How Long to Read The Soldier's Two Bodies

How Long Does it Take to Read The Soldier's Two Bodies?

It takes the average reader 2 hours and 55 minutes to read The Soldier's Two Bodies by James M. Greene

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

In The Soldier’s Two Bodies, James M. Greene investigates an overlooked genre of early American literature—the Revolutionary War veteran narrative—showing that it by turns both promotes and critiques a notion of military heroism as the source of U.S. sovereignty. Personal narratives by veterans of the American Revolution indicate that soldiers in the United States have been represented in two contrasting ways from the nation’s first days: as heroic symbols of the body politic and as human beings whose sufferings are neglected by their country. Published from 1779 through the late 1850s, narrative accounts of Revolutionary War veterans’ past service called for recognition from contemporary audiences, inviting readers to understand the war as a moment of violence central to the founding of the nation. Yet, as Greene reveals, these calls for recognition at the same time underscored how many veterans felt overlooked and excluded from the sovereign power they fought to establish. Although such narratives stem from a discourse that supports centralized, continental nationalism, they disrupt stable notions of a unified American people by highlighting those left behind. Greene discusses several well-known examples of the genre, including narratives from Ethan Allen, Joseph Plumb Martin, and Deborah Sampson, along with Herman Melville's fictional adaptation of the life of Israel Potter. Additional chapters focus on accounts of postwar frontier actions, including narratives collected by Hugh Henry Brackenridge that voice concerns over populist violence, along with stranger narratives like those of Isaac Hubbell and James Roberts, which register as fantastic imitations of the genre commenting on antebellum racial politics. With attention to questions of historical context and political ideology, Greene charts the process by which veteran narratives promote exception, violence, and autonomy, while also encouraging restraint, sacrifice, and collectivity. Revolutionary War veteran narratives offer no easy solutions to the appropriation of veterans’ lives within military nationalism and sovereign violence. But by bringing forward the paradox inherent in the figure of the U.S. soldier, the genre invites considerations of how to reimagine those representations. Drawing attention to paradoxes presented by the memory of the American Revolution, The Soldier’s Two Bodies locates the origins of a complicated history surrounding the representation of veterans in U.S. politics and culture.

How long is The Soldier's Two Bodies?

The Soldier's Two Bodies by James M. Greene is 173 pages long, and a total of 43,769 words.

This makes it 58% the length of the average book. It also has 53% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read The Soldier's Two Bodies Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 3 hours and 59 minutes to read The Soldier's Two Bodies aloud.

What Reading Level is The Soldier's Two Bodies?

The Soldier's Two Bodies is suitable for students ages 10 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy The Soldier's Two Bodies?

The Soldier's Two Bodies by James M. Greene is sold by several retailers and bookshops. However, Read Time works with Amazon to provide an easier way to purchase books.

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