Survivor: "Two Friends"

Question 1: How does the character search for solace, purpose, and/or redemption?


In the story "Two Friends" there are two characters named Monsieur Morissot and Monsieur Sauvage. Both men have a common love which is fishing. They both find solace by going to their favorite fishing spot but ever since the war they have not been able to do so. Before the war the place where both men fished was beautiful, especially in the Autumn when the sky was blood-red and the water reflected strange shapes of scarlet clouds which reddened the whole river, and the glowing sun set the distant horizon ablaze, making the friends look as though they were on fire, and touching with gold the russet leaves which were already trembling with the wintry shudder. But when the war came around, everything became gloomy with bad weather and it has not been very safe to just wander around. One day they finally get enough courage and they go to their favorite spot. The only problem is that the river which they fish on is on the other side of the border line where their enemies, the Prussians, stay. Because of their passion for fishing, they go on their journey anyway. When arriving to their destination
both men find redemption as they begin to fish with feelings of relaxation and peacefulness even though they are in the middle of a war.

Question 2: How does the character's experience reflect the historical period in which his/her story is told?


From the beginning you find out that Paris is under siege in the grip of a famine. The story "Two Friends" takes place in the 1870's when Paris was at war with Germany. Both characters live in Paris with a constant hunger. They both meet when walking along the boulevards with nothing to do. During this time it wasn't always the safest to be wandering around because you never knew where the next targets from your enemies, the Prussians, would be. Because of the war both Monsieur Morissot and Monsieur Sauvage could not go fishing because where they fished was on the other side of the border line where the Prussians were. You can tell that this story is in a different time era because while Morisott and Sauvage are fishing, they hear cannons in the distance which is not common anymore in wars now. "Two Friends" helps gives readers an idea of how life was like in the past when countries were at war with each other.


Question 3: How does the character's experience in the story symbolize the theme of survival and the human spirit?

Morisott's and Sauvage's experience symbolizes the theme determination. Both characters have the same passion which is fishing. They always went fishing before the war but when the war came they were not able to go anymore because where the fished was on the other side of the border. They loved how the scenery was beautiful and peaceful. They had not gone fishing ever since the war broke out but finally they decided to go. They realized that it had to be a sneaky get away but they did not care, they just wanted to fish. They did not think it over before they left because they were too excited and they did not want to think of anything else that would make the change their minds. In the end they finally reach their destination and they have a good time for a while but then they are captured and killed by the Prussians all because the wanted to what they loved, they were determined to fish no matter what.