Love and understanding are essential components of the human experience. As Toni Morrison once wrote, "Love is not a feeling of happiness. Love is a willingness to sacrifice." This sentiment is exemplified in the character of Samuel Barnett in the film Marbles and Bullets. Directed by Richard De Witt, the movie tells the story of a Confederate soldier named Samuel Barnett, played by Olivier and Tony Award-winning actor Shuler Hensley, who must learn to empathize with a young slave boy named Jeremiah, played by Christopher-Lawson Palmer in his film debut.

At the beginning of the film, Samuel Barnett is driven by his Confederate convictions and sees Jeremiah as only a slave who is in the wrong place at the wrong time. However, as the battle of the Wilderness commences, Samuel makes a split-second decision to charge through the hellfire to save Jeremiah's life. This act of bravery sets off a chain of events that leads him on a transformative journey of self-discovery.

Throughout the film, we see Samuel struggling with his preconceived notions and prejudices. He must learn to see Jeremiah not as property, but as a human being deserving of dignity and respect. As Maya Angelou once wrote, "We are more alike than unalike." This sentiment is echoed in the film as Jeremiah teaches Samuel to understand that they are more alike than he previously thought. They both have people they love, dreams for the future, and the capacity for empathy and understanding.

Samuel’s journey is not an easy one. He must confront the harsh realities of war and slavery, as well as his own biases and prejudices. However, through his struggles, he eventually grows and learns to empathize with Jeremiah and see the world through his eyes. As Tracy K. Smith writes in her poem "Watershed," "What you have done / Is enter history without pretending / To be a king or queen." Samuel’s act of bravery and his subsequent journey of self-discovery allow him to enter history as a person who has learned the value of empathy and understanding.

Marbles and Bullets is a powerful film that reminds us of the importance of love and understanding in our lives and in humanity. Through the character of Samuel Barnett, we see the transformative power of empathy and the importance of challenging our preconceived notions and prejudices. As Maya Angelou wrote, "I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." The film's message of empathy and understanding is one that will stay with audiences long after the credits roll.

TL;DR:

The film "Marbles and Bullets" directed by Richard De Witt tells the story of a Confederate soldier named Samuel Barnett who must learn empathy and understanding for a young slave boy named Jeremiah. Through his struggles and journey of self-discovery, Samuel learns the value of empathy and the importance of challenging preconceived notions and prejudices. This film emphasizes the transformative power of empathy and understanding. Keywords: empathy, understanding, prejudices, self-discovery, slavery.

Referenced Authors:

Maya Angelou

Tracy K. Smith