Student Question
In The Bronze Bow, how do Daniel's actions during the confrontation with Roman soldiers show immaturity?
Quick answer:
Daniel's actions during the confrontation with Roman soldiers reveal his immaturity through his impulsive anger and refusal to comply with Roman demands, risking both his and Thacia's safety. Thacia's intervention demonstrates a more mature approach, highlighting Daniel's need to learn strategic patience. This incident marks a pivotal moment in Daniel's growth, as he begins to understand that blindly lashing out is not effective and that he must choose his battles wisely.
Daniel and Thacia are visiting the town together, Thacia in disguise as her brother Joel so he can operate undercover without being suspected. As they travel, they are confronted with two Roman soldiers, resting in the heat with their packs. The law allows Romans to force Jews to carry their packs for one mile, but Daniel is overcome with anger and refuses. Thacia steps in and lifts a pack, and they carry them for one mile. During and after, Daniel comes to the realization that his unthinking anger might have gotten them both killed.
Daniel scowled down at the road. "The very sight of them makes me lose my head. Filthy foreigners! If you hadn't been with me--"
"You'd have lost your silly head for good. How would that serve your country?"
"All right!" he burst out. "I made a fool of myself! Do you want to go back now?"
(Speare, The Bronze Bow, Google Books)
This is one of several key moments in Daniel's growth. Before meeting Thacia, he believed that violence and aggression were the only ways to deal with Romans. However, he is not mature enough to understand how to use the anger instead of being used by it. Thacia shows him that he needs to pick his battles and choose the ones that he can win, not slam up against every obstacle and refuse to back down.
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