Consider how the ideas/opinions/values of a group, society or social situation were developed in a text you have studied.

There were several ideas that had been communicated through the novel A Soldier¡¦s Tale by M.K. Joseph. One major idea that had been expressed by Saul Scourby is that cruelty and mercy share the same human heart. A second message that had been demonstrated by Belle is that life and love offer hope. The entire background of the novel displays the third idea - war changes the lives and values of those it affects.

The idea of cruelty and mercy share the same human heart is revealed in the novel. The main character Saul Scourby contradicted this idea throughout the novel. A moment where cruelty is exhibited is when Saul chose to rape Belle. ¡§Let me choose, Saul, I could like you.¡¨ This act of Saul¡¦s had completely diminished Belle¡¦s worth and as if she was a possession that he could just do anything with at any moment. On the other hand, Saul also unceasingly displayed acts of mercy. An example would be where he lets Belle dream about their future. ¡§How many c...