Colonel Dax is very clearly the most honorable and respectable character in the film “Paths of Glory”, especially when compared to the individuals who out-rank him, such as General George Broulard, and General Paul Mireau, and even his inferiors, such as Lieutenant Roget. Numerous examples are set forth throughout the film that highlight Colonel Dax’s heroism and valor, while also showing how the other characters, or “scoundrels” as he puts it, are all weak-willed men who let their ambition, pride, and alcohol get the better of them.
General Broulard, who is the highest ranking officer we see in the film, is very politically motivated, where as Colonel Dax is motivated by purer intentions. The General wants his orders to be carried out in order to please the public and politicians who are pressuring him, which illustrates him as a very weak-willed person. In the end of the film, we see General Broulard offering Colonel Dax General Mireau’s job, which Colonel Dax, in short, tells him to “shove”. This illustrates that Colonel Dax, much unlike the other officers we see in the film, can’t have his ambition used to guide his will. Rather, Colonel Dax remains loyal to his …show more content…
This is made excruciatingly clear when he orders an artillery strike on his own men because they are being “cowards” by not advancing towards the Anthill as he ordered. Colonel Dax informs General Mireau that the attack on the anthill is impossible, but the General threatens to have Colonel Dax sent on leave. Dax convinces the General to let him stay, not because he seeks a promotion, rather that he does not want to be separated from his regiment. General Mireau threatens Colonel Dax when the Colonel requests to represent his men in the court marshal that General Mireau has ordered, but the Colonel does not let the General’s threats to “have him destroyed” intimidate him, as he stands his ground and represents his men
General Broulard, who is the highest ranking officer we see in the film, is very politically motivated, where as Colonel Dax is motivated by purer intentions. The General wants his orders to be carried out in order to please the public and politicians who are pressuring him, which illustrates him as a very weak-willed person. In the end of the film, we see General Broulard offering Colonel Dax General Mireau’s job, which Colonel Dax, in short, tells him to “shove”. This illustrates that Colonel Dax, much unlike the other officers we see in the film, can’t have his ambition used to guide his will. Rather, Colonel Dax remains loyal to his …show more content…
This is made excruciatingly clear when he orders an artillery strike on his own men because they are being “cowards” by not advancing towards the Anthill as he ordered. Colonel Dax informs General Mireau that the attack on the anthill is impossible, but the General threatens to have Colonel Dax sent on leave. Dax convinces the General to let him stay, not because he seeks a promotion, rather that he does not want to be separated from his regiment. General Mireau threatens Colonel Dax when the Colonel requests to represent his men in the court marshal that General Mireau has ordered, but the Colonel does not let the General’s threats to “have him destroyed” intimidate him, as he stands his ground and represents his men