J.M.J.

Title: Men of Iron

Author: Howard Pyle
Type: Fiction
Characters: Myles Falworth, Myles father, Gascoyne

Outline:
I.
II.
III.

Myles shows great boldness.

Myles had great trust in God.
Myles had strong principles of right and wrong.

Men of Iron
In Men of Iron by Howard Pyle, the author recounts the adventures of a
young knight in fifteenth century England. Not every young man has the

opportunity to be a knight, so when seventeen year old Myles Falworth is

presented with the chance to do so, he eagerly accepts the challenge.
Competitions follow, one after another, and finally, Sir Myles undertakes his
greatest battle. In this fight to save his fathers life and honor, Myles relies
on his own boldness, tempered by his religious character, and his principles
of right and wrong.
A prominent feature of Myles character is his boldness. He was not
afraid to speak his mind to men who were of high rank, such as Sir James
Lee. Myles accused the Earl of being mean-hearted and cowardly when he
thought the Earl left him alone among strangers. He stood up for anything
he believed in whole-heartedly. Myles boldness helped him to become a
man.
Myles actions also illustrate his religious character and trust in God. In
order to become a knight, one must have honor, virtue and growth in the
grace of God. Confessing to a priest and presenting a lighted candle at the
altar if part of the ceremony for becoming a knight. Myles also thanked
Heaven for sparing Blunts life. Myles Falworth had great religious character
and great trust in God.
In addition to his other traits, Myles Falworth also demonstrates his
strong personal principles of right and wrong. Myles fought for the life and
honor of his father. He kept secrets, which was a requirement for
knighthood. Myles admitted to the Earl that he entered the garden looking

for a ball. Myles always chose to do the right thing in difficult situations,
always being honest and trustworthy.
In Men of Iron, Myles boldness, religious character, and sense of right
and wrong aid him as he strives to regain his fathers reputation. Myles
showed his boldness whenever he spoke up to men of higher rank. His
religious character and trust in God was displayed while he was preparing for
the knight ceremony. He demonstrated strong principles of right and wrong,
choosing to always do the right thing. Myles Falworth shows young people
that being honest and trustworthy is important and that we must serve God
and trust in Him.