the patriot

Some would argue in the movie “The Patriot” that Benjamin Martin’s main motivation for participating in the Revolutionary War is his patriotism. However, Martins motivation for entering the war is personal revenge for the loss of his son and his plantation burning to the ground. At the beginning of the movie Martin argued against fighting the British. He wants to live peacefully on his small plantation, and wants no part of a war with such a powerful nation, Great Britain. On the other hand his two older sons Gabriel and Thomas felt completely opposite and couldn’t wait to join the Continental Army. As Gabriel lives up to his dream and joins the army and defend their new nation, America, against the British, Benjamin Martin helps out hurt and wounded soldiers from both sides at his home. He is viewed as a traitor, and Gabriel is ordered to be hanged. Benjamin's son Thomas tries to help Gabriel, but is shot and killed by Colonel William Tavington, who also orders the Martin's house to be burned to the ground. This pushes Benjamin over the edge. He and his two younger sons by themselves gun down over 20 redcoats and rescue Gabriel. Benjamin's quick shooting and movements earn him the nickname of "The Ghost." As a result Benjamin wants revenge, enlisting himself to fight for independence of the thirteen colonies. He then has to leave his children with their aunt Charlotte. Benjamin then becomes a general and leads his own colonial militia, with Gabriel by his side. This Small Militia is formed by locals that want to help fight against the British as well as for personal revenge. Gabriel is then killed in battle by Tavington making Benjamin very depressed, to the point of him not wanting to fight any more. Then in battle, he fights with Tavington and kills him. He succeeds, soon realizing what everyone is fighting for. He decides to move on with America, now he has something to fight for. "The Patriot" is an excellent movie. It may very well be one of the most