Marshall appears to be better viewed in the category of historical fiction, and the number 47, especially in the context of stories about brave warriors, has literary (and historical) precedent in the story of the Forty-seven Ronin. It could be an intentional or even unconscious reference to that - It was certainly the first thing I thought of when I read the phrase “forty-seven immortals”
Great story, but I cast the net much further than 47.
There were thousands of immortals that day. And by sunset, they were indeed immortal, safely in the arms of Jesus in Heaven.
“There are two kinds of people who are staying on this beach: those who are dead and those who are going to die. Now let’s get the hell out of here.”
~ Colonel George A. Taylor, Commanding Officer, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, First U.S. Army
Also The 47th Samurai, by Stephen Hunter.
Good read, by the way.
Peach
Also The 47th Samurai, by Stephen Hunter.
Good read, by the way.
Peach