Milkweed – Triumph Of The Human Spirit
By Michael Rockey
Sinclairville, New York
Milkweed is the title of a book written by Jerry Spinelli. The theme of the story is the triumph of the human spirit over the destructive actions of others. This means the human spirit can conquer the bad things that can happen in life. Just like Misha, the spirit can win over the most terrible things that people go through. The human spirit prevails over everything. The story also means that even in the worst times of life, people can survive and go on to a better life. One example of Misha’s triumph is when his friend, Olec, a Jew, was hung for stealing food. Even though German soldiers stole and plundered countries and would not be punished, Olec was killed because he was Jewish. This is one example of bigotry and genocide that was part of the daily life of the Jewish people during the time in history of the story of Milkweed.
Probably the best example of the triumph of the human spirit was Misha’s retelling of his story after he came to America. By telling his story, Misha fought against the bigotry, genocide and hatred of the Holocaust and by his strong spirit helped others to understand why this should never happen again. The lessons of the story of Milkweed show what bigotry, hatred and violence can do to the world. I learned that these things could turn people against each other. How people cope with hatred, bigotry and genocide depends on where they live. Many children in Iraq, for example, have so much hatred for Americans that they are willing to strap a bomb to themselves and kill themselves and Americans. American children are taught to treat others, as they want to be treated. But, even America has bigotry and hatred. Many people make fun of others or fight with others who are not like them. This is only one step away from a group of people killing another group because of their race, religion or any other reason.
As a student, this book has changed. It has taught me that the human spirit can survive terrible things. One Jewish Holocaust survivor said, “The world is a dangerous place in which to live, not because of those who do evil, but because of the good people who allow evil.” I will always stand up for what is right so I can help to put an end to bigotry and hatred in our world.