Jim Hawkins from Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson and Jonas from The Giver by Lois Lowry are two young protagonists who share a common trait: they both become heroes despite facing impossible odds. Through their courage, perseverance, and selflessness, they rise above their circumstances and challenge the status quo to fight for what is right. While they may come from vastly different worlds, both Jim and Jonas possess the strength and fortitude necessary to stand up for what is right and face whatever challenges come their way. These two characters demonstrate courage, perseverance, and self-sacrifice and prove themselves to be heroes. First, Jim Hawkins and Jonas are both brave and courageous. They both always stay calm in stressful situations instead of letting emotions take over. For example, Jim takes risks and stays level-headed, eventually reigning victorious over anyone who decides to stand in his path of good. Despite being surrounded by …show more content…
Self-sacrifice is the giving up of one's own interests or wishes in order to help others or advance a cause. For instance, Jim's brave and daring personality leads him to confront all kinds of danger on his journey to find the treasure. Like when he was in the apple barrel, he stayed still and silent while listening to Captain Silver’s plotting. He knew if they found him, they would kill him (Ch. XI). On the other hand, Jonas dedicates himself to making a change in his community, even if it means that he must leave behind everything he has ever known. Jonas selflessly takes on the burden of carrying the weight of the past and the responsibility of enlightening his people. Like when he was running to find Elsewhere, he shares that last memory of sunshine and warmth with Gabe just to help Gabe survive (Lowry, Ch. 23) --because Jonas loves him. Both characters possess a heroic spirit and demonstrate this by putting others' well-being before their