Analysis The Messenger By Markus Zusak - 1056 Words

Throughout history, comic book heroes like Superman, Spiderman and Batman have captured the imaginations of children and adults alike. These strong-willed and brave individuals who perform courageous acts, overcome great odds and defeat the forces of evil have always been prevalent in English literary texts. However, in The Messenger by Markus Zusak, the author positions the reader to view heroes that deviate from the normal black and white archetype. Through the use of themes such as deceptive appearances, small things can be big and morality, Zusak effectively constructs Ed as a reluctant hero and shows that people don’t have to sport spandex and flashy capes to be known as heroes but instead can be someone who performs small kind acts.†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"The last thing [Ed] sees that day is Thomas and Tony O’Reilly, sitting on the steps of the church, smoking together. The odds are that they won’t see each other for another few years but {Ed knows he} can ask for nothing more than this† (pg. 176). Therefore, even though Ed is the ‘epitome of ordinariness’, he embodies the qualities of a hero as evidenced by his acts. Another theme that is prominent in The Messenger is small things can have a big impact. Throughout the course of the four aces, Ed helps the people on the cards through small acts of kindness, which demonstrates that ‘heroic’ acts do not have to be ‘large’ to have a significant impact. The portrayal of Ed as a hero can be seen when he buys the Tatupu family Christmas lights because their old ones were, â€Å"very faded. Some of the lights were missing. They were the old-style lights. They weren’t the type to flash†¦ Only half the ones that were still there actually worked. That translated to four globes in operation. Four globes to brighten up the Tatupu house this year† (pg. 238). In doing so, Ed made the Polynesian family feel acknowledged and welcomed. He, â€Å"gave them so much. More than [he’ll] ever know† (pg. 244). Ed’s role as a humanitarian is further perpetuated when he gives Sophie invisible running shoes. The shoes remind Sophie, â€Å"the feeling of freedom, and the purest sense that she’s alive† (pg. 78). They represent the fact that Sophie had the ability the whole time and just needed to