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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Notorious Benedict Arnold summary
Steve Sheinkin
Brief summary
The Notorious Benedict Arnold is a captivating biography that delves into the life and treacherous actions of one of America's most notorious traitors. It provides a compelling account of Arnold's rise to power and ultimate betrayal.
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The Notorious Benedict Arnold
Summary of key ideas
The Rise and Fall of an Unlikely Hero
In The Notorious Benedict Arnold, Steve Sheinkin tells the riveting tale of Benedict Arnold, a man whose name has become synonymous with treachery. A figure often remembered for his treason alone, the biography begins by shedding light on Arnold's heroic contributions to the American Revolution. We witness Arnold, once a fervent patriot, participating in key battles such as the defeat of the British at Saratoga.
This part of his story paints Arnold as a brave and brilliant military strategist, often disregarded and mistreated by his superiors. Challenges such as false accusations, injuries, and financial troubles plague him throughout his service to his country and these factors, combined with Arnold's distinctive pride and ambition, began to sow seeds of resentment and disenchantment in him.
Transformation from Patriot to Traitor
Sheinkin’s narrative then delves into Arnold's distressing transformation from patriot to traitor. This metamorphosis is initially triggered by his marriage to Peggy Shippen, a woman with loyalist sympathies. Through her, Arnold is introduced to John André, a British army officer. It is with André that Arnold begins his correspondence with the British, resulting in an offer he ultimately couldn't refuse - a promise of both a high rank in the British army and a hefty sum of money.
Painstakingly, Arnold plans his treason - to deliver the fortress West Point into British hands. His plot, however, is unveiled when André is captured carrying the incriminating documents. Arnold manages to escape, just in time, aboard a British ship, the Vulture, leaving André to face execution for spying.
The Aftermath
Leaving the American chaos in his wake, Arnold starts his life afresh in England. But his grand dreams of acclaim and wealth don't materialize. Despite serving under the British and even leading raids against the American forces, Arnold never gains the respect and prestige he sought. After the war, he attempts several businesses, but his ventures fail, leaving him in financial ruin once again.
Moreover, Arnold faces continuous disdain from society for his treason. As he grows old, he desperately tries to justify his actions, insisting that his betrayal was for the good of the American people who were being poorly managed by their leaders. However, his pleas fall on deaf ears. Eventually, he dies a rather unglamorous and impoverished death, a far cry from the heroic end he once envisioned.
The Legacy of a Traitor
By the end of The Notorious Benedict Arnold, we are left with a comprehensive insight into the complex character of Arnold. Sheinkin's thorough research compels us to view Arnold as an individual fraught with flaws and virtues alike, rather than simply branding him as a traitor.
Ultimately, the attempt to recognize and understand Arnold's contributions to America's independence, coupled with the balance in portraying his downfall, makes The Notorious Benedict Arnold not merely a chronological account of a historical figure, but an exploration into what shapes loyalty, and what triggers betrayal.
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What is The Notorious Benedict Arnold about?
The Notorious Benedict Arnold by Steve Sheinkin tells the incredible true story of Benedict Arnold, a man once considered an American hero turned traitor. It delves into Arnold's childhood, his rise to prominence during the American Revolution, and ultimately his betrayal of his country. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Sheinkin sheds light on the complexities of Arnold's character and the events that led to his infamous legacy.
Who should read The Notorious Benedict Arnold?
- Readers interested in American history, specifically the Revolutionary War
- Those intrigued by complex characters and their motivations
- People who enjoy biographies that provide a deep understanding of someone's life
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