Northern Lights Courage Quotes

Courageous acts often occur as per its dictionary definition, they are the willingness or ability to persevere through difficulties or the unknown. More important than one's actions, however, is their intention and the changes a character undertakes to act courageously. In Phillip Pullman’s Northern Lights, the protagonist, Lyra Belaqua, is constantly faced with difficult decisions. She faces each challenge with strengths reflective of a courageous character and for noble or selfless reasons. The main characters of Craig Silvey’s Jasper Jones all display the same strengths and courage as Lyra. Jasper and Charlie overcome fear and emotional distress and Jeffery faces racism with confidence and resilience.

Jasper and Lyra both have to make difficult

When Lyra learns of the kidnapped children being held at Bolvangar, she rushes to rescue them, knowing the danger she would face after she overhears someone saying: “We don't know what the Gobblers might’ve been doing to our children. We hear about children with no heads, or children cut apart and sewn together.” (Pullman, pg 121). This willingness to rush into danger for children she has no relation to displays her courage and altruistic nature. This decision also demonstrates a thematic development within Lyra’s character and her motives. Developing confidence in her selfless actions, which is a trait Jasper has also exhibited throughout Jasper Jones. Jasper chooses to confront Jack Lionel about Laura’s death, his decision to do so shows his characterisation and dedication to Laura, as he believes that, “Jack Lionel killed a woman” (Silvey, pg 4). While Jasper is initially shown as an unwavering

Charlie believes it is not the ability to act without fear that makes a character courageous, but the ability to overcome it. The fact that Charlie recognises his fear is present, however, does not prevent him from acting courageously as Lyra would. To escape Svalbard and ultimately rescue her friend, Roger, Lyra must trick the bear king, Iofur Racknison, who “Seemed bigger and fiercer every minute” (Pullman, pg 288). Lyra acts confidently and composes herself, continuing to hide her fear. Despite the growing danger, Lyra focuses on the growing threat instead of the effects it has on her. In contrast, when approaching Jack Lionel, Charlie feels as if his “legs are useless” (pg 301, Silvey 2007), but persists regardless of his fear. The fortitude Charlie shows in this scene is contrasted by his confrontation with Laura’s body, where he becomes so panicked he wants to leave. This quote also demonstrates Charlie’s ability to recognise and accept his fear as he reflects upon it in the moment, as opposed to Jasper or Lyra who tends to ignore it wholly. Charlie’s behaviour is a beacon of his character development and determined nature, and his ability to act as Lyra does displays the courage he shows regardless of his internal