Moral choice of man in war
The problem of a person’s moral choice in the face of terrible trials is most clearly revealed in works of literature devoted to the events of the Great Patriotic War. Where, as not in the face of death, a person is able to reveal himself, show everything he is capable of and what he values in life. In the story of the Belarusian writer Vasil Bykov “Sotnikov” the author reflects on the true and false heroism. It does not face enemies, but people fighting on one side. Perhaps, under normal conditions, the true characters of these heroes would not have appeared.
Scouts Sotnikov and Fisher are going to perform a combat mission and react differently to the impending danger. At first glance, it seems that the physically strong and smart Rybak is much more ready for a feat than the weak and weak Sotnikov. But even when the danger was not around, Rybak was already ready to commit treason. Before us is a man who all his life “managed to find some way out.”
Sotnikov takes all the blame on himself, defending the woman and her daughter who hid them, whom the policemen also grabbed. For this he is subjected to cruel tortures of the German executioner. The fisherman at first also is inclined to keep to the last, but having seen the wounded comrade who has returned from interrogation, feels in itself the desperate desire to survive by all means. Recalling that at the first interrogation, the investigator hinted to him to serve in the police, Rybak, apparently, already at that moment made his choice. When the Germans, having not obtained any information, either by interrogations or by torture, tell the prisoners about the impending execution, the characters again show different character. Fisherman this news makes you search feverishly
The way to save his life – pushing him to betrayal. He convinces
Sotnikov leaves the life of a completely different person, becoming wiser and more condescending to the weaknesses of others. He himself, to the last breath, remains true to himself and to his duty: “Well, it was necessary to gather in oneself the last forces in order to face death with dignity… Otherwise, why then life? It is too hard for a man to care for her endlessly” . The enormous moral strength of Sotnikov helps him not to break down, accepting suffering. Sotnikov – the image that inspires us with the strength of spirit, becomes an example, which you want to follow. Bykov reflects not only about life and death, about human debt and betrayal. The writer tries to give a psychological analysis of the actions, thoughts, words of his characters. It’s easy to condemn Rybak, and he certainly deserves condemnation. But Bykov tried not only to analyze the actions of this man, but also to understand, to explain them. 3a story “Sotnikov” Bykov was awarded a special prize of the Catholic Church, which preaches comprehension and forgiveness. A work that teaches a person to think and empathize could not be left without attention
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