Henry Fleming Peter Pettigrew

In the Harry Potter series, Peter Pettigrew is a pathetic coward. His cowardice led to the murder of James and Lily Potter. The fear that consumed Pettigrew was the cause of many terrible and inexcusable deeds. Though he did commit some good deeds, his noble actions were limited. Much like Pettigrew, Henry Fleming was a man consumed with fear who only acted heroically when it benefitted him. Fleming's cause for joining the army was purely for his own glory and military recognition. Henry Fleming was a pathetic character due to his hubris, his cause, and his cowardly spirit. Henry Fleming’s craven personality causes him to flee the battle even though he had dreamt about military glory for some time. When conversing with his mother about

In the scenes leading up to the battle, Fleming debates if he should run from the battle or not. While it is understandable that a first time comrade would have doubts about the battle, most would never dream about leaving their regiment. The pride that they have in their cause would overpower all fear that they have. However, Fleming shows that his own life is more important that his cause. His own selfish desires for military glory were a sad excuse for a soldier’s bravery. Selfless devotion of one’s life is necessary to be an honorable fighter. As the youth fled the battle, he thinks, “that he had never wished to come to the war. He had not enlisted of his free will. He had been dragged by the merciless government. And now they were taking him out to be slaughtered”, and demonstrated how fear has overcome him. Fleming is so much of a coward that he blames his running on the government, but he had enlisted out of his own will and desire for fame. Fleming also tries to justify his actions by comparing himself to a squirrel. While fleeing, he spots a squirrel running away from the battle as well, and says that it is basic nature to run away from things that will get you killed. However, a squirrel is a small rodent that has no means of protecting itself from a gun, and a human is a highly evolved creature that, with the right weapon, can successfully defend itself from any attacker. Henry Fleming’s actions at his first battle cannot be justified, and he remains a weak and cowardly