Heroism in a Man for All Seasons and the Chrysalids

Displays of moral courage by individual men and women are often what save societies from falling into wild anarchy or unbearable authoritarianism. When one man or woman says ‘No' to a powerful force and is resolute in that stance, all the forces that work against human spirit are put in disarray. It is easy to see that displays of moral courage may be called for when one persons or group of people battles the authority and power of the state or of an institution. Robert Bolt's A Man for All Seasons and John Wyndham's The Chrysalids exemplify this indomitable spirit of man.

Sir Thomas More epitomizes the archetypical hero in A Man for All Seasons when he valiantly chooses death rather than betray his conscience. When faced with the insurmountable demand of relinquishing to Henry VIII's wishes, Sir Thomas bravely chooses to stand his ground. In a world plagued with cynicism and hypocrisy, Thomas More chose to hold to his values at the risk of his life and that of his family. When asked to swear to Henry VII as sovereign. Thomas More was killed in defence of his conscience. He was asked to state that he believed that which he did not believe. He refused, and he died. His defiance was done with courage; a kind of whimsical gallantry which gained him the respect of a nation. His unyielding attitude and strength of character spoke to the moral responsibilities of mankind and the values that must be upheld for morality to reign.

The best instances of heroism in The Chrysalids are shown in the attitudes and actions of David and Michael. Their courage may not seem as spectacular as Sir Thomas More, but both bravely take risks for others in the face of ever-present danger. As a child of about ten, David defends Sophie against a bigger, stronger Alan; later he tries to give his friend the best chance of escape by staying in her house and refusing to inform on her to his father and the inspector. These are bold deeds which involve rejection