Robert Cormier Heroes Chapter Analysis

The novel, 'Heroes' is written by Robert Cormier and was published in 1998. It is set in Frenchtown, America, between 1940 and 1945, during the Second World War and explores the themes of guilt, compassion and heroism. It is about Francis Cassavant, who desires revenge from his relationship with his friend Larry LaSalle. The plot creates tension and suspense and explores how and why Francis has returned from the Second World War to kill Larry. At the beginning of Chapter One, Robert Cormier introduces Francis Cassavant in Frenchtown. He comes back from the horrific war with a disfigured physical injury. As a first-person narrator, Francis seems very open and matter-of-fact about his disfigurement, “the war is over

Francis’ feelings towards Larry are complicated, as he emphasises it as ‘religious feelings.’ Cormier has used the foreshadowing technique to create a dramatic tension in the novel. Therefore, it makes the reader intrigued. Later, we discover that Francis’s hatred of Larry is due to him raping Nicole. Francis feels guilty and ashamed for not stopping Larry’s unexpected action. As readers, we would sense sympathy for Francis as he was helpless to stop

My table tennis champion. My Silver Star hero…” As a first-person narrator, Nicole evinces that Francis will always be a hero to her. She never seems to quite hero worship Larry that same way the Francis does, therefore there is a hint that she starts to feel that way about Francis, as she loves her. In addition, Nicole tells Francis that he should try to write through what he has experienced. She has given wisdom that enables him to find a way to survive the experiences of his……….