Introduction
About the Writer
Ivo Andric is a renowned writer with a sense of patriotism explaining the difference between the general bond and interest in individuals. The author’s reputation hangs on the fact that he seems to maintain a balance between the cruelty of some public figures and the commoners (Healy 34).
In this regard, the commander in question displays as an autonomous player in the constitutionalism of any establishment. It is with profound easiness that the distinctive characteristics emerge, with the main objective of a central system of assessment for any actions taken by superiors over the subjects
Brief Overview of the Story
The story focuses on a powerful outlaw leadeer who is caught by a commander. He has a serious infection and, therefore, he endures sufferings. The commander is presented a dynamic character who is torne apart because he should place a loving husband willing to return to his wife and a strict leaders should should destroy enemies. The commander’s wife contronts a real challenge as she sees’ her husband’s cruel attitude towards the prisoner (Andric 110).
Main Body
Criticism of the Story
The writer seems to center too much attention on the commander such that, no much attention describes the captive held. Therefore, critics are often against the idea that the whole story rotates around the commander. The woman’s role is not extensively defined as she is only entitled to views and opinions (Bozovic 29). She might be empathetic of the captured outlaw but is of no much help since she is afraid of the husband. Hence, opponents are of the view that the happenings should not be tailored towards similar location.
It is beyond a reasonable doubt that since, the captive is a substantial head in his group that his villagers and troops must be on the look for him. It is not quite striking as to why the writer should only concentrate on the commander while it is clear that the fundamental principle is conflict. For any officer, who feels betrayed by the guards corrective action is taken promptly (Bozovic 29). Once the leader is aware of Zhivan’s relationship with the captive, logic has it that he should be at least punished if not fired.
Revelations Related to the Story
Bearing in mind the critics opinions, some features clearly highlight the leadership endured in some communities. It is evident that Lazar was a substantial leader and a threat to the commander, which explains why he kept him in a secluded place to ensure he does not disappear. They seem to have been enemies for quite a while, and whenever an opportunity pops up, revenge would be inevitable. She is eager to follow up on the happenings and the husband’s intentions towards Lazar, by ear stopping on the conversations.
Lazar possesses a strong personality with intense courage to endure the trauma imposed on him. Even so, at some point he feels overpowered by the pain and almost gives in due to the mounting pressure (Andric 111). He exhibits qualities of a true leader, who never sacrifices his allegiance at the expense of his subjects. However, many questions arise on the range of sacrifice he is willing to do, and disclaimer of the agony.
Supposing there is no controversy at all, then how will the leaders exert their influence on the people. What then should be the way out for conflicting parties, and how should they settle their differences for the mere advantage of the people at the stake. For sheer satisfaction of all and sundry, limitations are enacted so as to secure a better living environment, obtain better living conditions and a tranquil surrounding to maintain a conventional coexistence.
Key Messages/Themes/Symbols of the Story
Use of Imaginary
The key messages displayed in this article are leadership and cannons of undesirable authority. Regardless of the conflict involved between parties, there is a harmonious way of solving problems, not necessarily involving torture and abuse. The main image shown is the fact that there has been feuding between the two leaders. There is also a feature of wife submission to the husband, as the commander’s wife is extremely passive to correct him in case of any mistakes done.
There is the use of imagery in the story, as it explains the foul smell coming from the outlaw’ wound and the different ways he tries to get concern for his situation (Bozovic 29). Cruelty is shown both by the commander and the bandit, in that the outlaw has been relentless in dealing with those opposed to his ideas and opinion, while the commander seems to use the full practice of justice by initiating ways of compelling the outlaw to disclose his friends whereabouts and denounce their deeds.
The outlaw is believed to be the head of a retaliating group from the government or the administration at hand. There is no other explanation as to why people must rebel against the constituted laws. On the other side, the government may be misusing state funds; this propelling rebels amongst the subjects. It is evident with the rivalry that is showcased in the story. The commander’s wife is a trademark of a treasured family setup involving a generous and well-hearted wife who submits to the husband.
Opposition to the Critics
It is not appropriate for the critics to bring about the issues of the outlaw friends since, by them showing up, the story will shift focus to the entire group. The wife’s’ place in the story is not clearly defined, and her job is not to question the husband’s decisions regardless of whether they oppose the moral values (Talmor 86). She is only seen to reflect deep on the atrocities committed, and the way she can help is by keeping her own mind as the husband has a bitter attitude.
Simply put, the commander should look into the reasons as to why the outlaws function rather than torturing the victim which might even lead to his death without the mere knowledge of the other banned group members. The commander lacks the virtue of tolerance and understanding, all he does is to persecute the outlaw with agony (Norris 272). May be if he gave the outlaw a chance to explain his activities then, the other troops could be caught without compromising any situation.
My Opinion
This story simulates to disillusioned happenings of the commander’s attack activities and coarse boldness. It points to the cruelty expounded by leaders on any delinquent found guilty of any offence. With such a view of things, then the problem would have been resolved without anybody being hurt. Lazar is a self-proclaimed person, and his ego drives him towards causing trouble to the civilians who go against his wishes. In essence, it should not be too hard to get them if only he did not use harsh punishment on them (Talmor 90).
Lessons Learned from the Story
In my generation, this story can be easily read and understood. Nevertheless, to say that they will enjoy is categorically different since, the story does not seem to bring about the passion expected from an attractive piece of writing. For, any feature to engage the reader’s opinion, it should have a steady flow of events and a powerful humor. The idea of the outlaw being tortured every now and then does not bring the purest view of events, and is also tiring and boring to read about the same issue with no amusement at all.
May be if the story was centered in more precise setting and characters then the value of humor would be employed. Nonetheless, lessons can be learned from the entire story, of exercising persistence and lenience to the inferiors. For the leaders, they should not dwell so much on punishing those who wrong them but, should be determined to find a solution so as to circumvent problems. Dialogue is the best alternative to retrieve individual differences rather than fighting.
This article also depicts the qualities of an exemplary leader which enable them to exercise their mission effectively. In this regard, different fields of disciplines should be taught so as to encourage people to trust the leadership. If people have confidence in the leaders, then no rebels will be encountered. Honesty, trust and integrity, should be the virtues exercised by the leaders. On the other hand, people should exercise patience on their leaders and follow their decisions, which are based on their content (Bozovic 29).
Works Cited
Andric, Ivo. The Slave Girl and Other Stories about Women. Central European University Press, 2009. Print. pp. 107-112.
Bozovic, Marijeta. Rev. The Slave Girl and Other Stories about Women. by Ivo Andric. Central European University, 2009. Print.
Healy, Tim. Forum: What Shall We Read?: These Stories Are Ours, Ivo Andric, The Bridge on the Drama. Conversations on Jusuit Higher Education, 30.26 (2006): 34.
Norris, David A. “Ivo Andrić: Bridge between East and West [book review].” The Modern Language Review 82.1 (1987): 272. Print.
Talmor, Sascha. “Europe Ends at Travnik: Ivo Andric’s Bosnian Chronicle.” European Legacy 3.1 (1998): 84-99. Print.