Man Without a Country

Rating:
Summary: Traitor or Patriot?
Review: "The Man Without a Country," written by Edward Everett Hale in 1863, tells the story of Philip Nolan, a young lieutenant in the United States Navy, who, at his court martial for treason, damned the United States and cavalierly wished that he might never hear her name again. Nolan's sentence was to have his wish fulfilled. For fifty-five years he was kept at sea, being repeatedly transferred from ships that approached land to those that were headed out to sea. Although Nolan was not treated like a prisoner, a unique protocol was developed that kept him from hearing or seeing any news from home.

Because of obscure references (especially early in the story) and some archaic wording, reading the story aloud is recommended. This provides an excellent opportunity to demonstrate that much can be gleaned from a story even when references are not completely understood. Pausing periodically to summarize the main points can help to keep students involved until you get to Hale's anecdotes that will truly captivate them.

In addition to delineating the consequences of an impetuous act, "The Man Without a Country" provides a thought-provoking portrait of a patriot. In essays or debates students might consider Was Nolan's sentence fair? Should he have been pardoned?

Rating:
Summary: Captivating short story
Review: Appearing at first to be a true story, this is really a tale of mythological quality. It tells about a man who swears off his own homeland and is banished from it in turn. For fifty-seven years he is doomed to sail with the Navy like a lost Odyssevs, never allowed to cast his eyes on his native land, and never allowed to hear any news from home.

This story was written during the Civil War, and is of course an attempt to remind Americans of their patriotic duty. It does, however, go deeper than this simple didactic point, and contains a more universal message about the value of loyalty and identity. By present standards it might perhaps be deemed overly sentimental, nonetheless I found "The Man without a Country" a fascinating and thought-provoking read.

Rating:
Summary: the man without a country
Review: I LIKE TO SAY THAT THE BOOK WAS VERY GOOD. YOU COULD LEARN A LOT OF HISTORY IN THIS BOOK.NOW ABOUT THE MOVIE.THE ACTORS DID A GREAT JOB.

Rating:
Summary: The Story of Learning to Appreciate Being an American
Review: I originally read this book in eighth grade, and recently had the desire to reread the book. The book was just as I remembered it. However, with a greater understanding of the world, I have learned to appreciate this classic even more. While an American may not agree with that the United States does, a perfect country or government has yet to be created. Philip Nolan made a statement in which he disowned his country in his younger days. It was a statement that he would quitely regret for the rest of his life. Even in exile, Nolan reflects loyalty to his country in his behavior. On his death bed, Nolan only wants to learn of what has happened to the country since he was exiled. He was able to die a happy man knowing how the country he loved had prospered.

The story is intended to made readers appreciate their country. Sometimes it may be difficult to agree with the government. In the end, one realizes that they love their country like a parent or their own child. Nolan had to learn this lesson the hard way.

Rating:
Summary: The Story of Learning to Appreciate Being an American
Review: I originally read this book in eighth grade, and recently had the desire to reread the book. The book was just as I remembered it. However, with a greater understanding of the world, I have learned to appreciate this classic even more. While an American may not agree with that the United States does, a perfect country or government has yet to be created. Philip Nolan made a statement in which he disowned his country in his younger days. It was a statement that he would quitely regret for the rest of his life. Even in exile, Nolan reflects loyalty to his country in his behavior. On his death bed, Nolan only wants to learn of what has happened to the country since he was exiled. He was able to die a happy man knowing how the country he loved had prospered.

The story is intended to made readers appreciate their country. Sometimes it may be difficult to agree with the government. In the end, one realizes that they love their country like a parent or their own child. Nolan had to learn this lesson the hard way.

Rating:
Summary: Today's readers...
Review: Philip Nolan, a man who is sentenced to remain at sea for his entirelife, with the punishment to never hear nor see of the United States again. Hale captures patriotism and heroic efforts in one man as Nolan bravely tries to hide the fact he still loves his country, but shall never see it again. It makes you proud to be an American and live under the glory that our forefathers fought for. So many times have I read this story, and each time I can barely get past parts that bring a tear to my eye. Ultimately a great and powerful book for any reader who enjoys a story of love, agony, and pride.

Rating:
Summary: Dear old Nolan!
Review: Philip Nolan, a man who is sentenced to remain at sea for his entirelife, with the punishment to never hear nor see of the United States again. Hale captures patriotism and heroic efforts in one man as Nolan bravely tries to hide the fact he still loves his country, but shall never see it again. It makes you proud to be an American and live under the glory that our forefathers fought for. So many times have I read this story, and each time I can barely get past parts that bring a tear to my eye. Ultimately a great and powerful book for any reader who enjoys a story of love, agony, and pride.

Rating:
Summary: An American classic
Review: The man without a country, Philip Nolan who is condemned to sail the world without ever hearing again name or news of the country, that he has at his court-martial for an involvement with Aaron Burr, cursed. In the course of his wandering and through the many lonely years his longing for his country and his love for it becomes apparent. The great poem of Scott which he keeps in his heart and mind says it all for him ' Breathes there a man with soul so dead / who never to himself hath said/ this is my own , my native land/ Whose heart hath ne'er within him burned as home his footsteps he hath turned/ from wandering on a foreign strand/ If there such breeds / Mark him well/ For him no minstrel rapture swells/ High though his title/ Proud his name/ Boundless his wealth as wish could claim/ Despite these titles / power and pelf/ The wretch concentred all in self/ Living forfeit fair renown/ and Dying doubly shall go down/ To the vile dust/ From whence he sprung / Unwept, unhonored and unsung.
Philip Nolan sings the song of his own ignominy , repents , and shows his great love for his country.
As a child in school this book moved me very deeply. It is a true American classic. And it teaches the meaning and value of a patriotism which is not the refuge of scoundrels, but rather a genuine reflection of love of one's own native land and home.