A Story of War and Change

Over hundreds of thousands of years, humans have developed the instinct of fight or flight. In just a few split seconds, we must decide whether to face the danger or flee from it. In "A Story of War and Change," by Reza Kiarash, we see two polar ways in which war changes an individual. Changes that the audience view as either heroic or cowardice.

I cannot speak from experience or pretend to know the experiences of war on the other side of the world. I luckily live in a time where I am not called to serve as a soldier and can pursue whatever dreams I have. However, from countless stories, I can try to envision the wickedness of war. On the front lines, in a dusty worn-out trench, where there is no guarantee that life will last another day. And yet, soldiers have more to battle than the incoming fire or the barrage mortar shells. In Kiarash's story, the soldiers have to deal with a conflict within themselves as well. A conflict that shows the only guarantee in war is change.

The Sergeant

"He seemed brave to me then, but now I leave him with his boldness."

The first extreme change is towards cowardice. From Kiarash's perspective, the sergeant used to exude a aura of courage. And now, after fighting alongside him, the sergeant will not even try to save his own men. We do not get any indication that the sergeant always lacked courage. Instead, what we do get is the upsetting change that the sergeant undergoes.

Kiarash

I am proud of myself and glad that I’ve not changed like that sergeant.

On the other side, we have the other extreme change towards bravery. Kiarash faces a decision that puts his life at risk for no guarantee of good. On the ambulance ride to the hospital, Kiarash knows that the soldier he risks his life to save will not make it. Surrounded by uncertainty and cowardice, Kiarash still chooses to do all that he can to keep them alive, for just a bit longer. Kiarash, who a few short months ago, was living safely back home as a high-school student.

Conclusion

When faced with traumatic experiences and hardships one can either strive to face it, or run from it. The sergeant chooses to avoid the problems, to save his own life. An action that instinctively brings about feelings of disgust. Kiarash chooses to try his best, putting the lives of countless others ahead of his own. An although he does not always succeed, he keeps trying "to keep soldiers alive and help them." In a time of great destruction, Kiarash's actions show the true qualities of a hero.

Below is a video that shows some of the effects of war on the soldiers.