Final answer:
The quote by Wadsworth inquires into resignation and action without questioning. It is in line with literary and philosophical themes about human existence, choice, and freedom addressed by many authors such as Shakespeare, Douglass, Thoreau, Camus, and Socrates. The mention of good iron and good men emphasizes judicious use of valuable resources.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Use of Literary Quotes
In the provided quote from Scene 2: "Ours not to reason why, ours not to do and die", Wadsworth seems to echo a sentiment found in literature and philosophy that speaks to human duty and resignation. This is a twist on the famous line from Alfred, Lord Tennyson's poem "The Charge of the Light Brigade": "Theirs not to reason why, theirs but to do and die." It suggests action without questioning, which can reflect a sense of fatalism or the suppression of one's will to the orders or situations at hand. In this case, the quote suggests that Wadsworth is indeed resigning himself to a situation rather than questioning or attempting to change it.
The various excerpts from different authors such as Shakespeare (Lady Macbeth), Frederick Douglass, Henry David Thoreau, Albert Camus, Greek tragedy, and the thoughts of Socrates, all explore themes of existence, choice, freedom, and resistance against oppression or external forces. These passages cover profound human concerns which have been a focus across many literary works and philosophical discourses, indicating their timeless relevance.
The quote about good iron and good men is a metaphorical expression that advises against the wasteful use of valuable resources, whether material or human, by suggesting the notion of purposeful and judicious deployment, particularly in reference to military and warfare. This sentiment echoes historical views on the use of soldiers and the value placed on human life within the broader societal and governmental context.