In this chapter, Hugo’s detailing of the fate of Ney makes for a really interesting case study. Here’s a substantial excerpt to frame some thoughts I have:
Ney, splendid in his acceptance of death, exposed himself to every hazard. He had a fifth horse killed under him. Foaming at the mouth, wild-eyed and running with sweat, his tunic unbuttoned, one epaulette half shorn away by a sabre stroke and his eagle-badge pierced by a bullet, bleeding and superb with a broken sword in his hand, he cried, ‘This is how a Marshall of France dies on the field of battle!’ But he did not die. Distraught and furious, he called to Drouet d’Erlon, ‘Why haven’t you got yourself killed?’ And he cried amid the hail of bullets, ‘Isn’t there one for me? I’d like the whole lot in my belly!’ He was reserved for French bullets, un-happy man.
This is not an isolated tale. History is full of accounts of men who went out with full intent to either be victorious or to die in battle. Many did just that, but there are some who come home alive and must face the reality of what they have done, what they have participated in under the fog of war.
For Ney, he would later be executed for his role in this chapter of history. Did he know the fate that awaited him? Likely. Is this the only reason he wanted to die on the battlefield? Probably not. I think for many who have chosen a path of violence, there is a promise of redemption in acts of heroism - especially of that heroism involves sacrificing your life.
In my opinion this is a deception. Though I do think there are occasional tales of true heroism, in many cases it is a cloak for the selfish pursuit of fame, power and glory. It is not redemptive, it is inherently destructive,a nd when unsuccessful many see their own destruction as preferable to being confronted with the reality of their actions the attendant consequences.
Pursuing heroism is not necessarily easy, but it is a perceived shortcut to the more difficult and less glorious road to sainthood. Dying for something you believe in feels big and grand and like it can erase a long history of mistakes. Living for what you believe in and doing it as a true expression of love is far more difficult in the long run.