Question

The Locket
by Kate Chopin

A man was picking his way across the plain. He was dressed in the garb of a clergyman. His mission was to administer the consolations of religion to any of the prostrate figures in whom there might yet linger a spark of life. . . .

There were no wounded here; they had been borne away. But the retreat had been hurried and the vultures and the good Samaritans would have to look to the dead.
There was a soldier—a mere boy—lying with his face to the sky. His hands were clutching the sward on either side and his finger nails were stuffed with earth and bits of grass that he had gathered in his despairing grasp upon life. His musket was gone; he was hatless and his face and clothing were begrimed. Around his neck hung a gold chain and locket. The priest, bending over him, unclasped the chain and removed it from the dead soldier’s neck. He had grown used to the terrors of war and could face them unflinchingly; but its pathos, someway, always brought the tears to his old, dim eyes.

"The Locket" by Kate Chopin

The Brothers
by Louisa May Alcott

Every one knows the story of the attack on Fort Wagner; but we should not tire yet of recalling how our Fifty-Fourth, spent with three sleepless nights, a day's fast, and a march under the July sun, stormed the fort as night fell, facing death in many shapes, following their brave leaders through a fiery rain of shot and shell, fighting valiantly for God and Governor Andrew,—how the regiment that went into action seven hundred strong came out having had nearly half its number captured, killed, or wounded, leaving their young commander to be buried, like a chief of earlier times, with his body-guard around him, faithful to the death. Surely, the insult turns to honor, and the wide grave needs no monument but the heroism that consecrates it in our sight; surely, the hearts that held him nearest see through their tears a noble victory in the seeming sad defeat; and surely, God's benediction was bestowed, when this loyal soul answered, as Death called the roll, "Lord, here I am, with the brothers Thou hast given me!"

"The Brothers" by Louisa May Alcott

Question
Use the passages to answer the question.

In 1–2 sentences, evaluate how the two passages approach the theme of duty and responsibility to one’s profession, which contributes to society.

Answer 1

Both passages highlight the theme of duty and responsibility through the actions of individuals in the face of tragedy. In "The Locket," the clergyman’s mission is to provide solace to the fallen, demonstrating a deep commitment to his role in comforting the grieving, while in "The Brothers," the soldiers' courageous fight reflects a profound sense of duty to their cause and each other, illustrating how their sacrifices contribute to a greater societal purpose.