Mythes et Heroes : heroes during World Wars

Roptin Julie T ES-L

Synthèse d’Anglais

Notion 2: Myths and Heroes

    I will present the notion Myths and Heroes.

A Myth it’s an ancient story about gods, heroes and magic. A story passed from one generation to the next. A Hero it’s a mythological or legendary figure often endowed with great strength or ability. It’s a person admired for his or her achievements, noble qualities and great courage. It’s an icon or role model.

In this notion, we are going to study heroes during World Wars.

We will see to what extent unusual heroes have shaped society during World Wars. For this, we will study in the first part, the conflict from a different standpoint with The ANZAC and the Christmas truce. Then, we will see unusual war heroes with Animals and Ladies. Finally, various ways to spread a message with the propaganda and books and remembrance.

    The ANZAC is the of Australia and New-Zealand army in the first world war. They were compelled to answer the King’s call to join the war. In 1914, the soldiers travelled by boat. Gallipoli means loss and defeat to them because of the number of casualties. However, underlines bravery and heroism.

But the war reserved a few surprises like at the Christmas time. On a battlefield in France, during the first world war some unusual scenes took place. In 1914, on Christmas Eve, some soldiers decided to establish a Christmas truce, a ceasefire for a few hours between the Scots, the Germans and the French. The movie Merry Christmas, realized by Christian Carion illustrates this event.

    Some heroes of war are not soldiers as such. Anzac animals for example. During wars, animals have had a particular place and role in the battle. Dogs were looking for explosive troughs and also the casualties. Like pigeons, they delivered messages and information. Horses went with the soldiers to the frontline. There was also cats, monkeys, camels. There were small soldiers but companions too. These animals were rewarded for their bravery and obtaining the equivalent of Vitoria Cross for Bravery, Dickin medals.

With war, the whole society is hit by a turn over: end of traditional society. Women have to get out of their homes if they want their country to win the war. Women’s major roles, nurses tending and devoting their time to the wounded. Women played a vital role even thought they were not allowed to fight.

    In times of war, the propaganda played a major role. Many posters have served to enlist the population for the war. It was made believe things to incite to fight. They knew how to use the right words to coax the population.

In times of peace, the time is for rebuilding, remembering. We study conflicts with hindsight, they are understood.

    During World Wars, a lot of people were beaten. At the front line, like The Anzacs but for ideas too like Women. Some soldiers were different, The Anzacs animals. It’s in favour off all soldiers and in their fights that today we have rights, liberties, the democracy, liberty of expression. We commemorate their actions every day.

We have the duty of memory.

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