Guard of Honor: Analysis of Major Characters
"Guard of Honor: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the complex dynamics and interpersonal relationships within Ocanara Air Force Base, focusing on key figures whose actions and decisions shape the narrative. Major General Ira N. Beal is portrayed as a brooding leader grappling with personal troubles, yet he displays remarkable skill and resourcefulness when faced with an emergency following a parachuting accident. His right-hand man, Colonel Norman Ross, aids in managing the base's complexities but is also drawn into the unfolding tensions. The narrative highlights Lieutenant Willis, a Black pilot whose near-collision incident sparks significant conflict, culminating in a violent altercation with Lieutenant Colonel Benny Carricker, which escalates tensions on the base.
Brigadier General Nichols serves as a sympathetic figure, quickly grasping the underlying issues plaguing the community at Ocanara. Other supporting characters, including family members like Mr. Willis and General Beal's wife Sal, as well as military personnel such as Lieutenant Edsell and Captain Hicks, further enrich the narrative with their unique perspectives and relationships. The interplay between these characters not only reflects the challenges of military life but also offers a broader commentary on race, leadership, and conflict resolution within a structured environment. This analysis thus serves as a lens into the complexities of human behavior and institutional dynamics in a military context.
Guard of Honor: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: James Gould Cozzens
First published: 1948
Genre: Novel
Locale: An Air Force base in Florida
Plot: Psychological realism
Time: Three days during World War II
Major General Ira N. (Bus) Beal, commanding general of Ocanara Air Force Base. Brooding unhappily over troubles of his own, he appears unaware of the seriousness of certain tensions that have developed on the huge base until an accident occurs during a parachute jump. General Beal immediately arouses himself from his melancholy and directs rescue operations with all his old skill and resourcefulness.
Colonel Norman Ross, General Beal's air inspector and resourceful assistant in the complicated running of huge Ocanara Air Force Base.
Lieutenant Willis, a black pilot who violates the right of way and nearly collides with a plane piloted by General Beal. He is struck and hospitalized by Lieutenant Colonel Benny Carricker.
Lieutenant Colonel Benny Carricker, General Beal's co-pilot, who strikes and hospitalizes Lieutenant Willis, thus triggering a series of problems and tensions, including a near riot, at Ocanara Air Force Base.
Brigadier General Nichols, assistant to the commanding general of the Air Force. A sympathetic and tolerant man, he understands the problems of Ocanara Air Force Base at a glance.
Mr. Willis, Lieutenant Willis' father.
Sal Beal, General Beal's wife.
Cora Ross, Colonel Ross' wife.
Lieutenant Edsell, a writer assigned to Special Projects.
Lieutenant Lippa, a WAC in love with Lieutenant Edsell.
Captain Nathaniel Hicks, an officer in Special Projects.
Second Lieutenant Amanda Turck,aWAC.
Colonel Mowbray, an officer on Ocanara Air Force Base.
Chief Warrant Officer Botwinick, Colonel Mowbray's assistant.