Harrison in Kurt Vonneguts Harrison Bergeron, and Sammy in John Updikes A & P - Essay Example

Harrison and Sammy possess certain qualities that are identical to all of them in their reactions to the other characters in the novels,  however, this paper will identify a specific trait that is common to all of them and is exhibited by at least three characters in the novels. The following is how the characters exhibit these character traits.
Harrison Bergeron displays bravery, courage, and self-thought traits in Kurt Vonnegut’s “Harrison Bergeron,” in the way he stands up for his beliefs. Harrison seems to be ready for the consequences of escaping from jail. He is courageous enough to broadcast his freedom on national television. Harrison exhibits courage and bravery in his reactions to the government's efforts to squelch him. He is forced to put on huge earphones to alter his thinking and the glasses that could give him a headache and damage his sight.

Harrison was also forced by the government to wear hundred pounds of heavy metal and a black cap in his teeth. However, he was not stopped by either of these hindrances. The government referred to him as a genius. In addition, Harrison is remarkable for his self-confidence and bravery. For instance, when Harrison escapes from jail, he is convinced utterly that he will overthrow the government successfully. Harrison also has a romantic soul. In the novel, Harrison removes the handicaps of his expression with a sculptor’s careful touch. He even gives instructions to the musicians and shows them how he needs things to be done by singing practically to them. Harrison also dances beautifully with his expression and kisses her. Vonnegut states in the book that Harrison is a sexual Superman.

Sammy in John Updike’s “A & P,” demonstrates brave, courageous, and romantic traits in this novel. Sammy is considered an anti-hero because of his idealism and brave character. At the beginning of the story, three beautiful girls enter A & P as Sammy works behind the register. Sammy takes a brave move to flirt with Queenie, one of the three girls despite the fear from other cashiers. Other characters such as Mr. Lengel, the store manager became livid due to the lady's bathing suits. Mr. Lengel asks the girls to walk out if they could not dress well, this is not appropriate to Sammy who argues and says, “I quit” (John 12). This exhibits Sammy’s courageous trait as well as bravery. Not everyone walks up to their boss and says “I quit,” hence it shows that Sammy is brave and courageously speaks his mind. The action with the girls also indicates Sammy’s romantic nature. He quits his work to follow the girls after being scolded by the store’s manager. His flattery with Queenie at the workplace is an indication of romance. He needed attention from the girls.

The narrator in Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper” exhibits brave, courageous, and romantic character traits in this book in the manner in which she handles her problems in her marriage with John, her husband. The narrator handles her situations, relationships, and objects that would seem natural and innocent but so oppressive and bizarre. At the beginning of the story, the narrator is indicated as a highly expressive and imaginative woman. She enjoys her perception that their house is haunted. Instead of being terrified as a woman with these imaginary nightmares and monsters, she stands up and shows that she is enjoying the notion. This exhibits her brave character traits. As the story progresses, the narrator becomes dissociated from her daily life. This happens when she decides to keep a secret diary to herself which was a relief of mind to her. She then slips into the world of fantasy. Gilman describes this in the book through the consciousness of the narrator by letting the narrator puzzle over the world effects that she has caused herself. She also exhibits her bravery by disapproving of the efforts to tie her up and escape.

The narrator tears herself apart to escape from the pattern of life shown in the wallpaper. And finally, at the end of the story, Gilman reveals that the narrator has sacrificed much. In her split from reality, she says, “I’ve got out at last, despite you and Jane.” The narrator is married to John and despite all these struggles to set herself free, she still performs her duties as a wife and a mother. This shows the romantic nature of the narrator. Gilman also says that the narrator at some point forgot her desire of becoming a perfect mother and wife. The narrator had a desire to be the best wife and mother to her husband and kids respectively, however, due to her efforts to release the woman imprisoned in the wallpaper, she forgets that. This shows her romantic and brave nature at the same time. Read More