"We cannot tell what may happen to us in the strange medley of life. But, we can decide that happens to us- how we can take it, what we do with it, and that is what really counts in the end. How to take the raw stuff of life and make it a thing of worth and beauty- that is the test of life."
             Life is but a challenge. It is there for you to make of it what you will. Many pieces of literature clearly illustrate this theme. "The Sniper" is a short story in which the protagonist is so overcome with the heat of battle that he does not see the big picture until it is too late. "My Enemy Was Dreaming," is a poem where the speaker was able to overcome his deadly desire with the help of his conscious.
             In both texts, the individual was trapped in the center of a conflict and faced with a choice, to kill or not to kill. The Sniper was unable to triumph over this barrier without impairing corporeal creatures in the process. He was so caught up with his detestation of his foe that he did not stop to think about the consequences of his actions. After shots were fired and corpses rolled over, the Sniper was able to escape. Yet, something stopped him from leaving. Some eerie curiosity caused him to stop and examine the body. As the Sniper turn over the carcass, he was astonished to find himself gazing into the face of his own brother.
             The Speaker from the poem was adept enough to produce somewhat better results. The speaker too was consumed by his hatred and desire to kill, but once he glimpsed his enemy dreaming an alternative hovered within his conscience. Therefore, the speaker left his prey sleeping away, dreaming his happy dream.
             "Death. What a great teacher you are. Yet, few of us elect to learn from you, about life. That is the essence of death's teaching, life. Death is not an elective. One day we will all take the class. The wise students audit the class in early years and fin...