on bores essay by AG gardiner ppt
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In On Fear by A.G. Gardiner we have the theme of fear, bravery, temptation, perception and control. Taken from his Leaves in the Wind collection the reader realises from the beginning of the essay that Gardiner may be exploring the theme of fear and bravery. For Gardiner the man who overcomes his fear is a hero. The very fact that an individual is not crippled by their fear but rather challenges it and succeeds is something that in Gardiner’s eyes takes a high degree of bravery. Even if a man is born timid and nervous they are still brave once they overcome their fears. Allowing themselves the opportunity to beat what has hindered or delayed them. A real hero is someone who has fought fear and won rather than allowing for fear to control them and as such determine the direction of their life. Gardiner also delves into the theme of temptation. Rather than perceiving temptation as being the problem Gardiner suggests that a strong person is the one who though tempted to lie chooses not to. The individual not succumbing to the easier of options but rather having the morality to do and say the right thing. Regardless of the difficulties that may bring upon the individual.
The introduction of Nelson is also interesting as on paper Nelson appears to have done a foolish thing when leaving his ship to dictate his terms. However if anything for one moment Nelson appears to be fearless and in control of his emotions. Though some critics might suggest that Nelson has been reckless. To labour his point on the issue of controlling one’s fears Gardiner also considers the main protagonist in de Maupassant’s A Coward. The protagonist is so overwhelmed by the duel he has to partake in that he loses complete control of his emotions and fear sets in. Resulting in the protagonist’s death at his own hands. Whereas the reader is left to wonder what may have happened the protagonist should he have overcome his fear. He may have died but his death may have been considered by some to be more honourable. Though it might be important to remember that some critics of de Maupassant might suggest that the protagonist took the only real option open to him considering the situation he found himself in. He feared he would be killed by a better man.