Paul Tillich, a famous theologian and philosopher, once said, “Cruelty towards others is always also cruelty towards ourselves.” This idea is depicted extraordinarily well in Laura Hillenbrand’s book about Louis Zamperini, entitled Unbroken, especially by Mutsuhiro Watanabe, also known simply as “The Bird.” Inexplicably cruel to the POWs imprisoned in Japan, The Bird was arguably one of the most dangerous guards during World War II. Even though the book was focused on Louie, Watanabe played a vital role in shaping the story.
Before the war, Mutsuhiro led a seemingly normal, albeit pampered, lifestyle. As a boy, he “grew up in luxury’s lap… reportedly waited on by servants and swimming in his family’s private pool” (239). His family was caring, and “his siblings knew him …show more content…
He attended Waseda University in Tokyo, studying French literature and becoming interested with nihilism. After he graduated, he secured a job at a news agency, but he was only there for a month. Because Japan was at war, and Mutsuhiro was “deeply patriotic” (239), he enlisted in the army, like most men who were full of pride for their country.
Watanabe expected to be granted the rank of officer, and when he wasn’t, it fueled his rage towards other officers and the POWs. On the day that he arrived, he brought candy and cigarettes for the prisoners, speaking of how highly he thought of Britain and America. Days passed, and Mutsuhiro did not cause any problems. However, the peace was disrupted one morning when, as he walked towards some POWs by the barracks entrance, a soldier by the name of Derek Clarke yelled “Gangway!” to make room for him to walk by. According to witnesses, “That one word sent Watanabe into an explosion. He lunged at Clarke, beat him until he fell down, then kicked
Before the war, Mutsuhiro led a seemingly normal, albeit pampered, lifestyle. As a boy, he “grew up in luxury’s lap… reportedly waited on by servants and swimming in his family’s private pool” (239). His family was caring, and “his siblings knew him …show more content…
He attended Waseda University in Tokyo, studying French literature and becoming interested with nihilism. After he graduated, he secured a job at a news agency, but he was only there for a month. Because Japan was at war, and Mutsuhiro was “deeply patriotic” (239), he enlisted in the army, like most men who were full of pride for their country.
Watanabe expected to be granted the rank of officer, and when he wasn’t, it fueled his rage towards other officers and the POWs. On the day that he arrived, he brought candy and cigarettes for the prisoners, speaking of how highly he thought of Britain and America. Days passed, and Mutsuhiro did not cause any problems. However, the peace was disrupted one morning when, as he walked towards some POWs by the barracks entrance, a soldier by the name of Derek Clarke yelled “Gangway!” to make room for him to walk by. According to witnesses, “That one word sent Watanabe into an explosion. He lunged at Clarke, beat him until he fell down, then kicked