"A Soldier Of The Empire"

"A Soldier Of The Empire" by Thomas Nelson Page is an historical novella that tells a moving story about love for country, responsibility, and family ties during wartime, looking at the life of a soldier thinking back on war. The story follows an older Sergeant, proud of serving the French Empire, as a new war begins. His son, Pierre, joins the army, and they end up fighting side by side. The Sergeant, acting with the bravery of his younger days, wants to teach his son and protect his good name, but Pierre's fear causes problems. The story ends sadly in a big battle, where the Sergeant's courage is very different from his son’s fear, which leads to a sad but honorable ending. Page's writing shows the importance of giving up everything for what you believe in, the pressure of what others expect, and the tough reality of war, leaving readers thinking about honor and loss.