vive. It may sound cruel and immoral, but having a strong mind means that one cannot let such emotions of pity or sadness interfere when it comes to survival. One cannot feel sorry for an enemy as he lies dying on the ground, for the instant that he feels guilt, the enemy could take advantage of the situation and strike. It is as if a soldier must become conscienceless with no regard for life at all. When the King is placed in a similar situation, he again shows his great mental strength by pushing his emotions and morals aside. The times are lean in the prison camp and food is a scarcity. When he is presented with the idea of eating his friend's dog in order to survive, he does not back off."It's Hawkins' dog," answered the King, not thinking about anything except my God does that smell good or does that smell good!Then Peter Marlowe said, "Mother of God. Hawkins' dog!""Now look," said the King reasonably. "What's the difference? It was certainly the cleanest-eatingest dog I've ever seen. Much cleaner'n any pig. Or chicken for that matter. Meat's meat. Simple as that!" (King Rat p.305-6) The King had to survive and one way of doing this was by eating the dog of Hawkins. If it were not a time of war, then eating someone's dog would certainly be immoral and wrong. However, it is a time of war and morals cannot come in between a man and his will to survive. In a very different situation, Rod shows how he has pushed aside his emotions and morals in order to stay alive. He remembers of what he has done so far in the war, and while remembering it, he shows no signs of remorse or guilt.He had no doubt whatsoever that he was taking part in the defense of freedom for mankind against those dark powers which were hel-bent on trying to master the world. He'd no qualms at al in picking off the Japanese soldier operating the machine gun; nor in actions on the way to Kokoda, and at Gona and Buna. Without any pangs of conscience,...
