Unbroken

Based on an interpretation of Lauren Hillenbrand's novel, Unbroken, I deeply connected with the main character during this analysis.

Unbroken: What it Really Takes to Overcome

            In nonfiction novels and accounts of events, a certain lesson or theme reveals itself gradually throughout the plot. The author, often subtle in the way he or she states this theme, makes it a reoccurring idea that surfaces in the reader’s mind as he progresses in his reading and mental analysis of the particular story.  Novels utilize historical references to reveal different themes as focus points for the reader to recognize. These references portray a specific problem and the steps taken to defeat the problem or reach a resolution. Laura Hillenbrand does so with her remarkable World War II novel, Unbroken which conveys an underlying theme of determination founded by faith.

            When Louie’s track career begins, the town of Torrance and the world audience virtually overlook Louie’s possible potential to win races, much less become a powerful, record-breaking Olympic Games team member.  During a qualifying meet, many jealous opponents attack Louie’s legs to disable him from taking the lead.  This briefly destroys Louie’s hope and persistence, slows his pace, and thus forces him to fall to the back of the group, left feeling internally and externally defeated. All of a sudden, he acknowledges his reasoning for running; he possesses the desire for glory and recognition amongst the people of the country and concludes that “a lifetime of glory is worth a moment of pain” (35).  Even though the envious runners are in the wrong, Louie’s restored faith in the situation forces him to ignore the omnipresent distractions and press through the inflicted pain. His ultimate goal is to win, and win he does through this strong determination.

            Along with physical faith, Louie and the men on his survival raft display acts of spiritual faith as well. As their difficult ocean journey progresses, resources run out, influencing them to rely solely on survival instincts, it pushes them to catch birds and even consider the attempt to devour the teasing sharks below to satisfy their desperate need for any form of nutrients. The men, in dire need for any bit of water, call upon the help of Christ above.  They put away the pressing distraction of the sharks and existing body aches to come together and bow their heads; Louie, being the least religious of them all but understanding the nature of the Christianity beliefs, prays aloud, declaring, “if God would quench their thirst,…he’d dedicate his life to him” (159). Somehow, within the following twenty-four hours, rain descends from the sky, filling the dry mouths of the crew.  They soon realize that praying leads to pleasant outcomes, as divine intervention blesses them with two more showers following two more prayer requests. By having faith in God, the untamable thirst vanishes, for the moment anyway, and fills the three guys with a dose of hope. This hope transforms into determination as they rekindle their strength to continue the voyage to the unknown destination.

            Not only do Louie and his comrades possess unfailing faith, but it also lies within his mother, Louise, and his sister, Sylvia.  The United States War Department announces a list of solders who go missing at sea after the inferior Green Hornet plummets to its death over the ocean.  Despite standing in a sea of despairing families, the Zamperinis stand defiant in the face of their son’s almost certain death.  Something stirs inside each of their hearts; “it wasn’t denial, it wasn’t hope. It was belief… [They] still sensed Louie’s presence; they could still feel him” (220). In a moment of clarity, Louie’s sister, Sylvia, declares her brother’s death impossible.   Following suit, the whole family refuses to acknowledge his official death statement given by military personnel from the government. While awaiting news of their lost son, their sustained faith receives the rewarding news of Louie living and breathing as a prisoner of war. Their beloved son stands alive and well.

            This dramatic journey of faith unifies the story with the essential father-son bond that brings many readers to sympathize with Louie’s personal biography in Unbroken.   

            The minor theme of faith ultimately develops the major theme of faith through a variety of resources, including Louie Zamperini himself and his mother, Louise. As the focus shifts back and forth between the various elements of faith, such as religious faith and simple optimism, the reader develops the conclusion that Louis Sylvia Zamperini uses this tool to his significant advantage and perseveres through the troubles of the war. From the beginning, his defiant nature and faithful determination hold strong; “the same attributes that had made him the boy terror of Torrance [kept] him alive in the greatest struggle of his life” (155). These defining characteristics make Louie the thing he set out to be: unbroken.