How Should Civilians Who Participate in War Be Treated – Like Soldiers or Civilians? Examining Bierce’s Commentary on Military Law

Did the ending surprise you? Why or why not?
How should civilians who participate in war be treated – like civilians or soldiers?
Is Bierce commenting on military law?

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Paper:

1. Read the Prompt Carefully
   Before diving into writing, ensure you fully understand the question or topic. In this case, you’re asked to explore how civilians who participate in war should be treated. Additionally, you’re exploring whether Bierce is commenting on military law. These are two distinct ideas, so it’s important to break down each part of the prompt to avoid missing anything crucial.
2. Research the Topic
   Gather relevant information. For the first question, focus on how civilians have historically been treated in wartime, including legal and ethical considerations. For the second question, research Ambrose Bierce’s writings and the context of military law. You could look into works like An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge or his broader commentary on war and law.
3. Formulate a Thesis Statement
   Your thesis should answer both parts of the prompt in a concise sentence. For example:
   “Civilians who participate in war should be treated with the same legal protections as other non-combatants, and Bierce’s works highlight his criticism of the inconsistencies within military law.”
   The thesis statement should set the stage for your argument in the paper.
4. Outline Your Paper
   Create an outline with sections that break down your paper logically:
   • Introduction: Brief overview of the questions, your thesis, and a preview of the structure.
   • Section 1 – Civilians in War: Discuss how civilians who engage in war are treated, comparing various historical and contemporary perspectives.
   • Section 2 – Bierce’s Commentary on Military Law: Analyze Bierce’s writing and whether or not it suggests a critique of military law.
   • Conclusion: Summarize your findings and reemphasize how they answer the prompt. Reinforce your thesis in a fresh way.
5. Write the Paper
   Start with a strong introduction that hooks the reader and introduces your thesis. In each body paragraph, ensure you:
   • Introduce the idea.
   • Provide evidence (quotes, research, examples) to support your argument.
   • Analyze the evidence and relate it back to your thesis.

   Be sure each paragraph addresses one key idea. Transition smoothly between ideas, and remember that clarity is key.

6. Use Critical Thinking
   Don’t just summarize the information; critically engage with it. Ask questions like: How does the treatment of civilians differ in various contexts? Does Bierce’s work seem to question military law, and if so, how? Your personal insights will strengthen the argument.
7. Conclude Effectively
   The conclusion should not introduce new ideas but instead tie everything together. Restate your thesis in light of the discussion, and end with a closing thought that leaves a lasting impression. Could your research reveal any broader implications or lessons for modern warfare and military law?
8. Edit and Proofread
   After you’ve written the first draft, take time to review and revise. Check for:
   • Clarity and structure: Does each paragraph flow logically?
   • Grammar and spelling: Are there any errors?
   • Formatting: Does your paper adhere to any required format or citation style?

   Don’t hesitate to ask for feedback from a peer or tutor if needed.