"Regeneration"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how, in "Regeneration", the two main characters, the poet Siegfried Sassoon and the psychiatrist, Dr. Rivers, have a relationship that is in conflict. The writer explains that this conflict is because of the larger issues that Sassoon and Rivers represent. At the same time, the two protagonists also share an important similarity: the recognition of the importance of duty.

From the Paper:

"The conflict between Sassoon and Rivers is based upon their respective positions regarding World War I. Sassoon, a soldier, has publicly protested the war and, rather than being court-martialed, he is sent to a psychiatric hospital. Rivers is the military psychiatrist there. He recognizes his job, and it is one that is inherently in conflict with Sassoon's beliefs. Rivers reminds Sassoon, "'I can't pretend to be neutral.'" The conflict between Rivers and Sassoon is thus a conflict of a larger scale. It is the conflict between doing one's duty, represented by Rivers, and speaking one's conscience, represented by Sassoon. At the same time, it is also a conflict of anti-war and, if not pro-war, then at least non-anti-war views. Thus the stage is set for Sassoon's treatment by Rivers."

More papers on "Regeneration":

• Analytical Essay # 113693 : "Housing Grants Construction, Regeneration Act 1996"
• Analytical Essay # 25432 : "Sassoon and Owen in "Regeneration"
• Essay # 1975 : "Limb Regeneration in Animals"

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