The Boys in The Boat and The Bridge Over River Kwai: Comparing The Portrayal of The Theme of Pride

The theme of pride is a prominent element in literature, often influencing characters' motivations and decisions. While pride can serve as a catalyst for remarkable achievements, it can also become a destructive force, leading to negative consequences. Two notable works that explore the dual nature of pride are "The Boys in the Boat" by Daniel Brown and "The Bridge Over the River Kwai" by Pierre Boule. In "The Boys in the Boat," pride inspires a group of young men to achieve greatness, while in "The Bridge Over the River Kwai," pride ultimately proves to be a destructive obsession for the protagonist.

Pride as a Motivating Force in "The Boys in the Boat"

"The Boys in the Boat" recounts the inspiring true story of the University of Washington's rowing team as they compete for gold at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. The narrative centers on Joe Rantz, a young man from a humble, blue-collar background who faces numerous challenges, including the loss of his family. Despite these hardships, Joe's pride in his background and his determination to succeed drive him to join the rowing team. His journey is not just a personal quest; it reflects the collective pride of his teammates, who share similar working-class origins.

The members of the freshman eight sweep boat embody a spirit of perseverance and camaraderie. Their pride is rooted in their identity as blue-collar workers, and they are determined to prove themselves in a sport typically dominated by the elite. This sense of pride fuels their training, motivating them to push through physical and emotional challenges. They see their journey as a representation of their home state of Washington and the working-class values they cherish. The pride they take in their identity and accomplishments becomes a powerful motivating force, culminating in their triumph at the Olympics.

Table 1: Key Factors Contributing to Success in "The Boys in the Boat"

The Destructive Nature of Pride in "The Bridge Over the River Kwai"

In stark contrast, "The Bridge Over the River Kwai" presents a narrative where pride leads to detrimental outcomes. The story is set in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp during World War II and follows Colonel Nicholson, a proud British officer. Initially, Nicholson refuses to partake in the construction of a bridge for the Japanese, viewing it as an affront to his dignity. However, as the story unfolds, he becomes increasingly invested in the project, driven by a desire to demonstrate the superiority of British engineering.

Colonel Nicholson's pride evolves into an obsession, blinding him to the reality of his situation. He takes immense satisfaction in the bridge's construction, considering it a testament to his skills and the resilience of British engineering. However, this pride ultimately leads him to a moral conflict when British forces plan to destroy the bridge. Torn between his loyalty to his country and his pride in his creation, Nicholson makes a tragic choice, resulting in the loss of life and a devastating betrayal of his fellow countrymen.

List 1: Consequences of Colonel Nicholson's Pride

• Increased investment in the bridge project, leading to obsession.
• Neglect of his responsibilities as a leader, prioritizing personal pride over the welfare of his men.
• Tragic decision to oppose his own side, resulting in loss of life.
• Ultimately, his pride leads to his downfall and moral ambiguity.

Contrasting Outcomes of Pride

The contrasting portrayals of pride in these two works underscore its complex nature. In "The Boys in the Boat," pride serves as a unifying and motivating force, propelling the characters toward success and camaraderie. Their pride in their backgrounds and achievements fosters a sense of belonging and accomplishment, culminating in a historic victory.

Conversely, in "The Bridge Over the River Kwai," pride transforms into a destructive obsession that clouds judgment and leads to tragic consequences. Colonel Nicholson's fixation on proving the superiority of British engineering ultimately results in a betrayal of his values and his comrades, demonstrating how unchecked pride can lead to moral failure.

In conclusion, both "The Boys in the Boat" and "The Bridge Over the River Kwai" provide compelling insights into the theme of pride. While pride can inspire and unite, it can also consume and destroy. The key lies in finding a balance between pride and humility, allowing individuals to achieve greatness without losing sight of their values and responsibilities. As readers, we are reminded that pride, when harnessed positively, can lead to extraordinary accomplishments, but when it spirals into obsession, it can have dire consequences.

References:

• Brown, Daniel. "The Boys in the Boat." Viking Press, 2013.
• Boule, Pierre. "The Bridge Over the River Kwai." Penguin Books, 1952.