In a gripping tale set during the Revolutionary War, the story follows Benjamin Martin, a former veteran who finds himself drawn back into the turmoil of battle after a tragic loss.
In The Patriot, Ben Martin and his family struggle through the revolutionary war. After the a battle breaks out in front of their house, they help soldiers from each side which they end up paying a consequence for. Ben was a retired veteran who vowed to never return to his blood-filled past, but when his son was killed and his house got burned down, he had to break that promise and earn himself his freedom and independence.
Conflict
Man vs. Man
Ben faced many fights with Tavington even though he was a gentle, family man. Tavington was the reason that Ben’s child was killed, and his house was burned down. The final battle between Ben and Tavington resulted in the end of Tavington’s life and the beginning of Ben’s independence and freedom.
Man vs. Self
Gabe was fighting Tavington which totally went against how he was raised. When Gabe got the upper-hand in the fight, he debated whether or not to kill Tavington. This hesitation gave Tavington some time and he ended up killing Gabe.
Wikipedia Article
Tavington
Tavington- British colonel in the Revolutionary War; kills Thomas and Gabriel; ruthless man willing to do anything for the British cause
Ben
Benjamin Martin (Martin)- single father of seven children; enters the Revolutionary war to avenge his son’s death; quick-tempered and determined; skilled in combat; kills Tavington in a one on one fight
Gabe
Gabriel- Martin’s oldest son; enters the war without his fathers true permission; patriotic and revolutionary; marries Anne
Theme
There are no true winners in war since each side loses something. Benjamin Martin is able to rally the Patriots in the Revolutionary War by killing many Redcoats in South Carolina. Martin leads his own militia against the British in one final battle in which Martin’s troops surprise the British. The Patriots win the battle forcing the British to surrender. Even though Martin’s side won the war, Martin lost two of his sons, Thomas and Gabriel, who are killed by Tavington in war. Martin won the war, but he would not have decided to fight if he knew it came at the expense of two of his sons.
