, Zamperini displayed numerous acts of personal resilience that appeals to the emotions of the American body. From starving on a lifeboat to being brutally attacked by Japanese officers, Hillenbrand patriotically illustrates the courageousness of the survivor that touches the heart of the readers.
    The Zamperini family, especially Louis's brother, Pete, also plays a significant role in influencing the emotions of Americans. After finally returning home from war, Pete and Louis see each other for the first time in several years as "Pete was gaunt, and he'd gone largely bald. The brother fell together, eyes shining"(Hillenbrand 336). The story of Louis begins with his childhood growing up with a close brother, and the story ends by Hillenbrand capturing an touching scene between the two siblings. Pete was the great role model that taught Louis to be resilient, a characteristic that allowed him to survive the brutal times at the war camps. Even after years of separation, the solid bond is clearly revealed through the eye connection.  The shining eyes illustrates the emotional roller coaster that both brothers faced through the war and the reunion between them finally allows for a bittersweet ending. 
    Hence, Laura Hillenbrand effectively writes an inspiring story of "survival, resilience, and redemption" by appealing to the audience through pathos. The display of personal resilience and close family bond shares a moving story of the incredible World War II survivor, Louis Zamperini.