has given Nugget a reason to survive, so that one day he may meet the interesting people he read about in Rod's letters from home. At one point in the novel, it is only these letters that Nugget looks forward to. Nugget received his usual wad (of mail), but he seemed more interested in the two letters addresses to "Full" Corporal Rodney McKenzie M.M, one out of normal size in his mother's handwriting, the other an unusually fat one from Horrie. (McKenzie's Boots p.208-9)Nugget eventually shows interest in one of Rod's lady friends, and later on he says, "How would it be, if when we get back-if ever, that is- I look her up? You wouldn't mind, would you?" (McKenzie's Boots p.210) During all this time, Rod is unaware that his letters provide so much joy and hope for Nugget. The fact that he is Nugget's close friend and that he lets him read his personal letters shows how uplifting to the mind friendship can be during war.War is something that must be taken very seriously. It can result in large death counts and horror for those around it. Yes, it is important that soldiers are physically able and have good training, but in a crucial time of a war, in it can all boil down to the mental strength of a soldier. The characters of the King and Rod show how important it is to be mentally prepared. They were able to keep their wills to survive at its peak, control their emotions to the point where they made the right decisions, or to be in the company of good men that keep them motivated. It is this mental strength, possessed by a soldier, that may decide whether or not he gets to go home again....
