There are a multitude of ways in which courage can be defined. For instance, Atticus Finch, a fearless lawyer who stands up for a wrongfully accused African-American man, describes courage as “knowing you’re licked before you begin, but begin[ning] anyway and see[ing] [the task] through, no matter what”. Courage, however, can also be defined as acting on one’s beliefs despite facing potential danger, or as making an effort to do something that seems to be frightening. The common factor in all of these definitions, though, is risk. A universal definition of courage, therefore, is the ability to take risks in the face of adversity. In Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner, the most courageous, fearless and lionhearted characters, specifically Hassan …show more content…
and Baba, act on their own beliefs and often face danger while doing so. Amir, who runs away from his problems, does not follow any definition of courage and, consequently, can not be considered courageous. He lets his own fears get in the way of doing the right things, and because he constantly demonstrates a fearful personality, he is regarded as a coward. The novel showcases two courageous and brave-hearted characters in Hassan and Baba, however, on the other hand, it illustrates a cowardly character in Amir. To begin, Hassan exhibits a notable amount of courage because he consistently takes risks to do what he thinks is right.
He exhibits courage when he stands up for himself and Amir, even when he knows that he will face grave consequences. For instance, during Amir and Hassan’s first confrontation with Assef, Hassan takes out his slingshot and “point[s] it directly at Assef’s face” (Hosseini 42), ignoring his fear and “trembling hands” (43). Once he takes out his slingshot and threatens to use it on Assef, Hassan shows true courage. In spite of the fact that he is “scared plenty” (42), he still manages to do what he knows is just by putting his own fears aside so that he can keep himself and Amir safe. It was not necessary for Hassan to make such a choice – he could have simply run away from the confrontation in a cowardly manner – but his choice of courage over cowardice causes his courageousness to make itself evident. Later on, when Assef approaches Hassan in the alleyway and demands him for Amir’s kite, Hassan remains steadfast, “shakes his head” (72) and does not let fear get the better of him. Hassan likely knows, even before he defies Assef, that he will be assaulted; despite the danger that he will inevitably face, he stays true to what he believes is the right thing to do by denying Assef the kite. As Hassan He proves his courageous nature time and time again by demonstrating his willingness to do what is right even in the face of danger. As Atticus Finch once said, …show more content…
courage is knowing there is no chance of success before starting a task, but acting on but acting on your own faith anyway. According to this definition, Hassan is a very courageous man all throughout his life. It can be argued, however, that Baba exhibits the most courage, due to the fact that he perfectly fits the classical definition of courage: doing the right thing in the face of danger. He does this when he wrestles a wild animal and defies the Russian soldier. For example, Baba is described as having “wrestle[d] a black bear in Baluchistan with his bare hands” (12), implying that he is a brave, fearless man. Not only does he wrestle the bear, he does so with his bare hands, leading others to think of him as valiant and courageous. Furthermore, once Baba decides to stand up for a young woman that is about to be raped by a Russian soldier, he establishes himself as a man with courage. Even after Amir warns his father to stop, saying that “[the soldier] really means to shoot [him]” (116), Baba does not back down. He warns the soldier that he will “take a thousand of his bullets before he lets [that] indecency take place” (116). Hence, his courage shines when he chooses to stand up for a young woman whom he has never met before, putting his own life at stake while protecting the woman’s honour. Seemingly, Baba cares less about dying than he does about protecting the innocent. He is willing to courageously sacrifice himself so that he may act on behalf of the defenseless woman. Baba is depicted as a man with no fear, a trait which is seemingly not present in his son, Amir. Just as Hassan and Baba show courage, Amir shows cowardice.
He is, in fact, the least courageous character, because he demonstrates an underlying layer of cowardice throughout his life. In particular, while Hassan’s courageous nature and refusal to give in to Assef’s demands cause his brutal assault in the alleyway, Amir is too fearful to confront Assef and risk getting hurt, so he “[runs]” (77). In this case, Amir does not show courage by any definition: he does not act on his beliefs in the face of danger, nor does he make an effort to do something that frightens him. Amir is too proud and scared to do the right thing, even when his lack of intervention means that someone else will suffer. Even when Amir tries to show courage, his cowardice pervades. When he tries to stand up to Assef in the stadium, for example, he tries to put up a brave front, but he ultimately cannot hide his cowardly character. As he speaks to Assef, Amir’s “voice trembl[es]” (281) and “his flesh shrink[s] against [his] bones” (281). Amir does not show any courageousness during what is arguably one of the most vital moments of his life – his fight with Assef. He is concerned about his own safety and how he will be affected, rather than the good that will come from his deed. In addition, Amir himself recognizes that he is a coward, describing himself as “gutless” (275). Although Amir may try to show courage, his attempts are, ultimately, not enough, because hints of his cowardice are ever present in
his actions. In more than one instance, he lets his fear deter him from doing what is morally right, causing him to run away from his problems. Hassan and Baba, who follow the traditional definition of courage by always doing what they think is correct, even in the face of danger, are clearly the most brave characters. Amir, however, demonstrates a lack of courage and routinely reinforces his cowardly persona, because he shows an inability to put aside his own fears during the most tense moments of his life. Hassan and Baba prove, time and time again, that courage is a quality which is an asset to one’s character. However, a lack of courage can be totally detrimental to one’s character, as Amir displays. Atticus Finch’s definition of courage, therefore, seems to be a universal one: knowing that there is little to no chance of success before beginning a task, yet still following through by showing altruism and doing the right thing, despite potentially facing grave consequences.
Courage is shown both mentally and physically in Hiaasen’s novel. The scenes in the book that best describe Hiaasen’s message to the readers--what the true meaning of courage is--are when the protagonist risks his life to return a panther cub to its mother, when the protagonist hangs on to the last bit of hope he has for his dad healing from an injury, and when a character has lost courage in himself. Courage is one of the unique traits that define us as a human being. Sometimes, we as humans, perceive courage differently than what the true meaning of courage is. Our minds see courage as someone saving the world, or being fearless, often overlooking mental courage. Hiaasen, in his writing, poses a question to the reader, one that makes them think about courage: Does courage always mean being fearless? Is courage always associated with overcoming a fear? Humans tend to be wired with the belief that a good story should be enthralling, and have courageous characters. Hiaasen alters the reader's stereotypical view of courage . Hiaasen does not provide readers with characters that fit the “stereotype” of courage. Maybe, Hiaasen wants the reader to observe the true, and imperfect human being. The reader’s mind then makes a startling discovery, as it stumbles upon a part in the story that forces the reader to redefine their perception of courage.
Mark Twain best described courage when he said that, “Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear - not absence of fear” (Twain). Both in The One Who Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey and Watership Down by Richard Adams, the authors deal with the topic of courage and each share a similar view on it as this quote. Indeed, both authors suggest that courage is not accumulated simply by acts of heroism, but rather by overcoming fears and speaking one’s mind as well. These books are very similar in the way that bravery is displayed through the characters in an uncommon way. Firstly, an example of bravery
An example of courage, as the judgment that something else is more important than fear, is through the character of Kak in B for Buster by Iain Lawrence. In this novel, Kak is characterized as a young, determined boy, desiring to turn himself from a comic book reading boy into a World War II hero. Planning to escape his drunken, abusive father, Kak enlists himself in the Canadian Air Force although he is underage and only sixteen years old. During his first mission, he is becomes frightened of the risk of not coming home alive, but doesn?t show his emotions because of his austere, intrepid crewmen. During this mission, Kak did not have an absence of fear, but he felt that becoming a hero like the ones in his comic book, and accomplishing his dream of fly, was more important than his fear of dying.
Hassan agrees and gives chase for the kite with Amir follow some time later on. However, during that time Hassan is corner by Assif and several others children. Hassan is then punished by Assif for protecting Amir, as well as being a different type of Afghani. In one swift motion, Assif performs a horrifying sexual act on Hassan, all the way Amir watch it far down a street. And what does Amir do? Well he ran as he put it, “I ran because I was a coward. I was afraid of Assef and what he would do to me. I was afraid of getting hurt” (77).
Based on the Merriam Webster dictionary, courage is defined as the,“mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.” In the play, the characters are tested and forced to make life or death decisions, with
Courage is the ability to do something that frightens one. Nelson Mandela once said, “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” To accomplish anything, one must overcome his fears. Atticus Finch thinks courage is to know that you are going to lose, but continue follow through the entire way. His mindset is to never give up, even when you know and everyone else knows you are not going to succeed at what you are doing. I agree with Atticus Finch’s definition of courage of that even though all odds are against you, you have to follow through and persevere.
Courage is when you know you’re beaten. The character Atticus, for instance, who was a seasoned lawyer acted courageous defending Tom Robinson. Tom Robinson was a black man who was accused of raping a white girl. Atticus was appointed to defend him. Jem was happy because he thought his father had won the case but Reverend Sykes loathed telling Jem “Now don’t you be so confident, Mr. Jem, I ain’t ever seen any jury decide in favor of a colored man over a white man…”(Lee 208). Atticus was sure he wasn’t going to win the case, nevertheless he gave it a try. That didn’t stop Atticus from trying to defend his client Tom Robinson. Another part in the novel when Atticus was courageous was when he shot at the man street dog. Heck Tate the Maycomb Sheriff was not as courageous as Atticus so he handed Atticus the air rifles and with one shot Atticus took down the street dog. Miss Maudie says “I saw that, One Shot Finch” (Lee 97). Atticus was referred to as one-shot finch because of his shooting skills. The other incidence in the novel when Atticus portrays courage was when he was not scared when Bob Ewell threatened him. Bob Ewell was the man who accused Atticus’ defendant Tom Robinson of raping his daughter Mayella. Atticus thought Bob Ewell threatened him as some sort of revenge, but unfortunately Atticus was wrong because when Bob Ewell said ...
At the beginning he did not posses any heroic qualities, but by taking and accepting the first step of the passage he was able to rediscover his true potential. I believe that Amir came looking to redeem his past mistakes belated, however, he found an alternative way to put himself to peace with his past. I learned that we should stand up for who we are and what we believe to be true. It also learned that the past is unforgettable and immutable. It made me realize that we are all capable of becoming our own hero’s, by simply accepting the call to action and transforming ourselves to return as the best version of who we are. While giving us the chance to explore the
“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.”(Eleanor Roosevelt). Courage and bravery are two of the well-demonstrated themes in the novel “The Kite Runner”. The novel establishes courage through consistently maintaining responsibilities and the ability to redeem and persevere events and actions. Rather, bravery is demonstrated in the novel as the ability to stand up for anything that goes against teaching and values. Bravery also goes above and beyond courage, and can be seen as an act that may challenge someone physically, emotionally and mentally. The novel is
Courage is having the strength to do something that is frightening to most people. It can be something large scale like the responders on 9/11 risking their lives for hundreds of people. Courage can also be something of smaller scale but just as significant like standing up for a black man in a town of racial prejudice. In Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, many of the characters she has initiated show courageous qualities. One of those characters is Atticus Finch, father of Jem and Scout who demonstrates courage many times throughout the novel. Standing up for his beliefs, restraining from the negligent tauntings of his neighbors and defending a man whose innocence will not be proved, all show Atticus is the most courageous character
On a different occasion on chapter 8 after Amir’s birthday party, Amir collects the birthday money he had received and a wrist watch belonging to Baba and hid them under Hassan’s mattress. After planting the items under Hassan’s mattress then telling Baba that he thinks Hassan might have taken the items, when confronted by Baba about the money and watch Hassan innocently accepts the blame admitting that he had stolen the items himself even though this is not true. This is perhaps the greatest act of loyalty because Hassan understood that Baba valued honesty and he didn’t want him to think less of Amir, some have argued that Hassan took the blame instead because he was mistaken to think that this act would win back Amir and improve their relationship, Hassan also do not want to hurt Baba by revealing the truth about Amir’s acts. Amir is shocked and surprised by these extreme acts of loyalty. Thereafter Hassan goes away but has fond memories of Amir, he tells his wife and kid about how good friends they were, he does not speak ill of him at all and even learnt how to write so that he could write letters to Amir and update him on his life. Eventually when Assef comes to the house where Hassan, his wife and son are leaving to demand that he evacuate
“Courage - a perfect sensibility of the measure of danger, and a mental willingness to endure it.” Courageous people understand the danger that they face when they act how they do. That is what courage is all about. Many historical events occur due to people having the courage to do what they think is right, or because of those who use their courage to do what they want. Having the courage to stand alone in one’s beliefs may be one of the hardest thing a person can do.
The definition of bravery in the Standard College Dictionary Canadian Edition is, "the quality of mind or spirit enabling one to meet danger or opposition with fearlessness, calmness, and firmness." Bravery is a quality that is shown by many of the characters in the novel The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. The characters are brave in their effort to protect physical well-being, personal values, their reputation and sanity. In the novel the characters exhibit genuine bravery in order to guard the things important to them.
Amir and Hassan’s relationship is a recurring theme throughout the novel. In the ethnic caste system, Amir is a Pashtun and Hassan is a Hazara. Pashtuns are placed in a much higher caste than Hazaras, therefore Hazaras are treated as servants to the Pashtuns. Every morning, Hassan prepares Amir’s breakfast, makes his clothes and cleans his room for him. In the annual kite tournament, at least two people must work together in order to properly maneuver the kite, one to lead the kite, and another to feed the kite’s glass string. Hassan’s role is the latter. His role is to feed the kite’s string for Amir and run after any fallen kites. The glass string attached to the kite is dangerous as it is coated with shards of glass and leaves bloody marks and cuts on the hands. Although Hassan catches the fallen kites, he must always bring it back to Amir. One winter, when Hassan and Amir were waiting under a tree for the kite to come to them, Hassan asks Amir “Would I ever lie to you, Amir agha?” (Ho...
Perfect heroes are unrealistic in literature because even though they seem ideal, the characters become flat and unrelatable. Therefore, authors often add other dimensions to characters that reveal their personality flaws and mistakes. Authors are able to use these dimensions to both relate the characters but also teach the readers life lessons from the characters mistakes. For example, in The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini crafts multiple ambiguous characters who are good people that make major mistakes. By contrasting these characters to the more pure characters, Hosseini is able to show both the ideal life to live and the ways to do that. In The Kite Runner, Amir and his father, Baba, display lives of contradictions while Hassan and Rahim