The Lords of Discipline

"Once I had ensnared myself in its ingenious trap, there was no way i could turn back. I could not turn back and face the contempt and derision of my roommates" (430).
In this quote Will is contemplating whether he should confront the ten at General Durrel's plantation house. This shows how Will's courage to go and save Pearce is based on his own selfishness. He does not want to be labeled a coward by his classmates so he does not go back to the barracks.

"We better start preparing your case. The court will meet tomorrow night and we're going to have to sling sh*t all over the courtroom. Mark, will you go tell Gauldin Grace that Pig will stand trial and that the three of us will defend him?" (470).

In this quote, Will shows that his courage is beginning to shift to a more altruistic manner. He cares so much for his roommate Pig that he is willing to defend him in the honor court even though he has commited an honor violation. Will's motives regarding his courage are becoming more selfless.  

"'At first, i didn't think it was my voice. It sounded so warlike, so vengeful, so invincible. It sounded cold and evil, but it was a comfort to me in the following days when I would not leave my bed, when I only wanted to listen to the voice. 'I will get them,' the voice said ' I will get them '" (497).

Will McLean has just witnessed the death of his roommate, Pig. He is filled with so much anger and he wants to destroy to people that did this to him, The Ten. This shows that Will is not selfish because he is willing to fight for every one of his classmates that has been affected by The Ten. This quote also shows the further development of Will's courage. Instead of being afraid of what others may think of him, he vows to get revenge for his roommate.

"'Do not disgrace the ring, Mr. McLean' he said. 'Dante Pignetti,' I answered. 'Dante Pignetti, my roommate sir'" (560).

This quote shows the climax of Will's motives regarding courage. The significance of Will saying his roommates name is that Pig committed an honor violation and a cadet must never mention the name of another cadet who has comitted an honor violation. Will has built enough courage to tell off the General at his graduation. This shows how Will's courage has developed into more selfless motives because he fought for what was right and he will never forget his roommate. This also shows the development of Will as a character overall. Through his journeys he has become a very honorable man, even though he does not know it.