What do you admire most about Zamperini? What special strengths enables him to survive the plane crash and POW ordeal?
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The central question for our Great Books inquiry this year is "What does it mean to be a moral Christian?". Please comment on the questions below. The first five respondents need only to answer the questions. All others must post their answers and respond to two (2) earlier posts.
Among the most admirable and inspirational traits of Louis Zamperini are his resilience and willpower. While enduring insufferable conditions on the Pacific Ocean and in the POW camps, Zamperini held on to his hope and was able to recover. While slowly dying of dehydration on the raft, Zamperini finds faith when his prayer for rain is answered. He eventually loses his faith at the POW camps, but maintains his will to survive. These traits alone are key points in his ability to survive the war. In some of Zamperini’s darkest post-war moments, he eventually turns back to God and consequently gives up any feelings of retribution. Despite the suffering they inflicted on him, Zamperini is able to forgive the “Bird” and other POW guards. Only a deeply moral and resilient person can truly forgive their torturers, which is what makes Louis Zamperini truly commendable.
ReplyDeleteWhat I admire most about Louie Zamperini is how he was able to turn his life around after he breaks down and gives up after the war. The whole time he was in the war, either on the raft or as prisoner he believed that if he could make it through all this and make it home alive he would be ok and all of it would be over. That was not the case. He came home and the tortures he endured in war still haunted him and Louie began a struggle that may have been even worse than the war itself. Louie could not handle the dreams and the flashbacks and developed a very heavy drinking problem and it was effecting every aspect of his life. But after listening to a religious speaker he found the strength to turn his life around and become the man he used to be. I believe the special strength that enabled Louie to survive was the fact that he was a runner. As a runner he was trained to keep fighting because fighting through that extra 30 seconds of pain on the track turns into something great when you finish and have gone that much faster. I believe that when Louie was out in the ocean or in the POW camps he used the same mindset, if I can survive for just a little longer, I will make it home.
ReplyDeleteThe things I admire most about Louie is that he always seemed to have a positive outlook and he always had hope and willpower. I believe that these two things really helped him survive the POW camp and plane crash. He never thought he was going to die, and this probably helped him stay alive. If you have a negative outlook on a situation, you probably won't work as hard to figure out a way to keep going in the toughest of circumstances. Louie’s hope of survival really helped because it helped him find his faith again. Louie also had incredible willpower. At one point in the book, Louie and a few other men were going to commandeer a plane and escape. Louie had to know the risk of being killed was very high, and wanted to do it anyway. Even though they abandoned their plan, they thought of a way out.
ReplyDeleteThere are many admirable traits which Louie Zamperini posses, however, the trait which I most admire is his ability to forgive and move on. After the Green Hornet crash- Mac, Allen, and Louie were struggling to survive on a raft, and when Mac ate all the chocolate, Louie did not panic and forgave Mac, because he realized that forgiveness would be best for their survival. Another example of his forgiveness is after the prisoners learned of the war's end, they held no hostilities towards the guards as the prisoners took control of the camp. Finally, his ability to forgive and move past the war was a monumental step in turning his post-war life around, especially when he embraced his former guards when visiting Japan five years later. Overall, Louie's trait of forgiveness is what makes Louie and great leader, and allowed Louie to survive through his POW experience, and I admire him for that.
ReplyDeleteAlthough majority of the novel praises Louie’s determination and willpower, his complete conversion emerges as his most admirable trait. After returning from war, Louie fell into a seemingly bottomless pit of alcoholism, smoking, and loneliness. The Bird haunted his nightmares for five years, but after hearing Billy Graham speak, Zamperini not only helped struggling teenagers get back on the right track but also openly forgave those who tortured him. While his physical pain healed in a matter of time, his emotional pain lasted until he pardoned the Bird. On a different note, Louie’s hopeful dignity enables him to survive the plane crash, unlike idle Mac. He was always creating plans, playing pranks, and taking desperate measures to survive, and this constant activity proved crucial in his endurance.
ReplyDelete-Caroline Hughes
Louie Zamperini visits a prison at the end of Unbroken. In it, he finds his tormentors, except for Watanabe. The ability to go back and look at his captors in and of itself takes strength, which is admirable. That willpower allows him to survive, and I agree with Catherine that it is inspirational. But what amazes me the most is his ability to forgive. After all his horrifying experiences, he forgives them and feels compassion for Watanabe. Perhaps that relates to Tom’s remark of how he is able to turn his life around, forgiveness being the last step. But that last step is the hardest to make, especially after being pushed to such extremes. And Zamperini’s ability to accomplish it makes him a truly amazing human being.
ReplyDeleteThe two traits that I most admire about Louie Zamperini are his braveness and ability to forgive. When the plane first crashed, Louie was determined to survive, and to help his friends survive as well. The means he took were difficult and grueling, but he stuck to it, and saved both his own and his friend's life. This braveness is also shown through his time at the POW camp. Although some might say that enduring the treatment from Bird and not fighting back was not brave, I disagree. Being the bigger man in the situation was probably was ultimately saved his life. I agree with Gabrielle when she says that "his willpower allowed him to survive." His braveness also is a large part of his ability to forgive. The fact that he was able to return to Japan after all he endured was one of the bravest things I've ever read about.
ReplyDeleteI admire many things about Louie Zamperini, two of which that I believe go together are his resilience and intelligence. His resilience is seen in many ways during the novel. For instance, Louie was able to survive on a raft in the middle of the Pacific for forty-five days. Not only that, but he then survived in various labor camps for over two years. He was able to survive the cruelty of the Bird inflicted upon him almost everyday, and in one case in particular was able to hole a pole above his head for thirty minutes with virtually no strength left. Louie’s intelligence also helped him survive. With very low provisions, Louie figured out a way to patch the holes in the raft to keep the men from drowning. I agree with Catherine S’s comment about Louie’s faith being strong when he asked for rain. Emma W. said Louie had willpower, and I agree. Through his resilience and intelligence he kept the will to live.
ReplyDeleteLouie Zamperini is a very inspirational person in which I admire many things about him. First off, I admire his ability to strive for what he wants. During his running years, Louie worked tremendously hard to achieve what he wanted. He worked harder and harder each day which gave him the ultimate prize of making it to the Olympics. It is also seen towards the end of the novel of his motivation to work hard and keep running, even after all the difficult times he had to overcome. As Francesca said, I also admire his bravery, like when the plane first crashed and he saved both his own and his friends lives. I also admire his ability to forgive. At the end of the novel, Louie goes back to a prison where he comes face to face with the people that tormented him. As Gabrielle said, "The ability to go back and look at his captors in and of itself takes strength."The way that Louie forgave Watanabe is inspirational.Being able to look past the horrific things Watanabe did shows the kind of man Louie is. These wonderful qualities and his faith are what kept Louie alive and made him to be such an incredible man.
ReplyDeleteUnbroken describes the long and amazing life of Louis Zamperini and accounts of the astounding deeds he performed. It is through these accounts that we can see that under the pressure of war, and the stress that he encounters after it, he is a very resourceful and faithful man. While Louie and the rest of the crew of the Green Hornet were on a rescue mission, the engines failed and they opted to ditch the plane. Louie, Phil, and Mac survived the impact, and floated away from the side on the life rafts. What followed was nearly two months of terrible living conditions in which the three were constantly faced with the prospect of death. But Louis cleverly devised means by which they could avoid starvation, thirst, shark attacks, and sinking. He was under a lot of pressure, but managed to concentrate all of his efforts on their survival. When they floated into the doldrums, he was emaciated and felt in danger of slipping away, but recognized God's presence and felt hope that they would be saved. His resourceful attitude and desperate hope saved him, and proved to be two of his most important characteristics. I agree with Claire, who remarked that Louis was resilient in his efforts. I also agree with Francesca, who recognizes Louie's bravery in the face of adversity.
ReplyDeleteOf all the qualities and traits Louis Zamperini possesses, I most admire his determination. When he was a runner and he did not qualify for the 1500 meter dash, he was able to bear down and train as hard as he could to make the Olympics in the 5000 meter after just a few months training for a race he had never run before in his life. Then after his plane the Green Hornet crashed, he refused to give up. After plane after plane flew right over him and his situation seemed hopeless he never gave up. When the Japanese plane shot at his raft and punctured it, he made it his mission to repair it. Starvation, dehydration, and sharks could not stop Zamperini on his mission to survive. Then, once he was captured by the Japanese and the Bird made it his mission to break him, Zamperini was fixed on not budging. He took punch, kick, belt buckle to the ear, and refused to lose his will to live. Then in the end, Zamperini was finally liberated and managed to survive his whole ordeal through mental toughness and determination. I agree with Nora who complimented Zamperini on his strength and with John who was impressed by his resourcefulness.
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ReplyDeleteA ten-foot blockade at the heart of any endurance sport separates achievement from self-described failure and challenges an athlete to discover her inner reservoir of strength inherent to surmount any endeavor, any wall. Such a barrier is in no way physical; rather, it is a mental impediment surpassed only by athletes “incapable of discouragement” (9) and those “possessing a resilient optimism” (9). Max Janczak clearly comprehends this as he defines purposefulness as Louie Zamperini’s most endearing quality throughout Unbroken. Consider the broader implications of the biography’s title. Zamperini is Undeterred, Undaunted, Unswayed. The obstacles overcome by an obstreperous boy forge a man resolutely devoted to success. Grueling training and an adamant staying power sculpt an elite Olympian who understands that “a lifetime of glory is worth a moment of pain” (34). What fueled Louie’s aspirations in peace saved his life in war. Set on survival, he deters inevitable physical destruction to preserve his mental faculties on a raft. Confronted with malnutrition, exhaustion, and dehumanization, Louie doggedly determines to preserve inner dignity, at times a seemingly insurmountable barrier. Just as Don Lockwood championed the motto “Dignity Always Dignity” in Singin’ in the Rain, Louie keeps body and soul together only because of his remarkable ability to steadfastly maintain his humanity. One unfamiliar with his athletic past as a distance runner would almost certainly mislabel Louie as a hurdler for the walls he jumps throughout his otherworldly struggle.
ReplyDeleteTwo traits that I admire most about Louie Zamperini are how he always had hope and determination, and his ability to forgive. As Frankie Fridman said, the fact that Louie was able to return to Japan after all that happened to him was enough, but to go and forgive all of his tormentors shows he is a true moral Christian. The moment that the plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean, Louie had hope and determination that he was going to survive. He always found ways for them to eat and rain, even resorting to praying and devoting his life to God if he survived, which he ended up doing by forgiving. The Bird beat on Louie from the moment he laid foot on Omori, therefore forcing Louie to endure extreme hardships. In order to survive with the Bird and other POW guards, Louie needed determination and hope that he would not die. I agree with Tommy Haracz when he says that the special strength that helped Louie to survive was the fact that he was a runner because he learned to push through the pain and keep working to win, or in the war’s case, make it home.
ReplyDeleteMarisa Donato
Three traits I admire that the character of Louie Zamperini possesses is his ability to forgive, his determination, and his work ethic. We first see Louie's forgiveness trait after Mac gets hungry on the raft and eats all of the provisions left for the men. Next, we see it after the war, when Louie first decides to find the Bird and kill him, but then decides that he should forgive and forget after he hears Graham preach. Next, Louie's trait of determination and work ethic gets him through tough times. As John Ray stated, " Louis cleverly devised means by which they could avoid starvation, thirst, shark attacks, and sinking." Louie soon becomes the leader of the group, devising ways for the men to stay mentally sane. He does this by grilling them on questions about their life. He also collects most of their food. What he does first is capture an albatross (if the situation permits) and then puts the meat onto a fish hook and captures the men's food. He is determined not to die, and his work ethic keeps him staring into the face of death, but just beyond death's reach. Also, Louie's determination to escape death gets him through the difficult times he faces in POW camps, and leads to his survival.
ReplyDeleteJulia Papanastou
The thing that I admire most about Louie is his bravery and his ability to keeping pushing on, remaining unbroken by the forces around him. As Catherine and Claire both mentioned, it was Louis’s resilience that enabled him to push through his difficult times at the different POW camps even as disease ate away at his body and The Bird and other camp guards ate away at his spirit and his dignity. The moment when Louis’s ability to remain unfazed by the spirit-crushing forces around him shines is when the Bird makes Louie hold a large wooden beam over his head. To anger The Bird and show him that Louie would not give in, he holds the beam over his head for more than half an hour- an amazing feat for a malnourished and weakened man.
ReplyDeleteOne trait that I definitely admire about Louie is his positivity. I agree with Emma when she states that Louie's positivity that he was going to survive had a major impact of his survival and his will to stay alive. This trait comes through especially well when Louie is stranded on a raft in the pacific ocean with little food, water, and chance of survival. However, Louie never even considers that he won't survive. He and Phil both show this positive outlook which seems to even become self-fulfilling. Mac, who does not share their positive outlook, quickly wastes away and becomes the only one of the three men to die on the raft. His positivity that the Allies would quickly win the war also kept him going during his time as a POW. I also agree with Haley Hartzel when she ways that she admires Louie's ability to forgive and move on. Right after the war, Louie has many psychological problems. He becomes an alcoholic and fantasizes abouot killing the "Bird." However, once Louie remembers his promise to God and goes back to Japan to visit his old guards in jail, he truly forgives them and lives a very happy life because he was willing to let go of his hatred for them. This ability to forgive is what allows Louie to live out the remainder of his life in peace.
ReplyDeleteI personally like Zamperini's ability to adapt to his situation. He was dealt a bad hand when his plane went down but was able to overcome the emotional and mental strain through common trivia. When Mac ate the chocolate, Louie didn't express anger but rather understood and moved on. Also when they could not catch fish because they didn't have bait, Louie adapted to his situation and caught a bird to use as bait. Finally, when Louie needed regular, working man rations he adapted by begging the bird to find him an easier job. This unique ability to adapt not only helped Zamperini through the POW experience, but also saved his life.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Frankie Fridman when she says that Louie had such an amazing ability to forgive that he didn't show anger when Mac ate the remaining chocolate. I also agree with Colin when he says that "he truly forgives them and lives a very happy life because he was willing to let go of his hatred for them (the guards)"
DeleteLouis Zamperini posses many admiral traits. The trait I admire the most about Louie is his determination. While he was trying to survive the crash of the Green Hornet, Louie was determined to make sure Mac, Phil, and he had enough food to survive, even if that meant sticking his hands into the ocean full of sharks. Louie never gave up while they were on the raft. After the Japanese planes shoot up their raft, Louie made sure to fix all of the holes on their raft. Nothing was going to get in his way of returning home to see his family, not even the Bird who made his experiences at the POWs camps all the worse. I agree with Tommy Haracz that one of Louie's most admirable traits were that he could turn his life around after he broke down and gave up after the war. I also agree with Gabrielle Timm who admires him to be able to go back and look at his captors.
ReplyDelete- Lauren Lyman
Louie has an inherently hopeful quality that enables him to push through unimaginably difficult situations. On the raft with Mac and Phil, Louie pushed them to stay sane by keeping up conversation. As Mimi Sperl stated, even with disease and intense fatigue eating way at his body, Louie was able to keep up his inner strength. Louie's uniquely hopeful quality reemerged in full force in the latter half of his life. As Colin Riley described, even when the emotional stress of the war continued to haunt him, he found hope in God, and even was able to forgive the former officers who abused him. As Hillenbrand concretely illustrated in Unbroken, hope is both essential for living a happy life, and for survival itself.
ReplyDeleteZamperini’s most admirable quality is his light heartedness that leads him to forgiveness and faith in his life. As a kid, Louis takes life in stride living on the joy of adventure and the thrill of breaking rules. His ability to adapt his creative mind to every new encounter and his will to endure all resulting punishment produces his perseverance that enables him to survive the plane crash and POW ordeal. His dignity prevents him from surrendering as he takes the “glass half full” approach on life. Although the war severely damages him mentally his positive attitude inevitably leads him to realize all the times his faith protected him such as the Japanese bombers consistently missing the men on the raft. Caroline Hughes accurately claims, “conversion emerges as [Louis’] most admirable trait.” His easy-going personality allowed Louis to make the most of every change whether rewarding or punishing and ultimately survive. Gabrielle Timm upholds forgiveness to be Louis greatest trait. For Louis to forgive his captors shows that he has found a deeper meaning within his faith and enjoys the happiness and reward of life alone. –Elle Zadina
ReplyDeleteThe most astounding characteristic of Zamperini is not his physical endurance as some have argued, but his internal fortitude. This part of
ReplyDeleteLouis Zamperini is an intangible trait composed of his resilience to the obstacles he faced throughout the novel and his "never gonna quit" attitude. These two discarnate qualities serve him well throughout the novel, starting with his last race at the Berlin games. At that point, he was ready to sacrifice everything he had, mind, body, soul, to win that race. Even though he did not emerge victorious, he knew he gave it his all. But the most striking scene in the book that gives credence to the title is the scene where Louis's cruel tormentor, The Bird, forces him hold a large wooden plank above his head. If Louis dropped the blank, The Bird threatened to beat him to the point of unconscious. A malnourished, sick, withered skeleton of a former Olympian lifted the oppressive board from the ground above is head not for two minutes, not twenty minutes, but for 35 minutes, a feat that a healthy man would struggle with. But what made Louis lift that board for so long? At that point, he would rather die than quit. He knew that the longer he held that board above his head, the more of a victory it was not just for him, but for the entire inmate population. It would provide them with a victory that would give hope and belief that one day they would be freed from that hellhole. The hope Louis provided from this one heroic action can only be measured by the conviction he gave to his fellow to survive. I agree with Max Janzack and Claire Murphy when they state that Louis' determination helped him power through the roughest period in his life.
Throughout Unbroken Louis Zamperini faced obstacle after obstacle but miraculously overcame every one. Whether it was on the track, on the raft, or in the POW camps Zamperini always had a fire in him. On the track he was always determined to do the best that he could possibly do and became known as “the boy with the fast finish” when he ran a final lap in 56 seconds. On the raft, he constantly kept mind-stimulating conversation going and found himself enjoying the mind-cleansing silence rather than losing his cool. Also as Marisa mentioned, Zamperini was able to maintain his mental strength while his body was deteriorating from malnutrition and frequent beatings at the POW camps. It was his determination and spirit that saved Zamperini from mental breakdown. Also, like Mimi, I admire Zamperini’s bravery. He was truly a devoted US soldier and did anything to keep his country safe. He lied to the interrogators when they asked for important information on US air bases putting himself in danger for the safety of his country. Overall I believe that Zamperini’s spirit, determination, and bravery helped him hurdle over the many obstacles he faced.
ReplyDeleteThe most admirable trait that Louie possesses is will to survive and his ability to overcome adversity. When Louie is put at his lowest point, inches from death, he was able to survive and come home to his family eventually. I agree with Ryan that the most striking scene and the scene that shows Louie’s never give up attitude is when he holds a board over his head. If Louie lowers the board he will be beaten until he is unconscious. Louie, who is sick and withered down to skin and bones, holds the board for 35 minutes and by the end the whole camp was watching. Acts like these performed by Louie were used to show he was not giving in to anybody and he would fight everyday he was in the POW camp. I also agree with John Ray that Louie devised many ways to survive and would not let himself die. Louie showed in adversity that he would never give up and that he would survive the war to see his family again.
ReplyDelete-Michael Brien
A person worthy of many traits to be admired, if forced to pick one I admire the most I would have to choose Louie’s perseverance. If I had been stranded in the middle of the ocean with no food, beaten to almost the point of death, and watched some of my closest friends die, I do not know if I would be able to maintain that same forward thinking mentality Louie possessed. After surviving the worst of conditions, Louie was able to emerge not only alive, but also with his dignity. I think that Ryan Chestnut provides the perfect example of Louie’s perseverance when he discusses the time Louie held the wooden block above his head for 35 minutes. Louie’s perseverance proved to be not only physical, but mental. I also agree with Grace Parker as she states, “hope is both essential for living a happy life, and for survival itself.” I believe that if Louie had not hoped for the future, his survival through the Japanese camps would have been nearly impossible. When times get tough you need some source to keep you motivated, and for Louie I believe that is was his unwillingness to surrender and hope for the future.
ReplyDeleteLouis Zamperini has one of the most incredible stories I have ever heard. It is safe to say that in his childhood, he was on his way to death and exile in the town. However, I agree with Tom Haracz in saying that the most remarkable thing about Louis is his incredible ability to reinvent himself. In the novel, we see this happen multiple times, and in each one it takes astounding amounts of willpower and determination. The first example of this is seen when Louis is a teenager and takes up running. In the blink of an eye he went from a town rebel to a talented Olympic runner. That was an amazing accomplishment for a boy who seemed so unmanageable. Next, Louis made the transition from an Olympian to a member of the airforce. This was a trying, unprecedented experience and Louis excelled even though it was interfering with his running dreams. Next Louis became a castaway and POW. This was the most trying experience of all and was astounding in every way. It took all of his emotional willpower, strength, and skill to stay alive for the next three years. Finally, after going through these incredible hardships, Louis somehow managed to adjust to life back in the US. This was a place where no one understood him or his hardships, yet he got married and started a family. All of Louis's incredible strengths are shown in this ability, and that is the whole reason he persevered and survived. Lastly, I agree with Elle Zadina that his light-heartedness helped him survive because he never took things too hard or personally, and even forgave the Quack.
ReplyDeleteThroughout Unbroken, Louis Zamperini displayed tremendous amounts of, as Ryan described it, internal fortitude. This type of mental capacity Louis had gave him the ability to succeed as much as he did in running throughout high school and college as he broke record after record. It was this ability that, during his mile runs, he was able to give his the same effort in the first hundred meters as much in the last hundred meters. Having this trait also helped him, and perhaps saved him, while he was a Japanese POW. For example, in one of the cruel actions taken by the Bird, while Louis was in his last camp, the Bird made Louis hold a heavy wooden beam high above his head. Louis knew that dropping the beam would give the Bird the satisfaction he wanted, so Louis held up the beam for an astonishingly thirty-seven minutes, until the Bird was furious enough to leave. It is possible that if Louis had dropped the beam, the Bird would have gone on one of his violent beatings on an already very weakened Louis and possible kill him. Another way to describe it, as Max did, is Louis’ determination that got him through his hardships.
ReplyDeleteWhat I like most about Zamperini is his ability to overcome adversity and keep pushing through his struggles. Catherine makes a great point when she says that Zamperini keeps his will to survive. No matter what obstacles were placed in front of him he never lost his will to live. While he was at the POW camps being starved and beaten, he never gave in. I also admire his ability to turn his life around when he is in a bad place. Like caroline hughes says, after the war Louie fell into a seemingly bottomless pit of alcoholism, smoking, and loneliness. After restoring his faith in God he completely turned his life around.
ReplyDeleteI think the trait I admire most in Louie was his ability to forgive. The Bird made Louie's days at the POW camp a living hell. Although he was always sought out and personally victimized, when it was time for Louie to get his revenge, he instead chose to forgive the Bird. After all the tormenting the Bird did to Louie, he still forgave him, and was sincere about it. That is something I probably wouldn't be able to do, so I find it inspiring. I think what helped Louie survived was his pride. Sometimes, pride can be a bad attribute, but in Louie's case, it pushed him to prove people wrong to save his dignity, and more importantly, his life. Just as Ryan mentioned, the story of Louie holding the board above his head for thirty five minutes to prove the Bird wrong showed his pride and perseverance. He wasn't going to let the Bird win. Also, when the Japanese soldiers offered better living conditions if he was on the radio as a propaganda solider, he refused to accept because of his pride for his country and himself. Pride gave Louie the drive to want to prove his enemies wrong and survive.
ReplyDelete-Annie Lyons
The trait I admire most about Zamperini is his ability to redeem himself. He did this first in his teenage years when he became an all-star track runner after having a notorious delinquent reputation. He did this a second time after the war when he sunk into a stage of his life that was filled with nightmares and alcohol, but after listening to the words of a religious speaker, his faith in God was restored. I agree with John Buck when he says that "no matter what obstacles were placed in front of him he never lost his will to live." This shows Zamperini's determination to keep his life on the right track. I also agree with Lauren when she discussed how Zamperini fought so hard to not only save his own life on the raft, but to make sure Phil and Mac stayed alive as well. These are all traits to be admired.
ReplyDeleteWhat most inspires me about Zamperini is his will power. He was put to some very challenging tests over the years. He was beaten and shamed in many ways but throughout the course of his ordeals he was able to remain mentally tough. There were a few instances when he was on the verge of breakdown, but in the times of his greatest struggles he thought of his family and the people he loved back home. This kind of selflessness is an amazing trait that I can only hope to achieve one day. And after all of it. He was able to look back at all the people who had hurt him over the years and forgive them. I agree with Tommy Haracz that his ability to reinvent himself is also noteworthy. Although he was faced with adversity many times in his life whether on the track or on the battlefield, he approached these adversities with an open mind. I also agree with Will Lederer that he is able to adapt to situations well. This trait helps him in times of adversity. He seems to funnel his anger and stress into ideas that will ultimately help him in the end.
ReplyDeleteI think one of the biggest things that impressed me was Louie’s ability to control his emotions and therefore control the situation, even in hard times. When he was on the raft, he never panicked. Immediately, he tried to figure out a way to stay organized and to put others first. Also, when the Bird would torment him, he never lashed out. He took the punishment in silence, and although sometimes clenched his fists, he knew that he had to hold it in. One more thing that impressed me about Louie was his creativity and sharp thinking. He kept himself sustained, barely at times, but always found a way to persevere. On the raft, he made do with what he had, eating birds, sharks, and fish, and collecting rain water for drinking. In camp, he and the other POW’s learned to smuggle things out of work areas and to steal from the guards. I think Mark put it well that Louie’s effort was also a huge factor in his survival, that even though sometimes he didn’t have the strength, he was able to keep pushing forward, surprising others and himself, and his will to survive got him to the endpoint: freedom.
ReplyDeleteAmong Louis Zamperini’s many traits, I most admire his determination and willpower. From an early age, young Louie was able to turn his back on a life of crime and trouble and focus his energy on being an outstanding competitive runner. Once he fell in love with the sport, his determination gave him the strength to constantly strive to be the best. Louie trained vigorously and eventually became good enough to run the 5000 meter in the Berlin Olympics. These traits stuck with him throughout his life and helped him survive when his plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean during WWII. Once he became a Japanese prisoner of war, his determination and willpower gave him the strength to overcome merciless beatings, starvation to the point of emaciation, and to move on. I agree with Ryan Chestnut in that Louis’ feat of holding the board over his head for 35 minutes greatly exemplifies these traits of determination as well as willpower. After the war was over, Louie found himself in a very bad place, suffering from alcoholism as well as loneliness and depression. However, Louie’s determined spirit and faith in God saved him, giving him the power to turn his life around once more and persevere.
ReplyDeleteThroughout this book I was constantly amazed and impressed with Zamperini’s bravery and determination throughout his journey. These are the two traits that I admire most about him because he was able to survive starvation, beatings, labor, and many other horrifying events without losing faith in himself and in his country. Even when threatened with death or punishments, Zamperini did not give away country secrets and lied when asked about airbase locations. This took extreme bravery and loyalty to his country because he was willing to risk his own wellbeing in order to protect his country. Zamperini’s creativity and cleverness as well as his determination enabled him to survive the plane crash and POW ordeal. He thought of ways to collect rainwater while on the raft that helped his survival and also used his stealing skills to get extra food and supplies at the POW camps. I also agree with Sierra that his calmness helped him through these events because he never panicked, which allowed him to stay organized and ready to face the new challenges. I also agree with Charlie that his determination enabled him to turn his life around and become an amazing runner. This determination eventually led him to the Olympics.
ReplyDeleteLouie Zamperini, the valorous and kind-hearted former POW WWII veteran, has myriad admirable characteristics. In times of ordeal, Louie was not only able to care for himself, but he also so benevolently took care of his friends and acquaintances as best he could. Time after time, he put every one else before himself. He always kept a level head when all others were in a panic. His resourcefulness, cleverness, and will to live helped Louie Zamperini survive his plane crash in the Pacific, his incredibly dangerous month and a half long strandedness in the middle of the ocean, and most importantly his years of torment and abuse in the brutal Japanese POW camps. When Louie’s plane crashed, he attributed his survival to divine intervention and his faith. He used survival skills when stranded in the Pacific with Phil and Mac on a tiny raft and no food. Using what little he had, he kept the men alive as long as he could and even kept Mac sane. In the POW camps all over Japan, Louie is able to show will power in dealing with the incredibly cruel guards, which is truly admirable. One thing that marked Louie as an admirable man was his care for his fellow POWs. He did his best to keep them alive, while also keeping himself alive. However, the most admirable trait of Louie Zamperini was his ability to forgive. He forgave the guards that so inhumanely tortured, beat, humiliated, and starved him. Specifically, his ability to forgive the Bird, who haunted his nightmares for years and whom almost destroyed Louie’s life after the war, was truly remarkable. Louie Zamperini should be commended for going so far as to be willing to meet the Bird years after the war, ready to forgive the man whom he once was obsessed with killing. It is quite apparent that Louie Zamperini is a universal inspiration and that his kind heart, intellect, bravery, resourcefulness, and most importantly his forgiveness are all extremely admirable traits.
ReplyDeleteThroughout the book, Louie shows many admirable qualities that help him make it through his various struggles. His most admirable qualities are like Emma said his positive attitude and like Catherine said his willpower. He displays his positive attitude throughout the entire novel beginning with his love for running. From the start we also see that he has willpower and determination to reach the Olympics and create a new lifestyle for himself. We see him strive to reach his goals and try to change his life around from when he was younger. On the raft, we see his positive attitude again when he tries to make conversation and never gives up hope that they will be found. We also saw his determination on the raft as he got food and water and helped his fellow raft members. When in the POW camps we see his willpower and determination to survive. He tries to never show signs of weakness and doesn’t give into the Japanese ways. Even later in life when he lost his way he had enough willpower and determination to turn his life back around and commit to his promises. As we see willpower, determination, and a positive attitude helped Louie survive through the horrible situations in his life.
ReplyDeleteI am at a loss of words when it comes to describing what I admire about Louis Zamperini: everything. I admire everything about him because I know that, had I been in his situation, beginning with the plane crash, I would have given up hope, or, at the very least, panicked, within seconds. I would have committed suicide before I sat in the middle of the largest ocean on earth for forty-seven days, surrounded by sharks, and I would have rather been killed than tortured the way he was for over two years, the Bird being the prime culprit. Louie is like the exact opposite of a coward, heck, I don’t even have the courage to join the military, let alone fight in combat, and he was a hero of the air battle over Nauru. Louis was admirable even as a troubled youth—he sure had some guts—and then, for sure, as a teen, running like no one had before. In his twenties, he sacrificed everything to serve his country. Overall, I admire Louis Zamperini for his courage in the face of danger, dedication to his loved ones, and ability to persevere through it all. I should also acknowledge, like Gabrielle Timm, that Louie’s ability to forgive at the end of the book was truly remarkable. Claire Murphy also points out his intelligence, which was truly superior. I do not believe he would have survived without it. -Karina de Hueck
ReplyDeleteThe thing that I admire the most about Louie is his ability to keep faith in the most harsh of conditions. He was put in bad positions as both a child and when he grows up. He also has tremendous willpower. Like Katie said when he was little he tried his hardest to be in the Olympics when he grew up. He had the ability to keep the faith through out all that he was put through in the POW camps. He also had hope when he was on the raft both when he was dying of dehydration and when he was trying to stay alive long enough to be found. he also showed his leadership qualities on the raft when he kept his fellow raft members motivated and hopeful that they will be found, and that everything will be alright. Louie was able to survive his ordeals in the POW camps because he had strong willpower and he had hope that no matter what happened he would one day be home again
ReplyDeleteLouis Zamperini had many admirable traits. What I admired the most about him was his ability hold on to hope in the darkest of times in his life. During his time on the the raft and in the POW camps he always seemed to have the ability to bounce back. Also when he returned from the war, he went through more struggles with everyday life again. After some time he was determined to find his faith once again and regain love and happiness into his life with family and friends. I agree with Jimmy in saying that another admirable trait that Louis had was his determination during the olympics.
ReplyDeleteThroughout "Unbroken," Hillenbrand shares Zamperini's admirable traits through his inspiring journey. Among the many traits is perseverance. This trait is the most admirable because given the conditions he was in, most people would stop trying to survive and die. This was not the case for Zamperini. On many occasions he thought his life was coming to and end, but he did everything he could to help not only himself, but his lifelong friends alive. When they were stranded on the raft, Mac ate all the remaining chocolate for the three men. As frustrated as Louie was, he kept his cool and always did everything he could to keep his friends alive. His perseverance is the reason he survived these brutal conditions.
ReplyDeleteI think that the most admirable traits of Zampernini is that he can remain calm when everything else goes wrong. For example, after the plane crash, he kept a cool head and found the raft in the water. Not only did this result in his survival, but it ended up saving his two other crew mates who survived the crash. Zampernini is also extremely clever. This is clearly shown during his early years, how he escapes danger after stealing food. This cleverness is also shown on the raft when he and Phil pass the time by thinking of recipes their mothers used to make and keeping their brains acute so that they don't go crazy as their other crew did.
ReplyDeleteWhat I admire most about Louis was his ability to actually stay unbroken throughout the whole war. No matter what happened, he stayed strong, no matter how close he got to his breaking point. He was tested to the ends of human limits and sanity, and his will to live was never crushed. He kept going through it all, even when it seemed like the end may be near. He kept his faith in the love of his family and friends, and the protection of God. Being able to forgive the people that tortured him throughout the war was incredible. It made me think that I should be grateful, and it truly inspired me to be thankful for what I have. Reading his story was inspirational, and made me reflect on myself. We can live by his example of hope and forgiveness, and above all, willpower and determination. His experiences are unprecedented, and allow us to look at our own lives and everyday occurences in a different way.
ReplyDeleteLike Mimi, i also admire his incredible bravery. I couldn't imagine doing some of the things he did. I admire the strength of his own human spirit as well. As Max said, I admire his determination to run and train for the Olympics as well.
DeleteThe quality that I admire most about Louie is his zeal for life. As Marta put it "most people would have stopped trying to be alive," but after the plane crash Louie did everything in his power to retain his excitement about life. Stranded at sea and without any sensory stimulation he still could evoke the feelings he had at a Thanksgiving meal and feel satisfied and positive. Even after all his suffering in the POW camp and the horrific treatment from the Bird Louie was also able to return to his faith and forgive. As Katherine mentioned, back in America Louie was in place that couldn't understand him and he felt anger and resentment. What i find inspiring is Louie's ability to recreate himself and once again participate in society, and not sacrifice his spirit to the cruelty of the Japanese.
ReplyDeleteLouie Zamperini is admirable for many qualities, most of which helped him make it through the war.The most obvious is his physical strength. As a runner, he possesed much physical strength which most likely aided him in surviving the plane crash, avoiding sharks and bullets while on the raft, and all of his POW ordeal, including beatings from the Bird.But more than his physical strength, as mentioned before, his strong willed spirit is probably the most admirable characteristic in Zamperini.As Catherine originally said, despite everything he lost and suffered, Zamperini's spirt and faith never shook once. Another characteristic of having a strong spirit is the inability to lose hope. AS mentioned in many previous posts, Zamperini is able to keep hope throughout the entire story, which in the end, is what i believe kept him alive, because one of the main things you need in order to live on is hope. As Marta mentioned,Zamperini truly has the ability to stay Unbroken throughout the war.He does not falter in faith, hope, or humanity. He truly is an admirable hero.
ReplyDeleteI would like to say that I admire Louie's mental health because he made it through some of the worst things that a man can possibly go through but, that is hard to say because like so many others he had to relieve himself through drinking and horrible mental thoughts. However, what he accomplished mentally is by no stretch of the imagination a small thing. His physical strength was incredible though. He managed to live through endless beating, starvation, a number of terrible diseases, and back breaking labor. To come out of all of that and only end up with a bad ankle is incredible. I agree with Clarice that his physical strength is definitely the most admirable. I only wish he had been able to still compete in the olympics again though, that probably would have aided his mental health significantly.I have to dissagree with Julia that most people would have given up after the plane crash. Of the three people that did survive, each one of them attempted to live on past the crash. If there is one thing I am amazed by with the raft portion of Louie's adventure, it is his resourcefulness. He managed to keep his other rafters sane and fed to his best abilities through all of his ideas and schemes.
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