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An Analysis of Men of Iron by Howard Pyle

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An Analysis of Men of Iron by Howard Pyle
Mae Litschauer
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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 father’s 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. Some examples of this are:” ‘Thou art afraid to fight me, Myles Falworth,’ said Blunt tauntingly, and the bachelors gave a jeering laugh in echo. Then Myles looked up, and I cannot say that his face was not a trifle whiter than usual. ‘Nay,’ said he, ‘I am not afraid, and I will fight thee Blunt.’“ Myles had a lot of boldness and he was not afraid of anything. Myles’ actions also illustrate his religious character and trust in God. Here is an example of this: “The prince had also overheard it, and after a little space of silence asked, ‘Dost thou not feel anxiety for thy coming battle, Myles?’ ‘Yea, my Lord,’ said Myles; ‘sometimes I do feel anxiety, but not such as my Lord of Alban would have me feel in uttering the speech that he spake anon. It is anxiety for my father’s sake and my mother’s sake that I feel, for truly there are great matters for them pending upon this fight. Ne’theless, I do know that God will not desert me in my cause, for verily my father is no traitor.’” In addition to his other traits, Myles Falworth also demonstrates his strong personal principals of right and wrong. An example of this is: “Myles’ heart was beating thickly and heavily within him, but nevertheless he spoke up boldly enough. ‘I mean,’ said he, ‘that from henceforth ye shall fetch and carry for yourselves.’” Myles

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