Fifteen year old Charley is excited about going to war and “being a man.” In Soldier's’ Heart by Gary Paulsen, Charley begs his mom for acceptance about fighting for the Union She lets him because the word has it that it will be a quick and easy war for the Union. Charley, still a boy is anxious about fighting for the Union, oblivious to what is ahead of him. Charley changes from a young foolish boy, to a man with a soldier's heart in the course of this book. “It’s better than a circus,” Charley explains. Charley loves the send off to war. He likes the good food people are serving him, the large enthusiastic crowds, pretty girls waving flags and giving him sweets, and plush seats on the trains. Everyone thinks the war will be quick and easy, and Charley believes too when he sees the harsh conditions of the southern families. …show more content…
This battle is a wake up call for Charley and the soldiers when they lose the Battle of Bull Run. Charley experiences horrific things, that he will not be able to erase from his mind. For example, a soldier near Charley head gets blown off. The first battle traumatized Charley, and vomits in the woods, while hiding behind a tree. Charley fights his second battle and again sees deaths by many soldiers dropping one by one near him. He meets another soldier near his age named Nelson. Charley becomes close with him. He could not find Nelson during this second battle and later finds him on the ground wounded. He is shot in the stomach and will not live. Charley helps Nelson with his last wishes and Nelson shoots himself as Charley walks