Monuments to Our Better Nature by Michael Byers - Book Report/Review Example

 Analysis of “Monuments to Our Better Nature” by Michael Byers Introduction The “Monuments to Our Better Nature,” by Michael Byers revolves around various landmarks in United States. The author narrates the story in the first person as the main protagonist. He uses imagery to show various features such as monuments, buildings and status to enable the readers to visualize the story as they are reading. Through his narration, he allows readers to excavate entire American regions creating an inspirational and compelling theme to reflect on the history of this nation. In his writing, Michael Byers uses many monuments to depict the dramatic struggle of the American people in their fight for freedom. According to Byers, these monuments inspire the great work of several groups of individuals including some prominent people in America who possessed a common purpose as well as common values. In addition, the features of the story are also used to depict the greatness of the American nation since it stands for what is good for its citizens.  Michael Byers has used the monuments to help readers understand their importance because they represent the principles of the heroes who struggled and sacrificed everything in order to stand for the truth. According to the author, the struggle for liberation still continues presently because of the existence of evil activities. This paperwork focuses on the description and imagery used by Michael Byers in his book “Monuments to Our Better Nature,” in order to create diversification in the mind of the readers. Description and imagery used by Michael Byers Michael Byers uses vivid descriptions and imagery in his writing to create a picture of American history in the minds of the readers. He provides detailed and carefully chosen descriptions to allow for greater understanding. Therefore he has exploited and invested in these techniques because he felt that they were important in conveying information. In his writing, Michael Byers has used images and description of monuments, statues and buildings to deliver his theme to the audience. In addition, the author has used his own life as the character in the book. He carries readers throughout the book as a tour guide, providing them with various historical features across the nation (Halton 6). The story opens when Michael Byers narrates his personal history since his childhood in the early seventies. He begins by giving the image of the National Mall where he visited regularly with his mother prior to the onset of the Vietnam War. He then describes the blue whale and the Stuffed African elephant. Additionally Byers describes other amazing features of the National Mall that are likely to appeal to visitors. The narrator provides these descriptions from the viewpoint of himself as a young boy, indicating that he was pleased about visiting the National Mall. His mother had a contrary view of the landmark. The narrator indicated that his mother saw the place as tainting of chauvinism in which the country is trying to polish its images. (Charlotte 79). The next monument the author introduces is the popular monument at the memorial open mall in Washington. This monument has been used to give a collective image of American heroes. At this point, the author indicated that he felt like a real citizen and understood the meaning of being an American and living in America. He is proud of the good life which was enhanced by their heroes represented by the monuments and statues (Iyer 56). At Lincoln Memorial, Byers discussed the ways in which Lincoln counted to the welfare of the American people. He mentioned the pleasure that individuals are likely to get at the entrance of Virginia Tennessee. At this point, he encounters other young citizens who enthusiastically express how far they have come. This journey is used to show the transition of American society into a democratic nation that enhanced equality of all people regardless of their color. This is depicted when he describes a situation in which a black daughter sang an American song. In addition, he indicates that the Dr. Martin Luther King Mr.’s quote of “Let freedom ring” from his famous speech “I Have a Dream” still echoes in American ears. The two descriptions at the steps provide a detailed explanation to readers enabling them to understand how some individuals struggled to enhance democracy (Halton 7). In addition, Byers conveys his unabashed passion to the audience by recounting some of the events that took place at this particular point during the struggle for liberation in the United States. The description of this location is also used to demonstrate the ways in which Americans are currently enjoying freedom. According to the author, this is evident from his observations of people climbing these steps without being questioned and without admission tickets. Michael Byers also reads various inscriptions on the wall of Henry Bacon’s temple which advocate togetherness of American people. These inscriptions are very inspiring to the readers since they portray images of equality and freedom in American society. At this point, an atmosphere indicating struggle for freedom is depicted for all readers to understand the entire process of American transformation (Iyer 35). The next stop of Michael Byers’ journey is the Jefferson memorial monument. At this point, his description and analysis changes and lacks the passion of the prior analyses and descriptions. The author indicates that although he appreciates the changes for the better in the country he is not fond of Thomas Jefferson. Through his words he helps readers understand that in order to enhance freedom in a nation people must be rational and logical. Byers felt that Jefferson was illogical and irrational because he always advocated for the change of constitutional laws in the nation. This lack of enthusiasm is also indicated as he approached the George Washington monument. This is because he believed that Washington was not stable as president and did not advocate for equality between African Americans and whites (Charlotte 82). Byers then moves to Vietnam memorial monument which gives the image of war to the readers. At this point, he describes how everyone is respectful of the Vietnam memorial monument because they are mindful of what people experienced during Vietnam War. The author describes this monument which takes the form of a crying man from the army. In addition, he also describes the ways in which visitors climbs the steps to the monument silently and solemnly. At the end of his description, readers get a sense of the terrible memories that many Americans had of that era. The author uses this image and description to allow readers to explore the phenomenon of war. He also uses it as a message that everyone should learn from history. According to Byers another message that can be conveyed from this monument is that everyone should play a part in the growth of a country (Halton 7). The last landmark that Byers visits is the World War II Memorial monument. According to Byers, many pedestrians frequently visit the monument and it is the most vulnerable public space in America. He describes a mall at this location that acts as an enormous museum. This mall resembles the national mall introduced at the beginning of the story. The wrapping of the two malls has been used to make readers realize that despite American history and its ideals, all people have been brought together regardless of their color and gender. It indicates that everybody living in American society is regarded as an American citizen (Charlotte 84). Conclusion The author has told this story using descriptions of various monuments in America to show the journey towards democracy in this nation. The use of these monuments creates a vivid picture to readers in order to understand American history. As Michael Byers starts his journey of excavating the monuments, he carries readers with him in order to encourage them to realize their contributions towards achieving democracy. According to the author, American people should embrace their purpose of becoming part of democracy through excising their rights. Continued democracy in the country will ensure all people have freedom and remain equal. Works Cited Charlotte, Smith. "Advanced Placement Learning Solutions." 2010. Web. 25 June 2012 . Halton, Bobby. "A Decade in Time, Yesterday in Our Hearts." Fire Engineering 164.3 (2011): 6-7. Iyer, Pico. The Best American Travel Writing 2004. Michigan: University of Michigan, 2010. Read More