Blog Post 12: The Fate of Underdogs
Answer the following prompt. Use at least three
specific pieces of information no one
has yet used in their blog posts and at least six specific
pieces of information total, ONLY from Part 3 of The Underdogs, with a page citation for each; also, use at least 300 words in your answer.
1) How have the attitudes of soldiers and civilians altered since the beginning of the novel? What do these changed attitudes tell us about how sustained warfare changes people? And, having seen the end of this story, what do you think is the author's attitude towards the "underdogs" who fought in the Mexican Revolution? In short, why do you think the author--who fought in the Revolution--wrote this book?
1) How have the attitudes of soldiers and civilians altered since the beginning of the novel? What do these changed attitudes tell us about how sustained warfare changes people? And, having seen the end of this story, what do you think is the author's attitude towards the "underdogs" who fought in the Mexican Revolution? In short, why do you think the author--who fought in the Revolution--wrote this book?
Dalton Shettle
ReplyDeleteIt is evident throughout history that peoples perspectives change throughout war. In Part 3, there are many different letters written which show how the peoples attitudes have changed as a whole, as a result of having a civil war. The first piece of evidence that I would like to use is in a letter from Luis Cervantes to Venacio, it says "It is true that I do not currently have any funds saved up, as I have spent everything on my studies and my stay here. However, I count on something that is worth much more than money: my perfect knowledge of this town and of its needs, and of businesses that can be safely launched here" (120). This shows how Cervantes wants to help the town now. Another person who was changed by sustained war was Demetrio. On page 121 he says, "'Grab anyone you find hidin' or runnin' from us and bring 'em to me,' he ordered his soldiers, in a harsh voice" (121). A person who was changed for the better was Valderamma. On page 121 he says, "'What! What did he say?' Valderamma exclaimed, surprised. 'To bring 'im men who live in the Sierra? These brave men, the ones who didn't act like the chickens who are now nesting in Zacatecas and Aguascalientes? Our own brothers, who weather all manner of storms, clinging to the rocks like moss itself? I protest! I protest!' He spurred the side of his miserable nag and trotted up beside the general. 'The men who live in the SIerra,' he said to him, with emphasis and solemnity, 'are our own flesh and bone... 'Os ex ossibus meis et caro de carne mea.' The men who live in the Sierra are made from the same substance as we are. Of this solid substance out of which heroes are made...'" (121). Evidence that Demetrio did not change for the better as a result of the war is on page 122 where it says, "With a sordid smile on their lips and beardless faces, they looked on as the ferocious intruders, who just a month earlier would have made their miserable, remote homes tremble with fear, now emerge from the same small, poor houses--where the stoves were cold and the water tanks dry--with their own homes. But the general did not cancel his orders, and a small group of soldiers brought him four well-bound fugitives" (122). Additional evidence that shows how Valderamma changed for the better is on page 125 when it says, "But Valderamma did not hear him, because instead of paying attention to the cockfight, he was watching the sun setting behind the hills and reciting an impassioned soliloquy. In an emphatic voice, with solemn gestures, he was saying: 'My Lord, my Lord, it is good that You have brought is here! I shall raise three tents: one for You, another for Moses, and another for Elijah'" (125). The last person that I would like to point out is Anastsio who was changed for the better as a result of the war. Evidence of this on page 128 says, "Anastasio himself, who usually finds everything that his compadre Demetrio does to be right, now agrees with the general dissatisfaction, and exclaims: 'Listen comrades, I always say what's on my mind... and I'll go tell my compadre that if we're gonna have all these Federales around all the time, then we're gonna be in real bad shape. Really! Ya mean you don't believe me? I'm not afraid to speak my mind, and I swear by the mother who gave me life, that I'll go tell my compadre Demetrio...' So he told him. Demetrio listened, very generously. And once Anastasio was done speaking, he replied: 'Compadre, what ya say is true. We're in a bad way: the soldiers grumble 'bout the promoted ones ..." (128). I think the author wrote this book to show how the Mexican Revolution did nothing positive for their country, how it messes up family relationships, and how it keeps on going even when it seems like it is over.
The attitudes of soldiers and civilians have altered since the beginning of the book in several ways. First, Anastasio Montañes said, “is the fact that we have to go on fightin’…Didn’t we already defeat the federation?” (120). At the beginning of the book, the soldiers had no problem fighting, no matter the circumstances. When it comes to the civilians, they were welcoming in the beginning to the soldiers, giving them food and a place to stay. At the end of the novel, the civilians were not as welcoming but scared instead. “as the troops approached, people hurried to hide in the surrounding canyons” (121). Thirdly, the troops at the beginning had a teamwork mentality. As the book progressed into the part three, that mentality fell apart. “When Quail spoke, his words were a faithful transcription of the general feeling: Well, this time it’s really true, muchachos…Now it’s every man for himself!” (124).
ReplyDeleteThese changed attitudes tell us that the sustained warfare can change anyone’s mentality no matter what their mindset is going into battle. From the beginning, the soldiers were able to be comfortable knowing that they defeated the government at least for the time being. In part three, Demetrio and his men allowed their group to be filled with ex-Federales symbolizing the deterioration of the war (desperation) (128). Also, in the beginning, the soldiers were well fed and that also boosted their confidence in a sense. Unfortunately, that comfort also took a turn for the worst in part three. “The soldiers wander the streets looking for food, but in vain; so they bite their tongues, burning with rage” (130).
I think the author wrote this book to show that only the strong-will can survive; not just physically but mentally as well. The book concludes with Demetrio firing a gun despite the large quantity of enemy fire (134). “At the foot of the craggy hollow¬¬–enormous and magnificent as the portico of an old cathedral¬–Demetrio Macías, his eyes fixed forver, continues to aim with the barrel of his rifle…” (134). The author chose Demetrio to end with because of his strong mentality to finish the war despite the bad that was going on. I also think the author wrote this book just to show how bad the war was on everybody and not just the soldiers. Even though the Mexican Revolution ended a dictatorship, it still claimed many (some innocent) lives in order to achieve that task. Some may see the revolution as something amazing but at the same time the book shows the harsh reality of it all.
Neal Vogel
ReplyDeleteOne of the most shocking changes of Part 3 occurs at the very beginning when we learn of Towhead Margarito's suicide (119). Towhead, who in Part 2 seemed to have no regrets or care about anything but having fun at others' expense, became miserable enough to kill himself between parts 2 and 3 leaving the reader with several unanswered questions about his sudden and shocking change in his state of mind. Demetrio is similarly changed in shocking ways, first in his attitude toward the people of the Sierra, his home. When the rebels ride into one town Demetrio becomes furious when people hide from him and orders his soldiers to "Grab anyone you find hidin' or runnin' from us and bring 'em to me" (120). Demetrio has never been one to treat his enemies kindly but the callous way he deals with the people of the Sierra seem uncharacteristic of the Demetrio we knew in Part 1. The same is true of the way he deals with his wife. After two years of fighting he returns to the family he left behind but he has no intention of sticking around. It is not even clear that Demetrio knows what he is fighting for anymore, but he insists that he must continue fighting regardless (131). Any passion he once had for the revolution appears to have dried up; his path is dictated by inertia rather than by his own motivations (131). Both of these characters appear to have had their energy and passion sapped by continued years of fighting and hardship. Many civilians seem to have suffered the same fate, for though they once welcomed the rebels with fanfare, now "the awful mark of hunger could already be seen on the dirt-ridden faces of the people, in the bright flame of eyes that burned with fiery hatred whenever they beheld a passing soldier" (130). The chaos, violence, and deprivation caused by the war has similarly disheartened the people who once welcomed it.
The author of the Underdogs seems to suffer from a similar disenchantment with the revolution. Though he fought in the revolution himself, he often paints the rebels as ignorant of the causes they are fighting for, directionless and sometimes even glorified bandits. Demetrio in Part 2 demonstrated that he does not know much about the different factions (116), and in Part 3 Valderrama tells Anastasio "Villa? Obreegon? Carranza? X...Y...Z! What do I care? I love the revolution...because it is the revolution. But the rocks that remain above or below after the cataclsm, what are they to me?" (123). Presenting the rebels as ignorant of the causes being fought for in the revolution appears to be the author's way of showing there is no real "good side" in the revolution--that it is violent chaos in which thousands die pointlessly. The fact that even after the federation is defeated, the revolution continues on with the different factions all warring for power (120) similarly makes the war appear more like a prolonged state of anarchy, thievery and violence rather than a political movement for liberation and a better government. To me, this appears to be the author's main point in writing the book. He demonstrates the futility of the revolution and the effects that it had on those who fought, including himself. What started as resistance against the oppressive Federales turned the different factions into equally oppressive forces who lost all sense of revolutionary purpose and turned Mexico into a murderous and anarchic wasteland.
The attitudes of the soldiers and civilians have drastically changed since the beginning of the novel and the beginning of the revolution. In the beginning of the novel, all soldiers were excited to go fight for the revolution and appeared as a team and united as one. In Part three we see that this unity and excitement has vanished. “Maimed, crippled, rheumatic, and consumptive soldiers speak poorly of Demetrio.” (pg 128) This quote shows the difference of attitudes the soldiers have towards their leader compared to obeying and agreeing with everything Demetrio said in the beginning. Demetrio’s attitude has changed as well. His wife asks him why he is still fighting and he doesn’t have a straight and persuasive answer. In the beginning of the novel, Demetrio had many reasons why he was fighting in the revolution and made others believe that this revolution had a big purpose and they were helping their country and the people in it, and that view has completely vanished. (pg 132) The attitudes of the civilians have also changed since the beginning. At the start of the revolution, the civilians were excited to care for the soldiers as they entered their towns by feeding them and cheering for them upon their arrival. “Now they don’t like us no more.” (pg 129) The soldiers reminisce on the treatment they received from the civilians in the beginning of the revolution as they try to distract themselves from the hunger and thirst they are enduring now due to change in support and attitudes. “pieces of paper, sure! Tha’s what ya’ve brought us! Well, then go ahead and eat that!” (pg 130) A civilian yelled this at the soldiers as they entered Juchipila showing that no matter how much money the soldiers bring, money couldn’t buy the civilians support or help. This quote shows that attitudes and people can change drastically due to sustained warfare because it is physically and mentally draining. At the end of the novel, I think the author’s attitude towards the “underdogs” has changed from the beginning. The author begins to reveal the truth of the Mexican Revolution meaning that it was a survival of the fittest as well as a massive destruction of land, families, relationships, and loss of lives. The author’s attitude towards the purpose of the revolution seems negative based on lack of drive of the soldiers and lack of positive outcomes. “ Peaceful men can’t walk on the roads these days. You know that General.” The revolution has resulted in a massive change in civilian everyday lives and constantly living in fear of being shot, which is one example of a negative outcome. (pg 128) The author seems to have written this book to show the behind the scenes and details of the Mexican Revolution that many do not know. On page 130, the author goes into detail of what the revolution’s effects have had on all of the towns and land that have been involved. He states that as the soldiers remember they had taken Zacatecas, instead of being happy and proud of their victory the soldiers “become sadder.” (pg 130) Not only has this revolution worn the land and towns but the soldiers and civilians mentally.
ReplyDeleteThroughout part three, it is evident that the attitudes of the characters have changed since the beginning of the book. This is initially seen in Cervantes’s letter which he writes to Venancio, “I was so sorry to hear of the fate of Pancracio and Lard; but I am not surprised that they stabbed and killed each other after a card game” (120). This quote shows that even after escaping the war, he still is not shocked after hearing about this violent act. Additionally, this reveals how warfare has desensitized him to cruel acts like murder. Furthermore, this is seen when Demetrio becomes angry at the civilians, “As the troops approached, people hurried to hide in the surrounding canyons. Demetrio became indignant” (121). From this quote it is obvious that the war has further enraged Demetrio. Additionally, this is seen when Demetrio yells orders at the soldiers, “‘Grab anyone you find hindin’ or runnin’ from us and bring ‘em to me,’ he ordered the soldiers, in a harsh voice” (121). Lastly, the change in attitudes in the soldiers can be seen when they walk the streets of Juchipila, “Compadre, this reminds me of those times when the revolution was just startin’, when we’d arrive in any small town and all the bells would ring loud for us, and all the people would come out to welcome us with music, with flags, and everyone would should ‘hurrah!’ and even set off firecrackers” (129). This quote shows how the soldiers used to feel at the beginning of the war as well as reveals the citizens change in attitudes. This is seen again when Demetrio responds with, “Now they don’t like us no more” (129). Also, now instead of a warm welcome, the citizens in contrast are now reserved and less generous, “The soldiers wander the streets looking for food, but in vain; so they bite their tongues, burning with rage. The only eating house that is open immediately becomes full. They do not have any frijoles or tortillas: just chopped chilies and salt” (130). Overall, the war altered the soldiers and citizens lives forever. These changes, specifically in their attitude and character, can be observed as the book progresses. Ultimately, I think that the author wrote this book to show the many different sides of the war and also the different ways it affected the people involved.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteTess Song
The views of the soldiers have most definitely changed as expected because of this sustained warfare. Part three opens with Cervantes addressing a letter to Venancio, and he states that it would be difficult for Venancio “to obtain the medical degree that…[he] so desire(d) here in the United States, even...have gathered enough gold and silver to purchase it” (119). This harshly written remark indicates the change from a hopeful perspective to a maybe realistic one. However, Cervantes uses it as a ploy to fulfill his own agenda: to begin pursuing his own ambitions with Venancio. Further along, Demetrio is described as “sad, constantly muttering under his breath ‘not knowing why, nor do I know why’”(125). It seems as he was almost alluding to the reasoning of continuing on this war. It is seems that he has lost sight of why he was even fighting or what he was fighting for. In fact, the attitude toward the soldiers was portrayed as they walked the streets of Juchipilia. Montanes points out that at the beginning of the war, people liked them. In response, Demetrio replies, “Now they don’t like us no more” (129). The people no longer revered them for their actions, but showed contempt for continuing in the revolution almost. In addition, the moods of the soldiers have transitioned from hopeful, energetic men ready to attack the enemy to those who “complain and complain, and then...kill and kill” (128). The well written words from the author perfectly indicate that the soldiers’ hearts are no longer in the war, but they are just killing to kill. Continuing on, the “men realize the grave danger in which they now find themselves” after Demetrio recounts famous military deeds (133). The men begin to show signs of paranoia because they feared that the enemy was closer than thought. They could be killed in any instant, and for what purpose? However, the soldiers prior did not think “about the artful bullet that might be waiting for them further on” (132). Instead, they walked “carefree, singing, laughing, talking” (132). It was interesting to see the transition from unstoppable to vulnerable. In conclusion, I believe the author was believed in the “underdogs” but knew that the reality was that they would be unsuccessful in the end. These men have been at war for a long period of time and in the end most of them will be dead. They were supposed to be a unit, but in the end it was one for themselves. Overall, I believe the author wrote the book to portray the grim realities of the revolution. He portrayed the different perspectives of the war well and emphasized the fear, sadness, and death.
This book was a bit hard to follow and take in since the scope of the story changed in short sequences. However, the author effectively paints a stark contrast between the beginning of the revolution and the end. In part three, the soldiers’ attitudes show to be hardened and wearied by fighting. After returning home, having been gone for two years, Demetrio’s wife is desperate for him to stay home. “Demetrio, for God’s sake! Don’t leave again! My heart tells me that this time something’s gonna happen to you!” (132). His wife had also aged rapidly in the two years he had been gone (130). The wives of the men who left to fight must have had a very hard time being left behind to try and keep themselves and their children safe, plus attempting to keep a household running. It must have been a stark realization for Demetrio to realize his son did not recognize his father. “It’s your father, son! It’s your father! But the boy, still fear-stricken, buried his head in the folds of his mother’s skirts” (131). His son’s fear also shows the children had been subjected to fighting and/or the cruelty of soldiers, which is how Demetrio’s son seems to have viewed his father. Demetrio’s men have an air of having resigned themselves to whatever fate they may face in battle and their spirits were unwilling stay home and not go back to fight (132). Luis Cervantes; however, is the exception to this determination to win. He turned out to be a “turn-coat” in my opinion and continued to try and manipulate the men he had fought beside.
ReplyDeleteIt turns out Demetrio’s wife was right and when they were attacked, they were all killed (133-134). The civilians are battle-weary as well and have neither the resources nor willingness to be helpful to the revolutionaries (130). Most civilians hide from the Demetrio’s men, while some look upon them with angered intolerance, almost daring them to try and scare them. “I’ve already gotten in bed with death, so I’m certainly not scared to die now” (130). In my opinion, the author sees the “underdogs” as unsung heroes of the Mexican revolution. While they are not notably named in history books, they are a vital part of the Mexican revolution because their fight was for the poor and unrepresented population of Mexico.
Nathalia Goncalves
ReplyDeleteIn part three of Mariano Azuela’s “The Underdogs,” there is a transformed mindset present in each character in the novel that helps illustrate the outcomes of the Mexican Revolution. After reading Luis Cervantes’ letter, Anastasio Montanes pondered why they had to go on fighting since they had already defeated the federation. “Anastasio, restless and stubborn, took the same observation to other groups of soldiers, all of who laughed at his candor…because if one carries a rifle in one’s hands, and the cartridge belts are filled with bullets, it is surely to fight” (120). He continued on questioning “against whom? on whose side? no one has ever cared about that!” (121). This part of the chapter symbolizes how the rebels although at first were fighting for political and social change, were now fighting for greed and power. By the end of the revolution, many people could not articulate their reason for fighting in the war, which led many to view the Mexican Revolution as a pointless war. As the novel progresses one of the officers finds a barrel of tequila, and the troops begin to drink in secrecy since the officers would be mad with the discovery. Demetrio hears the news about what was happening and Quail responds to him saying that “the times are bad and we have to take advantage of whatever we find, because ‘if there are days when the duck swims peacefully, there are others when he doesn’t even have a drop of water to drink” (125). Quails attitude represents the attitude of many of the revolutionaries at the time. They lived one day at a time, taking full advantage of everything they could do, without worrying about the consequences on the following day. This is also seen during the cock fight which Azuela describes as “swift and almost as fierce as human battle” (126). The fight represents how violence became engrained in the culture as a form of power and entertainment. Violence transgressed from being a masculine characteristic to becoming a post-revolutionary cultural one. During the cock fight, “Valderrama, who could not repress an expression of violent indignation, started strumming his guitar” (126). This scene in the novel really gives the reader an insight on how some of the revolutionaries that still had a moral sense felt towards the way the other rebels were acting. Throughout the novel, the goals of the rebels in the revolution diminishes as it progresses and their cause becomes depleted. “While the veteran who has taken fire in a hundred battles, and is now incapacitated for any kind of work , the veteran who started off as a common soldier, is a common soldier still” (128). Venancio’s explanation of the current state of the revolutionaries is also a reflection of the country. Nothing has changed, powerful positions were still being attained through money and the “common people” were still impoverished no matter how hard they worked, capital ruled everything still. At the end of the novel when Demetrio’s wife begs him not to leave, Demetrio throws a rock down a canyon and says to her: “Look at that rock, how nothin’ can stop it now…” (132). This symbolizes the way the revolution was going. Although the rebels were trying to impose change, they ended up getting caught up in the disillusionment of power and greed themselves. Because of that, they became part of the problem that they were trying to fight against. I think Azuela added the scene with the rock that cannot be stopped, because it represents the corruption and inequality that cannot be stopped in the country. I believe Azuela wrote this book in order to show the reality of the Mexican Revolution and to show how easy it is for humans to lose track of their goals because of greed and power. This book also reflects the political reality present in many Latin American countries controlled by political leaders whose goals are forgotten and replaced by greed.
Throughout the novel, we see that the characters go through many different changes such as their attitudes shifting from being friendly and peaceful to being violent and so forth. Towards the end, we see that they are settling down and wanting to go back to a regular lifestyle. “If you and I were to become partners, we could start a very nice business” (Pg. 120) said Luis to Venancio. As for Demetrio, he seems to be full of himself as being the leader of his troops. “Grab anyone you find hidin’, or runnin’ from us and bring ‘em to me” (Pg. 121). The soldiers seem ravenous as they are thirsty and worn out “Not a single water well, nor creek, nor even puddle had they encountered along the way” (pg. 121) (On their way through the cliffs of the Sierra to town). The soldiers have become very greedy as they search the towns and take what they can. One soldier says, “The times are bad and we have to take advantage of whatever we find, because ‘IF there are days when the duck swims peacefully, there are others when he doesn’t even have a drop of water to drink” (Pg. 125). When they pass by the gravesite of the revolution of 1910, Venancio says they have changed and don’t want to continue on being rebels. “Were in a bad way: the soldiers grumble’ bout the promoted ones; the promoted ones, bout the officers… and were just about ready to tell Villa and Carranza to go off and play without us” (Pg. 128). “But the enemy, hiding in the thousands, unleashes its machine guns, and Demetrios men fall like ears of corn cut by the sickle” (Pg. 134) Describes Demetrios final defeat by the enemy and their german machine guns. Azuela was a maderista until he was executed by Huerta. He then joins the rebel forces of Pancho Villa. The Underdogs is specifically a recount of his times during the war with fictional characters to play the roles of his comrades. I believe he is proud of his rebellion and wrote the story to show others the memories of his days at war.
ReplyDelete“Friends, this reminds me of those times when the war was just beginning, when we arrived in any small town and all the bells would ring for us, and all the people would welcome us with music, with flags, and shout ‘hurrah!’ and even set off firecrackers,” Anastasio said. “Now they no longer like us, but they can’t stand the look of the others either.” Demetrio replies. (129) Now it’s every man for himself!
ReplyDeleteThe few officers who are left, old friends of Demetrio’s, are not happy because the ranks of the general staff have been filled with unimportant, perfumed, spruced up dandies with money. “But the worst thing of all, is that they consist of a lot of ex-Federales now.” (128) Demetrio’s men are dissatisfied with these circumstances.
After warfare these attitudes change due to the outcome, circumstances, and survival. It is every man and woman for themselves.
The fact that even after the federation is defeated, the revolution continues, with the different parties all fighting for power. (120) This makes the war appear more like a prolonged state of anarchy, robbery and violence rather than a political movement for freedom and an improved government. The author demonstrates the ineffectiveness of the revolution and the effects that it had on those who fought. What started as resistance against the oppressive Federales turned the different groups into equally oppressive forces who lost all sense of purpose and turned Mexico into a murderous and barren wasteland. The author seems to have written this book to display details of the Mexican Revolution that many do not know. The author goes into aspects of what the revolution’s effects have had on all the townships and land that have been involved. He states that as the soldiers remember they had taken Zacatecas, instead of being happy and proud of their victory, it weighs on them. (130) This revolution has taken a toll on the soldiers and civilians physically and mentall as well. It doesn’t seem that things have gotten any better.
While the soldiers in the beginning of the novel were those of passionate and die-hard loyal loyal to Demetrio, the last section (part 3) shows the decline in the overall mental state and morale of the soldiers. For example, the war has ravaged many cities in Mexico due to the continuation of the revolution (and thus dragging in more and more cities) to the point that “the soldiers wander the streets looking for food, but in vain; so they bite their tongues, burning with rage” (130) and the places that do have food “do not have any frijoles or tortillas: just chopped chilies and salt” (130) and that “It was… a small miracle that one of the officers had found a barrel of tequila” (125) in an entire town. This is true desolation that would drive people into a listless ennui, even to the extent that when threatened, instead of fear, the citizens now respond with “‘I’ve already gotten in bed with death, so I’m certainly not scared to die now’”(130). It’s a war of attrition at this point, and everyone is suffering as such. It’s to the extent that even the madman (Valderrama) left due to hopelessness of the situation now (“...and since even fools don’t eat fire, he disappeared the same day…” (129)). However, the fighting spirit still remains for those who have always been true to their goal. Demetrio, even when everyone around him has been killed or is the process of getting chased down has “his eyes fixed forever, continues to aim with the barrel of his rifle” (134) and that “His famous marksmanship fills him with joy” (134). Those who have been in it just to fight and kill the ‘opposition’ do not lose their aggression that they harbor, while those of ideology will eventually lose their will (like that of Cervantes, who insists on the opening of an “all-Mexican restaurant” (120) in this continuing strife. Of course, this is even still some corruption for those that are stalwart as Demetrio orders to round up (as one soldier describes it) “Our own brothers… these brave men, the ones who didn't act like chickens..”(121), meaning that he now views with hostility those he originally set out to avenge from the Federales. It’s the mantra of “you either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.” War corrupts, and even those of the ‘underdogs’ who are ‘fighting the good fight’ against oppression will inevitably see themselves turn to desperation; then, it’s anybody's game. While the original goal is indeed noble, those who desire a simple life will inevitably find themselves unable to sustain themselves outside of that normality. Constant fear and fighting leads to corruption: the death or mitigation of one’s original message, here. We should not blindly regard the original heroes with respect, but view everything honestly in retrospect.
ReplyDeleteSince the beginning of the novel, the attitudes of not only the soldiers, but the civilians as well, have drastically changed. To start out the novel, the soldiers were excited to kill and they were very confident in their abilities and confident in themselves. They never cared about what town they were ambushing either. One man began yelling “I protest! I protest!” when told that they would be attacking people from “their own flesh and bone” (121). Suddenly, they are no longer eager to fight, and they would rather turn the other way. They talk about “fightin’” as if it were a chore, instead of something they are eager to do (120). The soldiers are also breaking their unified front and are now more selfish and relying on the concept of “now it’s every man for himself!” (124). Because of mindsets like this, they are slowly losing their confidence. When talking about an upcoming battle, they tell their men that they might be in “real bad shape,” which causes the soldiers to lose their determination (128). They are also let down by the fact the towns “don’t like (them) no more” because they have not been triumphant. These combined lead to the destruction of the soldier’s confidence, leading them to be even less eager to participate in battle. Besides the soldiers, the attitude of civilians have changed as well. They used to happily welcome and care for the soldiers as well as they possibly could, but now when they arrived, the townspeople “hurried to hide in the surrounding canyons” (121). Demitrio individually has also changed because when he is finally reunited with his family after 2 years of being off in battle, he is distant and tells them that he has to go back (131). I think the author wrote this book to show that war is destructive to everyone, including people that aren’t even directly involved. It ruined the attitudes of soldiers, townspeople, and loved ones from back home.
ReplyDeleteHeather Penna
ReplyDeleteThere is no denying that war changes people. This can be clearly seen in Mariano Azuela’s book The Underdogs. Although, there is much corruption amongst the soldiers, I believe the author is sympathetic to these characters. The soldiers have changed a lot and many of their morals seem questionable. At the same time, these soldiers have been through and seen unbelievable things. The author was personally involved in the Mexican Revolution, and he knows the atrocities of it, as well as the reason why the Underdogs kept going.
On page 122, some men told Demetrio, “Peaceful men can’t walk on the roads these days. You know that, General.” So much had changed during the war that the soldiers were not safe to live their regular lives. I believe this played a substantial role in the change that can be seen among the soldiers. Earlier in this passage, Demetrio assumed these men were prisoners simply because of where they were walking. This war changed more than just the Soldiers character, it changed their entire way of being. Even when the men returned home and their families believed the war was over, the men kept fighting. This can be seen on pages 131-133 when Demetrio continues to fight against his wife’s wishes.
The war changed civilians attitudes, as well. On pages 121-122, the author makes it clear that the Civilians were friends of the soldiers before the war. Then during the war, they were afraid of the men they once called brothers. At the end of the war, these locals were indifferent to the soldiers and no longer regarded them as friends. On page 129, Demetrio says, “Now they don’t like us no more”, regarding the civilians. Considering all this, it is surprising to see Demetrio’s wife so excited to see him when he returned, on page 131. While civilians attitudes had changed, familial attitudes had not.
Janie Nichols
ReplyDeleteDemetrio in particular changes: for one, he is humbler, but he also suffers a lack of mental stability. At the beginning of the book, Demetrio ignored his wife and child and pursued Camila. Now, when he sees his family after the war, “his heart skipped a beat when he saw a copy of his own steely facial lines in the boy’s face” (131). He is reminded of family’s importance. Secondly, Demetrio also suffers from mental instability as a result of the war. When Demetrio’s wife asks if he will stay with the family forever, his face “clouded over,” and he is overwhelmed by his thoughts of the Mexican Revolution (131-132). Demetrio’s wife is also adversely affected by the war, however, her thoughts have a similar anxiety. At the beginning, she fears for Demetrio’s physical safety when he left to fight. Now, she fears for his mental health: “Why are you still fightin’, Demetrio?” (132). The Mexican Revolution affected both the soldier and the civilian, often because one was taken from the other, emotionally and physically.
Mariano Azuela wrote the book primarily to detail how war affected common, everyday people in Mexico. He believes that the “underdog”—sometimes the soldier, but oftentimes, the Mexican civilian—succeeds not only with strength but through support of others. Luis Cervantes is changed during the war. He was once a despised curro, but now he reaches out to the peasant Venancio and encourages him to become his business partner (120). Soldiers in the revolution serve alongside one another in different capacities and are uplifted to success later in life—Cervantes and Venancio venture to become financially stable after the war devastated their homelands. Furthermore, even though Villa is defeated and “it’s every man for himself,” Demetrio is still accompanied by his group of ex-Federales (125). Even if the soldiers are beat down in war, they rise up on the encouragement of others. Finally, even in defeat, the common people persist: “the deep, joyful tolling of the church bells was heard again, followed by the harmonious voices of a female chorus rising with solemn melancholy from inside the church” (130). The underdog, and the true survivor, is the everyday individual supported by his or her community during the Mexican Revolution.
Ryan McConnell
ReplyDeleteThroughout the book, The Underdogs, the attitudes of the soldiers and civilians have been in question. As they faced many different obstacles and went through drastic experiences their attitudes changed from wanting justice to basically creating the chaos they had sought to end. Some of these soldiers who were fighting for their basic human rights and justice ended up "[stabbing] and [killing] each other" (119). They began to question why they "have to go on fighting" even though they had defeated their enemies(120). This is because some of the soldiers and leaders of the revolution started to become power hungry. They had never experienced this type of power before and they enjoyed the way it felt to be in control for once, too much to a fault. The hunger for power even spread to Demetrio and can be seen when he ordered his soldiers to "grab anyone [they] find hidin' or runnin' from [them]" (121). This shows how the rebels began to demonstrate this same brutality that they had experienced and started to implement it on their own enemies. This attitude stems from the war going on for too long. This shows us how too much of the brutality from war can overtake the minds of the people fighting them and completely change their attitudes. They wish that the "revolution [could be] resolved in a single tear" (126). Then maybe they could keep their sanity. This extended brutality can again be seen through the soldier's thoughts that having these "Federales around all the time" is going to be bad for them and their cause (128). Back "when the revolution was just starting" they had the attitude that they were going to win this war for justice and what is right (129). But in the end this proved to be false. I think that the author of this book wrote it to show how war changes people and that they need to have a strong moral compass if they wish to start a revolution. I believe that the author's attitude towards the underdogs is disappointment. He is disappointed that they continue follow through with their goals that they had at the beginning.
Katie Lebo
ReplyDeleteThroughout the novel, the attitudes of the soldiers and civilians have altered, for example the letter from Luis Cervantes on pages 119-120, show that he has moved to the United States (El Paso, Texas) and how he has become involved in the city and how Venacio can be of help to the city. Another example is Anastasio Montanes, Montanes says, “is the fact that we have to go on fightin’… Didn’t we already defeat the federation?” (120). At the beginning of the book, these men had no problem fighting anyone. The civilians at the beginning of the book were welcoming of letting the soldiers into their home and quartering and feeding them. By Part 3, the civilians were a little apprehensive letting the soldiers into their homes. “As the troops approached, people hurried to hide in the surrounding canyons.” (121).
These altered attitudes show that sustained warfare can take a toll on everyone that is involved in the war. The first example is Demetrio’s wife and son. When Demetrio sees his wife for the first time on page 131, he notes that she has aged about ten or twenty years and then he notices his son who had the same steely lines and bright glow in his eyes. When Demetrio leaves again on page 132, his wife and son are both filled with sorrow because they have been apart for so long and they don’t know when they will be able to see each other again. I think the author wrote this book to show that war is devastating for all parties involved. The author describes Juchilipa and how the whole city was in ruins (130).
Throughout the novel so far many characters have adapted to the upheavals during the Mexican Revolution. In part 3 of the novel we see many different personalities shift. The beginning of part 3 begins with a letter to Vanancio from Cervantes. Throughout the letter Cervantes shows that he is willing to aid the town finally “If you and I were to be come partners, we could start a very nice business.” (120) He elaborated on this and exclaimed that “my perfect knowledge of this town and of its needs, and of the businesses that can be safely launched here.” (120). Cervantes is talking to Venancio about opening up businesses that can benefit the both of them, while also allowing the town to prosper as well. Throughout the beginning of the novel the civilians that were involving themselves in the war efforts were open to aiding the soldiers and now their attitudes have shifted during this sustained warfare. They were open and willing to be a source of relief for the soldiers. As the novel progresses in part 3 we see that the civilians are becoming more and more resilient to help the soldiers. They are becoming tired of the war and the circumstances that they are placed in. “A little later, three small houses scattered along the banks of the river of calcined sand. But everything was silent and abandoned.” (121) As civilians heard soldiers and troops approaching they hid from them rather then offering them help. The attitudes of the civilians shift during this sustained warfare. They have no need for any of the material goods that soldiers have to offer them. “Pieces of paper, sure! Tha’s what ya’ve brought us!” (130). This goes to show they are not interested in any monetary goods that they are offered they just want to be uninvolved and live peacefully. As the civilian’s attitudes change about aiding the soldiers we also see the attitudes of the soldiers shift as well. “Anastasio himself, who usually finds everything that his compadre Demetrio does to be right, now agrees with the general dissatisfaction…” (128). Even those who were committed to the war efforts and Demetrio are starting to lose focus. “We’re in a bad way: the soldiers grumble ‘bout the promoted ones; the promoted ones, ‘bout the officers; and the officers ‘bout us…” (128). This just goes to show the shift in attitudes and the internal turmoil that is stirring up between the soldiers and officers. It seems as though this novel was written by the author to give a deeper understanding of the internal struggle that went on during the Mexican Revolution that would not be seen otherwise.
ReplyDeleteIt’s been pointed out by just about everyone already, but the major shift of the public’s view of the war and the soldiers is one of fear — “As the troops approached, people buried to hide in the surrounding canyons” (121). At the beginning of the story, the sight of troops brought welcoming arms, and there was an honor to help serve them.
ReplyDeleteBecause the author wrote the book based on his own experience in the war, it seems he wrote it to remind people that war is not something for celebration. There’s a honeymoon phase as the country turns into a war state — everyone’s pitching in to help — but that’s a small portion of the narrative, as is the closing phase. In the case of the Mexican Revolution, it ended tyrannical reign, but at what costs?
He shows that war really takes a toll on everyone, not just those immediately caught in the crossfire. And while the author doesn’t dive into the post-war era, he hints at a continuation of war that’s difficult to move past.
After Venancio reads the letter from Cervantes for the hundredth time, Montanez asks “why [do] we keep on fighting. Didn’t we finish off this man Huerta and his Federation?” (120)
It begs the question of when do we end? How can it end? And the consensus seems to be that “if a man has a rifle in his hands and a beltful of cartridges, surely he should use them. That means fighting. Against whom? For whom? That is scarcely a matter of importance” (120). The underdogs, while at first sympathetic and easy to rally for, have now tasted the power which they’ve overthrown.
There are no answers, but this is the author’s way to reconcile the past to try to move forward from a difficult phase of life.
The attitudes of both the men and the civilians have changed in several ways from the beginning to the end. The men, especially Demetrio, seem to be more ruthless and aimless as they continue to fight. In the beginning, Demetrio even let go some of the enemies who were trying to take advantage of his wife: she asked him, “Why didn’t ya kill ‘em?” and he responded, “Just wasn’t their time yet!” (8). By the end of the book, he kills one from his own group just because he disobeyed him, “Before he can cross the threshold, a gunshot makes him instantly collapse, like a bull stabbed by the matador’s dagger” (90). In beginning of the book, it is very obvious that Demetrio is fighting for justice; even on a little scale when he exclaims, “they burned by house!” (10). By the end, he does not even know why he is fighting anymore, he says to his wife after she asked him the cause of his fighting, “Look at that rock, how nothin’ can stop it now…” (132). The civilians also have a different attitude than they did in the beginning. In the first part of the book they were welcoming to the men and even took them in like they took Demetrio in when he was injured (24). By end, they were more scared than before to take them in. “as the troops approached, people hurried to hide in the surrounding canyons” (121). I think that the author admires the men’s bravery and will to fight, but I also think the author is writing something about humanity as well. To me, there seems to be a “Lord of the Flies” theme here. Just in the way that humanity is inherently evil, as the reader can see the men get more ruthless and the people do not hesitate to take someone out even for sport. In my opinion, the author is trying to say something on bigger scale of humanity, in that humanity is evil to it’s core.
ReplyDeleteCarrolline Kickhoefer
ReplyDeleteHistory Since 1500
04/03/2018
Blog Post #12
Throughout this book we see how differently people’s perspectives change during the war. At the beginning of the war they seemed very motivated to fight and they were empowered through their unity. I think the one of the biggest parts when you can see their attitude change is when they are walking the streets of Juchipila, “Compadre, this reminds me of those times when the revolution was just startin’, when we’d arrive in any small town and all the bells would ring loud for us, and all the people would come out to welcome us with music, with flags, and everyone would should ‘hurrah!’ and even set off firecrackers” (129). But another huge reason I think their attitude changed when they found out they would be fighting “their own flesh and bone” (121). You can also see their attitude changing towards a more positive outlook kind off, “If you and I were to become partners, we could start a very nice business” (Pg. 120). Also from a civilian standpoint its really sad for them, for example on page 130 when Demetrio leaves his wife and kids again its extremely hard on his family. And it also makes her worry about her husband and says “Why are you still fightin’,Demetrio?” (132).
Throughout the book, The Underdogs, there has been a progressive change in mindset and behavior from rebels and has altered the relationship between the rebels and the civilians. In Part 1, the rebels were fighting towards justice and against oppression and the civilians supported as if they were their heroes. But in Part 2, eventually the oppressed became the oppressors as the rebels became thirsty for killings and blood. The rebels were now, not only killing the Federals but are now killing off the innocent. The rebels started to shed their focus and initial objective and began to allow this power to overcome them. Eventually, in Part 3 came their defeat as the civilians started to turn their backs on the rebels and they started to truly question “why are we doing this?” Why are [the rebels] still fighting? (133) They began to lose sight of their purpose back in Part 2, but this shift in purpose began to settle within the revolutionaries in Part 3. This shows how war can bring out he worst sides of individuals and these individuals feel immortal and feel like they can do things without consequences. This was shown, for instance in chapter 5 as the rebels walked into Juchipila reminiscing about the happier times and comparing those moments to that current scene and how they were total opposites. Before, they town welcomed them with “music, flags, cheers, and fireworks,” (144) but now the revolutionaries were hit with hate and lack of service and welcome from the civilians. (145) This war has affected many in the book, but I feel as though the main character, Demetrio, has transformed his role from start to finish. He was originally known to be humbler and somewhat noble, but by the end of this book, he became pretty vicious and savage. For example, in the start of Part 3 in chapter 1, as people ran at the sight of the rebels, Demetrio ordered his men to “bring [him] anyone [they] find hiding or running away”. (134) Demetrio’s other instance of lack of nobility was at the end of the book, in Chapter 7, when the rebels heard gunfire from the Federals ahead and this frightened the recruits and they began to run away. Immediately Demetrio ordered his soldiers to “Fire at ‘em. Shoot any man who runs away.” (149) Soon after, Demetrio was hit with defeat as he not only was killed, but he also witnessed the killing of his men, including his close friend Anastasio. (149)
ReplyDeleteI feel as though the author wrote this book to shed light to how war effects many different types of people in war. For the most part, it brings out savage, barbaric sides of people, but can also bring out the cunning and smarter sides to people. For instance, the majority of Demetrio, including himself, died from simple killings, yet Luis Cervantes, the intellectual of the group, made it to America alive and thrived. (132-133) Cervantes didn’t allow the revolution to hold him back and made a life for himself outside of that chaos. I also feel that the author, Azuela, played his character through Cervantes as he holistically expressed how the “weak minded” were killed off and the “strong-minded” survived and made it to America as Cervantes saw the bigger picture of things and the rebels thought small minded.
Throughout this novel, we see how war takes its toll on the people both directly and indirectly involved. In part three of “The Underdogs” we get to witness firsthand the changes in the characters from the civil war that took place in the book. The first example I want to talk about is seen how war has in a way caused Demetrio to lose some of his morals and alter his personality. We can see this dark change in the way that he interacts with his family. After almost two years of not seeing his wife or son, when he finally is reunited with them, there is little emotion shown (128). When his own son and wife are bawling, he shows little emotion (129). We can see how Demetrio’s character has changed in the way that it seems like he barely cares for his family anymore. I think that there is some symbolism in the manner that his son does not even recognize him and is in fact terrified of him (128). Sustained warfare took its toll on Demetrio’s character because it has changed his values. He feels as if he should fight instead of be with his own family.
ReplyDeleteI think that the author’s attitude toward the “underdogs” demonstrated how much war affected everybody involved. Before the last battle, it is said that the soldiers are laughing and singing, but that all quickly changed when they are under attack (129). When the battle breaks out and Demetrio sees his own soldiers fleeing, he orders them to be shot (130). This merciless act shows how he has lost some of his morals. At the end of the story, when it is assumed that Demetrio kills himself, we see how this strong, war figure is broken down and terrified (131). The author probably wrote this to show the audience the horrors of war, introducing the cruel truth of how it changes everyone involved, no matter their role.
ReplyDeleteThis book has changed the attitudes of the soldiers and civilians dramatically from the beginning to the end. I believe war will change anyone, and this book is just here to prove it. In the beginning of the book, it seems as though all of the soldiers are ready for battle, if not excited for it. However, there excitement dramatically changes by the end of the book. They begin to "speak poorly of Demetrio" because Demetrio loses some of his morals by the end of the book (128). Demetrio is no longer the powerful warrior he was once seen to be to the community, the soldiers no longer respect him. This change is not only seen in how the community interacts with Demetrio, but also how his family interacts with him. When Demetrio finally returns and see's his wife and family, he shows little emotion and is silent (131). One would think that after two years of not seeing your loved one, you would show a bit more emotion. Demetrio also lacks the articulation in words that he previously had at the beginning of the book. He used to go into great detail of how he was a strong and powerful warrior who was fighting for freedom in the revolution, however by the end he cannot even think of words to tell his wife when asked what he is fighting for (132). I think he lost hope within himself by the end. One of the most noticeable changes in the book would be the relationship between Demetrio and his son. In the book, it seems as though Demetrio barely cares for his family by the end. His son cannot even recognize his father by the end of the book because he has transformed into something he never was (128). He has become someone who cares more about where he ends up rather than his family. I think Demetrio even recognizes the change in the civilians in the community. "Those times when the revolution was just startin', when we'd arrive in any small town and all the bells would ring loud for us, and all the people would come out to welcome us with music, with flags etc" (129) said by Montañés when trying to distract the others from the hunger they face due to the changes. Originally, the civilians were excited to care for their soldiers, but they have now changed their feeling. It now no longer mattered what the soldiers did, they couldn't win the civilians support or help back over (130). Their attitudes changed drastically due to "sustained warfare that became physically and mentally draining"(128). This idea of sustained warfare definitely took its toll on Demetrio, it even changed his character, like I mentioned earlier.
The author's attitude definitely changed as the revolution went along. I believe the author was wanting to emphasize the truth of the Mexican Revolution. During the last battle, Demetrio orders soldiers to shoot his own (130). He does this brutal order because of the ruthless war figure he becomes. Civilians then stop living their lives out of fear of the possible outcome of death. Demetrio himself even begins to break down into something so much smaller than before because he loses all of his support (131). This goes to show the importance of human interaction and shared values. During the war, there is mass destruction of land, families, and individual's mental state's(130). This was the ultimate outcome of the revolution.