Tragic Realization through Trials in the Works of William Styron The apocalyptic view holds that life is a struggle between good and evil that cannot be morally justified. Samuel Coale suggests that it is that "ethical quest, [William Styron's] search for the values ​​of heroes amid the harsh realities of pain and suffering" that plays into his novels (399). Nat Turner, in The Confessions of Nat Turner, revisits his insurrection and comes to terms with his relationship with God and his role in the rebellion. The two main characters of Sophie's Choice, Stingo and Sophie, both go through separate trials and end up with different conclusions regarding man's impact on life. In The Long March, Captain Mannix struggles with a senseless death and his role in an opposing society. Each of these characters fights the others but is also forced to confront the hell that houses his body. The Confessions of Nat Turner is divided into two parts: the rush of evil and violence and the calm after the storm. The story of the insurrection is told in flashback as Nat analyzes his actions from his prison cell. During the rebellion, Nat defends himself by saying that God commanded him to rid the world of whites. However, as he continues his meditation, he realizes that God may not have been there to push him forward after all. His first revelation comes when he discovers that he cannot pray in prison. Even if he tries to do so, the words do not reach him and he does not feel the presence of God. Only after having reflected on the whole affair can he begin to speak with God again. Nat's motto during the insurrection originates from the Bible: "The first they will be last and the last will be first." Styron explains... half of paper......6.Rpt. in Contemporary Literary Criticism, vol. 60. New York: Gale, 1990, 399-403.Hoffman, Frederick J. “William Styron: The Metaphysical Hurt.” The Art of Southern Fiction: A Study of Some Modern Novelists. 1967.Rpt. in Contemporary Literary Criticism, vol. 15. Detroit, Michigan: Gale, 1980, 524-26. Kakutani, Michiko. "William Styron and his life and work." The New York Times book review. Dec 1982, 3.26. Rpt. in Contemporary Literary Criticism, vol. 60. New York: Gale, 1990, 394-96.Pearce, Richard. "William Styron." American writers. Ed. Leonardo Unger. New York: Scribner's, 1974. "Sophie's Choice." Reviews of Magill's books. 1979, page n. MAS.Styron, William. The Confessions of Nat Turner. New York: Random,1966._____. The Long March. New York: Random, 1952._____. Sophie's Choice. New York: Random, 1976.