Symbolism
The most important piece of symbolism compared to Fred Collins is the bucket of water he risks his life to receive. It symbolizes the heroism displayed by Collins. Also it shows the pointlessness and futility of war. Collins risks his life in order to get water, but the fate of that bucket of water shows just how little the lives of soldiers such as Collins were valued. The description of the shells exploding around Collins reveals that whether he lives or dies is down more to luck instead of skill or bravery. In the same way, the symbol of his heroism is treated with contempt, just as his life is shown to matter little to those in power. Therefore the bucket is very important to signal the true message about war and the fluid meaning of bravery: it demonstrates how heroism is only a term that men create rather than a characteristic.
The most important piece of symbolism compared to Fred Collins is the bucket of water he risks his life to receive. It symbolizes the heroism displayed by Collins. Also it shows the pointlessness and futility of war. Collins risks his life in order to get water, but the fate of that bucket of water shows just how little the lives of soldiers such as Collins were valued. The description of the shells exploding around Collins reveals that whether he lives or dies is down more to luck instead of skill or bravery. In the same way, the symbol of his heroism is treated with contempt, just as his life is shown to matter little to those in power. Therefore the bucket is very important to signal the true message about war and the fluid meaning of bravery: it demonstrates how heroism is only a term that men create rather than a characteristic.