Heroism

     In the story I am the Messenger I thought it was interesting to see the theme of heroism shown throughout the first part of the book. This theme was shown throughout all of Eddie's visits with the people he helps. First, him helping Milla, an old lady who just needed her husband who died in a war so long ago to come home. Eddie helped this lady by keeping her company and being a friend to her, and in her mind her husband. He is a hero in this scenario because he saved this old lady from loneliness and even though it may not seem like he did much what he did must have meant to world to this sweet woman. Next up Eddie helped Sophie, a young girl whom he watched run, by giving her the confidence and support she needed while running in competitions. He had seen her run before on her own and knew how amazing and naturally talented she was at it and he didn't get how she wasn't winning her competitions. He knew that she ran barefoot by her self and with old worn out tennis shoes in races so, he told her that she should not feel obligated to wear shoes and she should do what she feels comfortable in. By helping her make this descicion this she comes very close to winning and even though she still ends up loosing she was proud of herself, all because of Ed and the advice/help he gave her. Lastly Eddie displayed the theme of heroism by saving a wife and daughter from a dangerous life and sad, abusive situation. One of the places he visited was a house with a family whom the dad would every single night come home drunk and repeatedly rape his wife, while his daughter was home witnessing it all the while. Eddie helped by getting a gun, taking the man away from his family, and shooting him. Which although seems extreme and very violent, this was the only option Ed was given. By  doing this he saved a little girl and her mom and let them live the rest of their lives in peace. Overall Eddie displayed the theme of heroism in many ways throughout his visits with the three people he meets.