The Will to Live

There's little doubt that the will to live soon becomes the overriding theme in this book. The boys volunteer for the walk and there's little discussion about what drives them to make that decision. What is evident is that once they begin the walk and are faced with the stark reality of facing death, they all fight in their own way to survive. For some, that means ranting against the powers that will take their lives. They call the soldiers names, offer obscene gestures and even - on several occasions - rush in to try to fight the soldiers. Some, apparently nearing the end of their endurance, scream for the Major, saying that he's a murderer and apparently hoping the words will impart some sense of shame so that the killings will stop before they fall victim.

More often, the will to live manifests itself...