Whale Talk by Chris Crutcher and Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

1276 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Elements of heroism

Of all the qualities in a hero, the ones that make helping a heroic act are honesty, wisdom, dedication and conviction, which John from Whale Talk by Chris Crutcher and Clarisse from Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury portray. John and Clarisse are both honest about everything no matter what anyone says or thinks. They also take the wisdom they gain from their experiences, and use it to create a positive impact on those that they are helping. The level of dedication that John shows is one side of a pole while Clarisse’s level of dedication is on the other. Clarisse puts more conviction into changing perspective, since she does this just by staying true to her opinion. John and Clarisse both show honesty and wisdom in their actions when they are helping people, but they differ in the level of dedication that makes them heroes and heroines.
John and Clarisse both show honesty in their words at all times, no matter what, which according to Data Koncepts, is, ”the single most important quality or trait our polling sample looked for in a hero,”(1). Honesty always causes for the better in the situations that John and Clarisse tell the truth in, and this is a very important quality that makes a hero a hero. For example, when Heidi’s father is consistently calling John’s house, and his wife says that they should catch him calling and put him in jail for several more weeks, he says that,”[they] should simulate real life as much as possible, and there will be a time… when Alicia has to figure out whether or not she is going to be able to put the kids’ best interests ahead of her own,”(Crutcher, 138), since this is the right thing to do. John knows that being honest of his opinion that seeing if Alicia is willing to protect her children from he...

... middle of paper ...

.... Fahrenheit 451. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1967. Ebookbrowse. 10 July 2012. Web. 6 Jan. 2014. .

2. Crutcher, Chris. Whale Talk. New York: Greenwillow, 2001. The Ohio Digital Library. Overdrive. Web. 13 Jan. 14. .

3. "Book Review: Fahrenheit 451." Do Something. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Jan. 2014. .

4. "Lincoln Institute of Public Opinion Research, Inc." Lincoln Institute of Public Opinion Research, Inc. Data Koncepts, n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2014. .

5. "Qualities Of A Hero." Qualities Of A Hero. Personality Tutor, n.d. Web. 16 Jan. 2014. .

Show More
Related

  • Leigh Anne As A Hero In The Film Avengers Assemble

    1652 Words  | 4 Pages

    Among the various ideas of what it means to be a hero, boldness and valiance capture the essence of heroism. Being bold is crucial when exemplifying

    Read More

  • Essays on Heroes in Cyrano De Bergerac

    597 Words  | 2 Pages

    Every generation has its own heroes that display, what they believe to be, ideal characteristics. While each is different in their own way, many of these role models share similar qualities. Most tend to have courage, strength, compassion, or another respected trait, but this is not necessarily why they win the adoration of their followers.

    Read More

  • Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

    849 Words  | 2 Pages

    ”I’ve always said poetry and tears, poetry and suicide and crying and awful feelings, poetry and sickness; all that mush!” exclaimed Mrs. Bowles to Montag in Ray Bradbury’s book Fahrenheit 451 (103). Mrs. Bowles thinks written words can make an individual really gloomy and disconsolate. Because the goal of this society is to always be satisfied, and to stay satisfied people watch TV, made up stories, which never makes them think or wonder, that is why Mrs. Bowles is convinced that poems are nasty. How does banning of books affect a whole community? Does the human civilization really differ without them? According to Fahrenheit 451, Bradbury assembles a civilization that is affected in three ways from having a lack of books: more brutality is among people, preternatural relationships cultivate, and intelligent capabilities decrease.

    Read More

  • Aaron Rodgers: A Hero Or Hero?

    876 Words  | 2 Pages

    In this essay I have only shown three, but there are so many more and the traits of a hero are not only restricted to people who save lives, chase bad guys, or change the world. He overcame constant pressures with his determination, led a whole team with his outstanding leadership, and never gave up thanks to his passion. He is a hero to many, no cape, or superpowers needed. So now it’s up to you, is he, or is he not, a

    Read More

  • Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury

    970 Words  | 2 Pages

    Works Cited Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

    Read More

  • Heroism in Beowulf and Frankenstein

    949 Words  | 2 Pages

    With fear comes courage, with experience comes bravery, and with pain comes strength. One may assume that these traits are the exact characteristics a hero. However, heroism can come in many different forms. Victor Frankenstein, from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, and Beowulf exemplify many different traits of heroism.

    Read More

  • Johnny Cade

    1536 Words  | 4 Pages

    ...ink a hero can be described as someone who helps others, is a role model to others, does the right thing, but can also help and be a hero to himself, not just someone who does heroic things for only others. Being helpful to yourself is something I would think and important quality for heroes, and everyone else. A hero can set a goal and get it done. However, doing things all at once can sometimes be a bother and possibly make more problems. It is important to do things one at a time, even if this means some problems might not get solved until later. I think this description fits Johnny almost perfectly. Johnny can help others (page 24 and 28: standing up for Cherry), is a role model (page 91-93: the church fire), does the right thing (page 87: wanting to turn himself in) etc. Johnny always did what he knew he should do, even if he was a little late on the decision.

    Read More

  • Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

    936 Words  | 2 Pages

    One of England’s greatest literary figures, William Shakespeare, expressed the truth about coveting knowledge by saying that “ignorance is the curse of God; knowledge is the wing wherewith we fly to heaven” (William Shakespeare Quotes). One must assume that Ray Bradbury, Author of Fahrenheit 451, learned from this. Bradbury’s novel shares a similar portrayal towards coveting knowledge. In the novel the protagonist realizes that he is living in a world where knowledge is lost. People abide by rules and restrictions given to them by the government. There is nothing in this society to make people think about how valuable knowledge is, except for books. The protagonist is a fireman whose job is to seek out books and destroy the contents. The mass population believes that books are a waste of time and useless. The protagonist also believes this until a change of heart leads to a journey of identity and curiosity. Bradbury believes that this type of world will eventually turn into our own. Clearly, Ray Bradbury’s outlook for the future of man is grim because he represses intellectual endeavor, lacks critical thinking, and becomes destructive.

    Read More

  • The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

    1032 Words  | 3 Pages

    In The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, the notion of the past and present played a great part introducing and developing a theme. A character in both novels long to relive their pasts but at the same time are okay with keeping things as they are. One of The Alchemist’s themes is about achieving one’s Personal Legend; and one of A Catcher in the Rye’s themes about the pain of growing up. These characters and their stance on the past and present were catalysts for introducing these themes.

    Read More

  • Junk Science by Lee Ann Fisher Baron

    1609 Words  | 4 Pages

    “Pew Research Center for the People & the Press Political Survey” (Q.44CF1). Pew Research Center. The Pew Charitable Trusts, Oct. 2013. Web. 21 Apr. 2014.

    Read More

  • Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

    658 Words  | 2 Pages

    Hello my name is Michael Clements, I attend Sout Gwinnett High School. In our English class we were assigned to read the book Farenhite 451. The book was verry unique unlike any other i have ever read. The author of Farenhite 451 told of much science fiction that became true over the present years. I think he is a verry good observer. In this paper the critics view, analysis of literacy device, and the revelance to society today. These topics will be mentioned and shared throught the paper.

    Read More

  • The Catcher In The Rye by J. D. Salinger and Looking For Alaska by John Green

    1718 Words  | 4 Pages

    Throughout history, authors of young adult literature are oftentimes forced to incorporate the perils of young adulthood into their plots, characters, and conflicts. Growing up in America is an experience unlike no other. Today, American young adults are part of a large generation called the Millenials, who are considered the most educated in American history. They are more open minded, progressive, successful, and technological. However, it is not all sunshine and rainbows for these young Americans who oftentimes have outstanding debt and job prospects that are unacceptably dim. In multiple ways, the reality for a young Millenial in America parallels the life of a young adult born during the Silent Generation, a generation characterized by cautious and withdrawn juveniles. Much like the Millennials, the Silent Generation was plagued by complications from a terrible economy and war. Regardless, multiple reports suggest that the Silent Generation was the happiest generation in American history. The Catcher In The Rye and Looking For Alaska, two American novels about young adulthood, provide an insight on the commonalities and differences between these two generations and their unique American experiences. The two novels written by J.D. Salinger and John Green, respectively, were written fifty-four years apart, but their similarities are nonpareil. In fact, Green cites The Catcher In The Rye as an inspiration for his novel. The Catcher In The Rye and Looking For Alaska display similarities between two different generations through macabre internal conflicts, risqué subjects, and blind conformity.

    Read More

  • Odysseus, Stephen Kumalo: My Hero In Life

    620 Words  | 2 Pages

    Heroes are made by the paths they choose, not the powers they are graced with.” -Brodi Ashton. This shines true but is overlooked in today's society . A hero in today's society clashes with the genuine meaning of hero. A hero is someone who is sacrificial, selfless, and modest. A hero is somebody who is bold and valiant and to a great degree dedicated to something. A hero is a selfless individual who puts and the needs of others before their without seeking any attention for fame. A heroic person is prepared to yield his/her life for society and for what is best for the people. These qualities are constant throughout time. They may change a little bit depending on the society's values. Some heroes throughout history are Odysseus, Stephen Kumalo,

    Read More

  • Christopher Reeve Heroism

    810 Words  | 2 Pages

    Eldridge’s heroism was demonstrated by an event. She saved an elderly woman from getting hit by a train. Ms. Eldridge had heroic traits to make an impact in this situation. Her positive traits included: sympathy, empathy, courage, and wisdom. After the event, Ms. Eldridge said, “All I could think about was the lady’s face. She looked lost. She needed help, and she needed help right then.” Shellenbarger’s article quotes research that states that heroes have qualities and attitudes that distinguish them from the rest of us. Then she writes that a hero makes a very quick decision, at a certain time and place, and takes a heroic

    Read More

  • The Definition of a Hero

    562 Words  | 2 Pages

    When I think of a hero I immediately think of someone who is strong, intelligent, handsome, and daring. Upon closer examination, many different qualities than these become apparent. Courage, honesty, bravery, selflessness, and the will to try are just a few of the overlooked qualities of a hero. The definition of heroism changes with the context and time. Heroes of the past are not necessarily heroes of present time and vise versa.

    Read More

More about Whale Talk by Chris Crutcher and Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Open Document