Haruki Murakami's Another Way To Die

When we hear stories about soldiers and about war, it’s usually about patriotism for one’s country, their duty, the bravery of the soldier who died in battle, and the pride at a soldier’s return. The story that is not typically heard is what it really feels like to put on a uniform, go to war, and come home. The psychological and emotional trauma these young men and women face in war is nothing short of moral anguish. This is evident in Haruki Murakami’s gruesome story, “Another Way to Die.” Here is a lieutenant struggling with the barbaric orders he was given to execute three prisoners with a bayonet and a fourth prisoner with a baseball bat. Throughout the story the lieutenant would often repeating his orders and muse over the senselessness of the act. In sum, he says, “What the hell good is it going to do to kill these guys? …adding a few bodies to the count isn’t going to make any difference. But orders are orders. I am a soldier and I have to follow orders” (1039). Ultimately, the lieutenant employs another soldier to execute the final prisoner with a baseball bat. Perhaps this is an example of the lieutenant’s inability to go against his moral fiber. He does his duty by making sure the order is carried out, but he cannot do it himself. As one can only imagine, it can be difficult to bludgeon
It’s not until the very last moment that he realizes they’re earnest. He says to Donovan, “What have you against me, Jeremiah Donovan?” (1027). That he knows his full name and it comes naturally to say it aloud, should be enough proof that these men are not enemies. Hawkins asks if anyone thought he would shoot Noble if he had to and Donovan points out, “yes, you would…. Because you’d know that you would be shot for not doing it.” Regardless, Hawkins insists he would never shoot a pal. Hawkins contends that his morals are higher than his duty. But then again, he’s not the one holding the