Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption

by Laura Hillenbrand

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Student Question

In Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption, what strengths help Zamperini survive his ordeals? Did his track training contribute to his resilience?

Expert Answers

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Louie Zamperini, the protagonist of Laura Hillenbrand's Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption, was truly a remarkable man. Let's look at some of his characteristics to help you get started on these questions.

First, you might think about how the hardships Louie faced toughened him and made him a survivor. His childhood illness, for instance, and his struggles with getting into trouble taught him much. But his real focus developed when he ran track in high school and then on a national level. Here he learned discipline and dedication. He learned how to persevere even when things were difficult, and he learned how to manage his body and his mind.

You might also discuss Louie's cleverness and problem-solving ability. Look at how he managed to survive after the plane crash. He and the others developed techniques for fighting off sharks and gathering much-needed water. Louie was simply determined that he would not die, and he did not.

His resilience showed during his time in the POW camps, too. Louie had a will to live, and he did whatever he had to. He refused to let even Bird break his mind, and even when his body was mostly broken, he was still determined to live and go home.

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