Sacrifice In The Cellist Of Sarajevo

Self-sacrifice is a common theme throughout Steven Galloway’s novel “The Cellist of Sarajevo”. The novel itself is a combination of fiction and nonfiction, while based on true events, Galloway’s imagination has vividly created four distinct character that each make sacrifices for their own ideal. They all share one vision, the vision being their city, Sarajevo, in a state of peace, rather than war. Each of the four characters attempt to survive in their war torn city in their own way. Amidst sniper fire, and bombing of markets, homes and even hospitals, each of them continues on with their lives, in what seems to be an unrelated chain of events. As the the story evolves, however, it becomes more apparent that each of the characters are connected

He sits in the street playing his cello, despite the chance that it could once again be bombed, or he could be shot down by a sniper. He knows won’t bring back the dead, and he doesn’t hope to save the living, his only motivation is to give passers by hope, and willingness to carry on their days. Every day he risks his life in order to give people the one thing he is able to provide, and the one thing they need - hope. Something as simple as a cellists music can provide enough beauty amidst the terror in Sarajevo to give a few citizens hope and comfort. He commits himself fully to playing, despite his own doubts of his ability, in hopes that others will do the same, and the spark of hope will grow and engulf

Arrow in particular sacrifices herself to save her community from further turmoil and to protect the innocent cellist who plays in the square. Most significantly, Arrow puts her life at risk for her home by shooting snipers and other agitators on the hill. When Arrow picks her target to snipe she thinks, knowing fully well that “As soon as she lets off a shot, every sniper on the southern hill will begin to search for her” (The Cellist of Sarajevo, page 14). This is a huge indicator on Arrow’s nature, though she makes mistakes, her fundamental goal is to protect innocent citizens of Sarajevo and restore peace in her city. Characters such as Dragan, Emina, Nermin, and Kenan’s family make small sacrifices that contribute to a larger hope and goal. They all stand strong in the face of war, and face it head on, with hope as their