Paper on Character - Dignity and Self Respect

Robert Gould Shaw was a son of wealthy Boston abolitionists. His father had founded the National Freeman’s Relief Association. Shaw attended one of the best schools in Europe but practically did not like school and did not want to continue his education, therefor he joined the army. At 23 he enlisted to fight in “The War Between the States. The movie opens by Robert reading one of many letters he writes home. He is captain of 100 Union soldiers most of whom are older than himself. He speaks of the spirit of his men and how they are enthusiastic about fighting for their country just like the men in The Revolutionary war only this time they were fighting to give blacks freedom and to live in a united country where all can speak and live freely.

The first scene takes place at Antietam Creek, Maryland Sept.17, 1862 at The Battle of Tatum. The Union marches on foot lead by Shaw, only to be bombarded with cannon shots and gunfire. After the battle he was taken to a hospital where he heard Lincoln would be issuing an emancipation proclamation to free the slaves. At a house party afterwards, Robert sees Gov. Andrew and meets Fredrick Douglas who tells him there is to be an all-black regiment, some of whom are ex-slaves, of which he would like Robert to be colonel. He asks his friend Kevin to assist him in leading this group. On November 27, 1862, black volunteer soldiers are brought to Readville Camp in Massachusetts. There we meet the main characters of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment. Rawlins is the future Sergeant Major and is a father figure to the group. Trip seems to have an angry personality who takes his frustration out on others. Thomas, a childhood friend of Shaw’s, is well educated and has not been exposed to harsh reality of the slavery scene.

Shaw envisions the loss he had at Tatum when he trains these men. These men have never experienced man to man combat before and are not prepared to handle most situations. Robert enforces all the