How Does 'The BFG' Explore Themes Of Fear And Bravery In Its Characters?

The way 'The Canary Cowards' handles bravery is refreshingly raw. It doesn't glorify heroics—it dissects the shaky moments before action. The protagonist Jake isn't some fearless warrior; he's a mess of nerves who steps up despite his knees knocking. The book shows bravery as a choice, not an absence of fear. Some scenes gutted me—like when Jake freezes during a mugging, haunted by it later. His gradual change isn't about becoming unafraid, but learning to function through terror. The side characters highlight different facets too: Marty's loud bravado covering insecurity, or Lena's quiet resolve when protecting her siblings. What stuck with me is how the novel frames small acts—returning a lost wallet, admitting fault—as quietly courageous.

The Tale of Despereaux' is a beautiful exploration of bravery and love, weaving these themes into the journey of its tiny protagonist. Despereaux, a small mouse with big ears, defies societal norms by embracing his love for music and stories, which sets him apart from his peers. His bravery shines when he risks everything to save Princess Pea, a human he adores. This act of courage isn’t just physical; it’s emotional, as he faces rejection and fear head-on. Love in the story isn’t limited to romance. It’s also about compassion and forgiveness. Roscuro, the misunderstood rat, and Miggery Sow, the mistreated servant, both seek love in their own ways. Their arcs show how love can be a driving force for redemption and change. The novel beautifully illustrates that bravery isn’t about size or strength but about the heart’s willingness to fight for what’s right. It’s a tale that reminds us that even the smallest beings can make the biggest impact through love and courage.

In 'The Tale of Despereaux', bravery isn’t just about grand gestures or fearless acts—it’s woven into the quiet, everyday choices of its characters. Despereaux, the tiny mouse with oversized ears, defies his entire society by refusing to cower or conform. His courage lies in his curiosity and his love for music and stories, which are seen as weaknesses by his peers. When he falls in love with Princess Pea, a human, he risks everything to save her, even though it means facing the darkness of the dungeon and the wrath of his own kind. What’s fascinating is how the novel contrasts Despereaux’s bravery with the cowardice of others, like Roscuro the rat, who hides behind cruelty, or Miggery Sow, who clings to her dreams without taking real action. Despereaux’s journey shows that bravery isn’t the absence of fear but the willingness to act despite it. The novel also explores how bravery can be contagious—Despereaux’s actions inspire others to step out of their comfort zones, proving that even the smallest creature can spark change.

Kierkegaard's 'Fear and Trembling' dives deep into the existential crisis of faith through Abraham's story. The book isn't just about blind obedience; it's about the terrifying loneliness of true belief. Abraham doesn't get a pat on the back for nearly sacrificing Isaac—he gets silence and isolation. That's the kicker: existential faith means stepping beyond logic where no one can follow or understand you. The book argues real meaning comes from this leap, not society's rules. It’s raw, uncomfortable, and brilliant—like staring into an abyss where only your choice matters. Modern readers might see parallels in quitting stable jobs for passions or defending unpopular truths. Kierkegaard forces us to ask: would you still act if no one applauded?

In 'Deeplight', fear and power are intertwined like the tentacles of its sea gods. The book dives into how fear shapes societies—the islanders worship dead deities out of terror, their rituals a desperate attempt to control the unknown. Power here isn’t just physical; it’s psychological. The protagonists uncover godware, remnants that grant abilities, but using them corrupts, mirroring how power consumes the wielder. The sea, vast and unknowable, becomes a metaphor for fear itself. Characters like Hark and Jelt grapple with power differently—Hark seeks understanding, Jelt crays dominance, showing how fear can drive people apart. The deeper they go, the clearer it becomes: power without empathy is destructive. The novel’s climax reveals that true strength lies in confronting fear, not exploiting it. It’s a brilliant exploration of how both forces shape human (and inhuman) hearts.

In 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,' bravery is a central theme embodied by several characters, each showcasing courage in unique ways. Aslan, the noble lion, is the epitome of bravery, willingly sacrificing himself to save Edmund, demonstrating selflessness and moral courage. His actions are not just about physical strength but also about the strength of character and the willingness to face death for the greater good. Peter, the eldest of the Pevensie siblings, grows into a leader and warrior, stepping up to protect his siblings and Narnia. His bravery is seen in his willingness to fight the White Witch’s forces, even when the odds are against him. Lucy, the youngest, shows a different kind of bravery. Her courage lies in her unwavering faith and belief in Narnia, even when others doubt her. She’s the first to step into the wardrobe and the first to believe in Aslan’s power, showing that bravery isn’t just about physical acts but also about standing firm in one’s convictions. Edmund’s journey is particularly compelling. Initially a traitor, he redeems himself by showing bravery in the face of his past mistakes. His courage is in his transformation, choosing to fight alongside his siblings against the very forces he once aligned with. Susan, though often seen as more cautious, also displays bravery in her own way, particularly in her role as a protector and strategist. Each character’s bravery is multifaceted, reflecting different aspects of courage, from physical valor to moral fortitude and personal growth.

In 'The Conjuring', fear isn’t just about jump scares or eerie atmospheres—it’s deeply tied to the characters’ vulnerabilities. The novel dives into how fear can paralyze, but also how it can push people to fight for survival. The Warrens, as paranormal investigators, face not just external horrors but their own inner demons. The Perron family, haunted by a malevolent spirit, must confront their past traumas to survive. The book shows that fear isn’t just an emotion; it’s a test of resilience. The Perrons’ struggle to protect their children while battling an unseen force mirrors real-life fears of losing control. The Warrens, on the other hand, grapple with the moral weight of their work—how far should they go to save others? The novel’s exploration of fear is layered, showing how it can both destroy and unite. Survival here isn’t just physical; it’s emotional and spiritual. The characters’ journeys remind us that fear, while terrifying, can also be a catalyst for courage and growth. What I love most is how the novel doesn’t rely solely on supernatural elements to evoke fear. It delves into the psychological, making the horror feel personal and relatable. The Perrons’ fear of losing their home, their family, their sanity—it’s all too human. The Warrens’ fear of failure, of not being able to save those they’re sworn to protect, adds another layer of tension. The novel’s pacing is masterful, building dread slowly but surely, until the final, heart-pounding confrontation. It’s a story about survival, yes, but also about the strength it takes to face your fears head-on.

In 'The Crucible', hysteria and fear are woven into the fabric of the story through the Salem witch trials. The novel shows how fear can spread like wildfire, especially when people are uncertain and looking for someone to blame. The characters’ paranoia about witchcraft escalates quickly, turning neighbors against each other. What’s fascinating is how the author uses this historical event to mirror the Red Scare of the 1950s, where fear of communism led to similar accusations and distrust. The way hysteria takes over the town, leading to irrational decisions and tragic consequences, is a powerful reminder of how fear can distort reality and destroy lives.