Had he been killed in one of the numerous military encounters of his career as a Revolutionary War patriot, he would have gone down, undoubtedly, as one of the 3 or 4 greatest heroes of the Cause. But, surviving - though crippled from his wounds as he was - he instead became the most reviled soldiers in American history. The journey from the most celebrated of patriots to the very name his countrymen use, even to this day, to condemn the most vile acts of cowardice and betrayal is one that, unfortunately for those seeking the truth of his motives, will forever be shrouded in mystery. But, far from a story of simple villainy, it is a prism that, when subjected to the light of scrutiny, emits a spectrum of light that commands deeper inspection and scrutiny. As his infamy lurks even in the scant treatment of history in our schools today, all should appreciate by now I am referring to Benedict Arnold.
His ancestors can be traced back to 1635 when his namesake sailed with other Puritans, led by Roger Williams, and settled in Rhode Island in the Pawtucket River region. While the first iteration of the name Benedict Arnold rose to succeed Williams as governor of Rhode Island and served several terms until his death in 1678, subsequent Arnolds found progressively less prosperity. By the time of the birth of the fifth in the line of this once-esteemed name, fortune and esteem had passed from the Arnold family. Benedict V, the subject at hand, was born on January 14, 1741 to Benedict and Hannah Arnold in Norwich, Connecticut. He was the second child to the marriage; the first, also christened Benedict, had died in infancy, as so many of this time did.
Tragedy seemed to reside in the lives of the Arnolds, steadfastly anchored with the death of their first male child. Its dark cloak, all told, took three (Mary, Elizabeth and Absalom King) of the four children born subsequent to young Benedict. Only his oldest sibling, his mother's namesake, Hannah, remained in the once-happy Arnold home by the time Benedict reached the age of 13.
The psychological impact on the oldest child was clear to those who knew and wrote of Benedict in adulthood. Young Benedict's parents instructed him in the Calvinist doctrine, specifically, a vengeful, omniscient, but sometimes-capricious God whose wrath was not so much directed against the sinner but to those innocents whose death might serve as a more powerful warning. For if God will take an innocent, what might He do to those who would truly offend?
Article comments
1 - dietdoc
My fellow BC'ers:
I am sorry this commentary didn't have any comments. Clearly, I didn't express what I set out to do. I said what was in my heart and the contradictions I had learned made up this complex man's live.
Though he betrayed his county, I wish Benedict Arnold's soul peace and a deaf ear to those who, even today, speak his name as only one of disgrace. There is much virture and patriotism to be found in his country's service and he deserves a more (God, I hate to use this phrase!) fair and balanced account of his perplexing life.
I will try and do better next go around.
I don't mind when my essays fall flat on BlogCritics for I know I have been judged by the very best critics on the Internet.
Cheers,
Ron
2 - Eric Berlin
Ron -- Don't sweat it too much, man. Every writer who has been around a while will tell you that quite often the posts you work hardest on (and/or care most about) get the least response. And then a quick blurt about a breaking news story or a list (people love the lists) will garner hopping chatter for days.
It's just one of them things...
3 - Duane
Dear dietdoc,
There are many, many circumstances that determine how many comments you get. Some of the stupidest posts get loads of comments. You laid out a full seven-course meal, and most people here want fast food. It depends on the day of the week, the time of day, and lots of other variables. Don't worry about it. Just keep plugging away.
If you want a lot of comments, write a post based on the theme "Slash Sucks Eggs." You will get at least 100 responses.
4 - Tao Jonez
a real wise man laid some Knowledge on me once, he said "we are defined by our choices"
problem with Ben A here is the biggest choice he made, he fucked up royally
yer shit was well written, and some hard eatin' of words fer the reader, add to it the spicy enchilada of the subject, and what's been happinin around here lately
are ya suprised so few talked on it?
at least ya ain't all about the hatin' like some around here lately, rock on dietdoc
5 - dietdoc
Eric, Duance and Tao:
Not sweatin', my brothers. Just digesting your very interesting observations about what "takes" and what doesn't in our world today. The subject here was a little tame and I didn't throw any wild arrows toward any hot button topics, so I shouldn't ask for anything more.
I need to re-read my "Joys of Age" posting. Every time I read it, I understand its not so much what you say as why you say it.
I will work on something like "Dog escapes Gitmo pound and bites genitals off prisoners (or guard)" for the next post. Then we can get into all the important issues of the day. (broad grin)
As I mentioned in "Joys of Age," I don't stress anymore; it's an age thing. I just understand what the hot buttons are and try to steer clear. There is just too much venom spewing (and very little logic) whenever someone tries to make a point. I just get so tired of the same folks slugging it out over the same issues. The blog falls to the background - almost irrelevant - while the libs and neo-cons verbally attack each other. It gets kind of old.
But, that's what gets the locals replying!
Your guys have been great, thanks. I will remain undaunted.
Cheers,
Ron
6 - Shark
Dear Dietdoc,
You mean I'm not alone?!
Actually, amigo, it might have been any number of factors:
* the title is a bit obscure; I was thinkin' "lecter" -- not a figure from early american history. I would have gone with something like: "Benedict Arnold: hero or traitor" -- at least identify the subject so one can decide (and google can find your essay in the future!)
* most people hereabouts think ancient history is what happened in the 1980s; they can tell you who Ally Sheedy was bangin' on a given day, but couldn't place George Washington anywhere beyond the face on a dollar bill.
-- comment: I noticed that in your Benny Arnold makeover, you didn't include the episode of his treason -- for me, the most interesting aspect of his story. I've read it from G. Washington's 'viewpoint' -- but I wanted to see summary of another detailed exposition of that incident, but alas...
Anyway, I have a deal for ya: I'll comment on your old greatest hits if you go comment on mine.
Checks in the mail!
7 - Shark
re: spewing venom vs joys of age --
Jeez, aren't they two sides of the same coin?
: )
8 - dietdoc
Shark writes: " Jeez, aren't they two sides of the same coin?"
Reply: There are, indeed, sir, but so far diverse in their intent and tone as to make for a very thick coin. With what I see usually exchanged on BC, it is as if two crowds, seperated by a soundproof wall, are both given the same issue to consider. Then, the groups are allowed to yell - at the top of their lungs - for a day, maybe longer. Their conversations are then spliced together and that is called "a blog." Uusually, none of the comments are the least bit civil and, seldom, are even on the same line of thought.
It is if two deaf men are asked to debate (pick one): the war in Iraq, the Presidency of George Bush, the ACLU, the rights of individuals vs. the benefits of the many, etc. Nothing is ever accomplished, save an inconstant line in the sand of discourse. What's the point, really? Is anyone likely to change their opinion on such passionate and heartfelt issues, forged as they are over a lifetime? I doubt it.
Flipping over this massive coin, there are those of us, we aged few, who observe ii bemusement at people bashing away at their keyboards in order to be "heard." No one ever is. The discussions are read, fumed about, chewed to bits and then discarded. If this is an "intellectual exercise," I fear the only objects being exercised are the digitori profundus longus.
But, then, such is entertainment in the 21st century.
Cheers, my friend,
Ron
9 - Tao Jonez
thas why we be needin' more old farts like Gonzo, not less. old dude had his head on right, spoke to the heart, and laughed when we wuz dumb about shit.
more of that luv, and less of the hatin
word ta da world.
10 - Bennett
Ron - I read this when you first published it, and I appologise for not letting you know that I did indeed enjoy it greatly.
Something came up, I had to log off, and then the distractions took over. But like Eric B said, sometimes the posts you work the hardest on garner little comment.
GREAT JOB ON THIS POST!!!!!
11 - dietdoc
Bennet writes: "Ron - I read this when you first published it, and I appologise for not letting you know that I did indeed enjoy it greatly."
Reply: I appreciate it, Bennett. You are one of the ones I was refering to when I was mentioning the quality of the critics on this site. I appreciate your feedback.
Tao, dude, I agree. More calm and less bomb is what we need, my homie. Peace out!
12 - Shark
DietDoc,
Ever spend time with two elderly men hangin' out in a coffee shop?
I have, (being one of 'em -- sometimes) -- and I suggest that what you describe above is just a digital extension of a phenomenon that's been going on ever since aged males began to meet to flap their gums around campfires.
"What's the point, really?"
Alas, sir, that question can be asked of every human endeavor -- no matter how noble and uplifting it might appear at the moment.
Anyway.
Venting the spleen keeps the mind active and the bloodstream clear.
And best of all:
I make me laugh.
PS: I notice you didn't take my "title of essay" advice. In a previous life, sir, I was a Marketing Guru, one of the most admired and sought after in the Southwestern United Stats. Such counsel would have cost you dearly back then -- but I have offer it gratis. Take it, man!
recap:
Benedict Arnold: Hero or Traitor?
Benedict Arnold: A Complex Life
Benedict Arnold: Why Did He Do It?
and my favorite...
Benedict Arnold: Blame His Parents!
13 - dietdoc
Shark: would you email me at bariatrics -at- aol -dot- com? I have several (non-marketing) questions I would like to ask you about the operations of BC and other matters. I could use your advice.
Cheers,
Ron