Jesse Kirwan Character Analysis

Jesse Kirwan is a young Irishman from Cork who joins the Royal Dublin Fusiliers during World War I. Jesse comes from a staunch nationalist family that opposes British rule in Ireland. As a follower of John Redmond (the leader of the Irish Parliamentary Party), Jesse joins the British Army as one of the Irish Volunteers, who believe in contributing to Britain’s war effort in order to achieve Home Rule. Jesse first meets Willie in Dublin in April 1916. Initially, Jesse seems short-tempered and aggressive, but he quickly becomes friendly and easy to get along with. He experiences the bewildering events of the Easter Rising alongside Willie, and he weeps when he realizes he’s being ordered to fight against his own fellow Irish nationalists. After the uprising, Jesse teaches Willie about the many different sides to the Home Rule conflict. When they arrive at the Western Front, Jesse refuses to be an obedient soldier, because it goes against his moral principles to fight for England as an Irishman. He receives field punishment for disobeying orders, insulting his officers, and arguing for Ireland’s independence. Finally, Jesse is locked up and awaits court-martial for his disobedience. He refuses to eat and will only speak to Father Buckley and Willie. Jesse tells Willie that he’s willing to die and wants Willie to be his sole witness. Jesse’s court-martial takes place in August 1916. Major Stokes sentences Jesse to death, and shortly thereafter Jesse is executed by firing squad.