Language and Composition

September 2, 2013

REVIEW OF THE PRIVATE HISTORY OF A CAMPAIGN THAT
FAILED

I have read many stories throughout my life, yet so few have left a mark in me.
Mark Twain was one of them because of the perspective of war he portrayed. He is a true
master of emotions, achieved by his brilliance when creating a story rich in character
psychology and a historic plot.

Mark Twain portrays a unique view of war in the story, The Private History of a
Campaign That Failed. For the most part it revolves around the adventures of the Marion
Rangers, composed by inexperienced, childish, young men who pretend to be fighting in
the actual war. As the battle advances in their direction, they realize they are not prepared
for it. Although these young men have done what they can with the abilities they were
raised, it isnt enough to continue fighting. The sudden murder of a man belonging to the
enemy incites the protagonist to retreat from war. Ever since they killed the man, the
campaign never fully recovered. When the protagonist watches the corpse, he has a
moment of revelation. He notices the man is killed in battle, as you may say; and yet he
was as sincerely mourned by the opposing force as if he had been their brother. (Twain,
p.81) Mark Twain begins with an exciting and innocent perspective of war, but as the
protagonists epiphany is revealed, war has changed into a tragic and scary experience that
no one can prepare you for. The young men in the story realize they cannot be part of war
while they care for the enemys lives. War is cold and impersonal.

This short narration has revealed an epiphany about the true face of war; it is a
fearful period where no feelings should be attached to the death of strangers.