Grann reports that Ernest Burkhart cracked under the pressure of the lies he had been telling: "He had deep circles under his eyes, as if he hadn't slept for days. 'I'm through lying, judge,' Burkhart said, the words rushing out of him. 'I don't want to go on with this trial any longer.' . . . . The death of his daughter, the haunting face of his wife each day at the trial, the realization that the evidence against him was piling up--it was too much to withstand" (227).
Do you think Burkhart's confession reveals the weakness of his character or is it an indicator that he
has character, because he was willing to go off script and do the right thing?
Can you think of other cases in which weakness of character and strength of character might be confused for each other?
In my opinion, Burkhart's confession showed great strength of character rather than weakness. Just like the quote stated, he knew that the evidence against him was growing, and that put great pressure on him. He also knew that he was not doing the right thing by continuing to lie, and that added even more strain. In answer to the second question, another example in which strength and weakness can be confused has to do with peer pressure. If all of your friends are doing something that you feel is wrong and you decide not to participate in this activity because of your beliefs, that can be viewed as weakness of character from their viewpoint. From another viewpoint though, it can be viewed as strength, because you chose to stick to the things that you believe rather than just going along with the crowd.
ReplyDelete-Kaylee George
I like your example of strength and weakness as shown through peer pressure. I see not going with the group on something that would be considered wrong as showing strength, but to the group you may be seen as weak. When I think of this situation, I think of children and why they react the way they do to friends and peers.
DeleteI agree with Kaylee in the fact that Burkhart's admission of guilt showed his strength of character. It proved he had some humanity underlying all his greed, unlike Hale. Another case that demonstrates one's strength is Tom White's refusal to treat prisoners poorly. He treated even the most destructive criminals with mercy and respect. This shows White's kind heart, compassion, and self-control. Even after his own close encounter with some of these dangerous men, he kept his values intact, treating them just like the other prisoners. The fact that he had the opportunity to severely punish them, but chose not to, indicates his morally-driven character.
ReplyDeleteI really like that what you have said about Tom White, Alisha! Even though Burkhart kept switching sides to please Hale (or because he feared him perhaps), he did end up doing the right thing by confessing. In fact, of all the people read about throughout the book, Burkhart was of the very few who told the truth rather than lie and twist the investigation more. I do not think he cracked under pressure as much as it was for him being able to come clean and rinse his dirty hands of the whole ordeal. I am fully convinced that Burkhart's confession comes from his deep respect and trust of Tom White's character- a man who was radiated with a full heart of compassion and levelheadedness.
Delete-Chance Zernicek
I agree with Chance! I especially like the part of the book where it talks about his future; even though Ernest knew he had life in prison and a long life of hard labor ahead, he still looked relieved. I think that really showed Burkhart's true character. Another interesting testimony of his character was Mollie's unwillingness to believe that he was involved in the murder. In my opinion, I believe that Ernest did not want to get on his uncle's bad side and followed through with the murders, instead of knowing about Hale's plan before he even married Mollie.
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ReplyDeleteAlthough I do find that Burkhart’s confession showed a strength of character, I do believe that he was weak for lying and following Hale’s orders in the first place. However, coming clean was an honest way for him to aid Tom White in cracking the case, and I feel that it may have added at least a small amount of closure for Mollie. Another case in which it might be hard for someone to distinguish if a character is weak or strong is when it comes to the topic of divorce. Some religions believe that divorce is a sin; therefore, those people may view those who get a divorce as weak for giving up on each other and sinning. On the other hand, divorce can be a difficult thing to decide on; therefore, some people may view the people as strong for making such a tough, heartbreaking decision.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Payton. Burkhart’s confession revealed that he had at least some moral character, unlike Hale. Hale never once showed any remorse for the vile acts that he had done against the Osage for money. Even though going along with Hale’s plans revealed that Burkhart had a very weak moral character, the fact that he eventually confessed and attempted to make it right showed that he had a sufficient amount of character when compared to Hale. --Kelsey Mader
DeleteBurkharts confession in the trial doesn't make him weak but actually shows he has some character in him and wants the right thing. I believe the pressure of him seeing hatred in his wife's eyes and the death of his daughter really made him realize what he did was wrong. For some people it takes long hardships for them to show their true nature from deep down inside. They probably don't know their true feelings until after they lose so much.
ReplyDeleteStrengths and weaknesses can also be confused when society is doing something wrong, like drugs and alcohol, so more and more people and think that you are weak if you aren't doing that. However it takes a strong person to not join the crowd and do the right thing.
-freddy Grotts
Burkharts confession shows he has character. Because of his willingness to do the right thing he told the truth accepting the consequences for his choices. This is not a sign of weakness on his part, but rather strength. He cracked from the pressure of guilt wanting to clear his conscious and give justice for what had been done. Strength of character and weakness of character can be confused easily. For instance, fighting. People think if someone does not fight they are weak, but in reality it takes more strength to control ones emotions instead of fighting.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your claims that Burkhart’s confession reveals he has character although it was newly found in him. I really like Freddy’s point that the tough times finally brought out what was important to Ernest Burkhart. In the end he came to realization that he had deeply hurt his wife and family and that he was wrong. The damage was already done, but at least he acknowledged that he deserved punishment for his actions. In my opinion, being able to admit one’s faults displays strength of character.
ReplyDeleteAnother case that might be difficult to distinguish between weakness and strength of character could be the “Robin Hood” cases. Some might argue that it shows strength of character to recognize the needs of the poor and find a way to meet them no matter what. Others might argue that stealing is never right, regardless of the amount of people who might benefit from it.
Brittany West
I think that Burkhart's confession reveals that he has character, even though it was brought about by fear and guilt. He could have tried to keep up the lies he was living. He made a conscious decision to stop hiding and take off the mask of deception. Had it not been for his daughter's death, I have doubts that he would have been able to tell the truth because of his fear of Hale. His confession revealed his remorse and ultimately the love and sorrow he felt for his daughter.
ReplyDeleteI think Burkhart's confession to his involvements in the crimes proves that he has a character and that he was guilty and needed to clear his conscious. He feared his uncle and stayed by his side (out of fear) until he become overwhelmed with guilt for his actions against his own family and the people he loved. He realized that his actions of treating the natives and his family members that he harmed as less than human was not right even if his own uncle (from blood) told him to do so or he would face the consequences. I also believe if it wasn't for seeing his wife's face everyday in that court room and the death of his child pushed him even more over the edge till he came face to face with the minster he had become.
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