Heroes, Take Two

            According to Tim Miller, “Heroes are everyday people who every once in a while do extraordinary things.” In other words, heroes are average people who act in remarkable ways. This is shown true through characters like Atticus Finch of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and Mr. Freeman of Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak.

            Characterizing Atticus Finch based on his actions proves him to be a hero. Atticus is similar to the members of his Maycomb community; like others, he, too, works and has a family. He is your “everyday” person. However, although he is considered average, he is a hero because of his courageous and noble deeds. Despite the fact that he lives in a racist white town, Atticus chooses to serve as Tom Robinson’s lawyer, defending the African American man in court. He decides to take a stand for justice, challenging the inequalities of his community, even if it means he has to stand alone, which proves him to be a hero.

            Similarly, characterizing Mr. Freeman based on his effect on others proves him to be a hero as well. Mr. Freeman is one of the many teachers in Melinda Sordino’s school. Like his colleagues, he teaches and works with students on a daily basis. While he is your “everyday” teacher, he is a hero because of the positive impact he has on his students, specifically Melinda. As a social outcast in school, Melinda battles both an external and internal conflict, struggling with negative emotions towards those around her as well as herself. However, Mr. Freeman continuously invests in Melinda, encouraging and supporting her. He uses art to help Melinda confront and express her deep-rooted feelings; ultimately, he helps her though her healing process. Mr. Freeman reaches out to and reaches Melinda in a way other adults have not and have not been able to, acting as her hero.

            As Tim Miller states, “Heroes are everyday people who every once in a while do extraordinary things.” Through their characterizations, based on their actions and effects on people, both Atticus Finch of To Kill a Mockingbird and Mr. Freeman of Speak prove this to be true. While they are “everyday people,” they are heroes, “[doing] extraordinary things,” as they act courageously for the sake of others and invest in others, ultimately improving the lives of those around them.