Tests of Character

When placed in a stressful situation, people will change their behavior substantially. This can include both physical and psychological reactions, in many cases. These trials are tests of character for the involved people. It is in human nature that people placed in a situation in which they feel pressured will not only experience variations in how their bodies react, but also in their mental or emotional processes.

It is a well known fact that,when exited, a person will undergo an increase of adrenaline, resulting in the senses becoming more acute. This means he or she could have increased perception and reaction abilities. For example, in “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge,” Peyton Farquhar, upon surfacing from the river, has his physical senses described as being “preternaturally keen and alert,” and that they “made record of things never before perceived” (514). Although this is all in a daydream, it expresses a real principle. Peyton has the excitement of being shot at, which causes him to temporarily become more able than he regularly is.

As well as sharpening the senses, dangerous or exciting situations can cause a burst of speed or strength. With adrenaline, human beings can accomplish feats that would normally be considered arduous or even impossible. Physiologically, this effect is caused by the body releasing adrenaline, a hormone, into the blood stream, which prepares the body to do strenuous actions. It is usually incited by emotions like anger that have a powerful effect on the individual (Epinephrine). One example for this would be in The Pearl when Kino attacks his trackers in the wilderness. During this experience, “His strength and his movement and his speed were a machine.” Kino, in response to the feeling o...

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