Robert Cormier's Heroes

610 Words2 Pages

Betraying someone can determine the future. The novel, Heroes, written by Robert Cormier, is full of contrasting lessons. One of the greatest lessons is that betraying someone can determine the future. Francis Cassavant had many difficult choices throughout the novel. Nicole Renard had begged him to stay, and he didn't stay when he should have. In addition, he had the option to get an adult or another nearby. Both of these can portray the novel's ending and ultimately lead to how she acts towards him. Francis betraying Nicole was a major turning point in the ending. First, Francis made the first mistake when he left after Nicole said not to. In the novel, the author states, “ ‘I've got to go,’ I told her. You and Larry stay. One last dance.’ The words sounded false as I said them and I realized they were Larry's words, not mine.” This evidence shows that Francis believes that he should not go. Even when he knew he should not go, he still did. Also, the author says, “‘Don't go,’ Nicole whispered into my ear.” This was one of the many times Nicole said not to leave. He still left even after this. If he had stayed or tried to find a reason for both of them to leave, perhaps it would not have happened. This is a crucial aspect that changes the outcome of the novel's ending. …show more content…

In the novel, the author states, “What were they doing? But I knew what they were doing- the thought streaked through my mind so fast that it could hardly be acknowledged.” These lines show that he knew what was going on, continued to stand there, and did nothing. Furthermore, the author says,“ ‘Why didn’t you do something? Tell him to stop, he said. Run for help. Anything.’ ‘I’m sorry,’ I said, knowing how pitiful those words must sound to her.” This quote shows the idea that he should have done something to benefit her; she would not have treated him the way she did afterward if he

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