Ted Lavender Passage Analysis

The passage is about the dramatic change in Lieutenant Cross after the death of Ted Lavender. He realized that he loved Martha, more than his fellow soldiers which ultimately caused the death of Lavender. Lieutenant Cross’s revelation made him a better leader; because he finally has opened his eyes and change his focus to what is important. “He felt shame”, he hated the fact that he put his love for Martha before his team. Lieutenant Cross fantasizes about Martha every day of the war knowing he could never be with her. His love for Martha blinded him, ultimately causing the death of Lavender. he hated the fact that one of his soldiers had to die for him to realize, that his lack of focus ultimately cost him a life which he was responsible for. After the death of Lavender Lieutenant Cross destroyed the village of Than Khe. I think the reason for the destruction of Than Khe was because of Vengeance but some might say otherwise, but the slaughtering of chickens and dogs indicates to me that the soldiers were looking to kill any and everything living because of what happened to Lavender, they burned everything which tells me they wanted to make a statement. But in the middle of the passage something interesting stuck out to me, Kiowa explains how lavender died while they were marching; the passage says Lieutenant Cross found himself trembling. "He …show more content…
Some probably were selfish and only cared about themselves thanking god it wasn’t them, some probably were affect like Lieutenant Cross, and there can be some that really feels sorry for Lieutenant Cross because they can see the pain and the way the situation has affected him. Kiowa is explaining the story of Lavenders death as they marched, I think he is trying to discourage or rube in Lieutenant Cross face the death of Lavender I think he is trying to challenge the leadership of the Lieutenant