Selflessness In The Giver

There are many characteristics a hero must possess. A hero may be thought of as an individual who has super-power abilities and wears an iconic cape (symbolic cape.) On the contrary, a hero may be thought of a sneaky and sleek vigilante. However, oftentimes sensationalizing heroes isn't necessary because they take the form of everyday people among us. Even though Jonas from “The Giver” by Lois Lowry is the perfect example of a regular person, he is a hero as he demonstrates traits of bravery, selflessness, and integrity. By using examples of Jonas’ actions and how they positively affect the society he lives in, it will be shown that heroes are not the macho men we assume them to be, but they are common and everyday people. The Giver is about

Selflessness is another trait that isn't physical, and you can’t see it, proving that heroes are regular people. Jonas has demonstrated his selflessness through the course of the book especially when he learns to love and to care for others. Jonas left the community earlier to save Gabe from being released the next morning, instead of becoming more prepared to leave, and he broke more rules to do so. In the text, it says “Third, he had stolen his father's bicycle. He had hesitated for a moment, standing beside the bike port in the darkness, not wanting anything of his father's and uncertain, as well, whether he could comfortably ride the larger bike when he was so accustomed to his own. But it was necessary because it had the child seat attached to the back. And he had taken Gabriel, too.” (166.) The quotation is explaining how Jonas is caring for Gabriel and going out of his way to save him, instead of leaving him behind to make his escape easier. This shows how Jonas exhibits selflessness because his concern is for more than his own well-being. His actions would be far easier without Gabriel, but Gabriel’s survival is also a priority. As well, Jonas volunteers to help the old to help bathe the old, which comes to show that he cares enough to spend the time to care for them. This is another task that he is not required to do, but chooses to do, illustrating his concern for others (selflessness.) Proof in

Having selflessness is if not the most important trait to being a hero, as a hero helps people, and if you only caring about yourself, you are not helping anybody, and that is a heroes purpose. Having integrity is very important for a hero, as without integrity you're not doing what is right, which means you are not helping anyone as it is not affecting the people you are helping in a positive way, and being a hero is helping them. If an individual has all of these traits than they can become a hero. “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” -Christopher Reeve (former superman actor.) In conclusion, next time you see a flying man, who can lift cars, or a man who climbs walls, think to yourself, do you they really need their superpowers to be