English composition principles and practices

Heroic Action

English Composition heroic action is essentially a deed that is highly impressive precisely because it is extraordinary and usually out of the reach and ability of ordinary people. Perhaps this is the reason why humanity has always tried to inspire ordinary people to rise to their full potential through tales of heroic actions. Indeed, this has been a characteristic of literary works down the ages right from the time of ancient Greek literature down to present day heroes such as Harry Porter. In fact, what makes the character of Harry Porter so interesting is that in every respect he seems like an ordinary boy. Yet, Harry Porter has to be admired because he possesses extraordinary courage, which comes to the fore whenever life challenges him. Thus, it is Porter's unquestionable courage that enables him to perform all kinds of heroic actions even though he is just an ordinary boy in all other respects. The kind of courage that illustrates the truth behind the age-old saying that there is "nothing to fear but fear itself."

Harry Porter is an orphan who is mistreated by his aunt and uncle. Unlike conventional heroes, Porter does not have an impressive physique and, in fact, looks rather like a weakling with his body build and spectacled eyes. On his eleventh birthday, Harry learns the truth about his parents and his own destiny when he is invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. More important, Harry learns that he is already seen as a famous wizard because he survived a magical attack by an evil wizard, Lord Voldemart, when he was just an infant. In fact, Porter is credited with having severely injured his attacker as well. Porter, himself, is hesitant to believe in his own powers given the punishments he has suffered throughout his childhood. It is not till Porter is forced to face several challenges in warding off further attacks by Lord Voldemart that he learns the importance of developing his own courage.

Porter's development as a courageous individual is evident right through the five books in the Harry Porter series, which have been published so far. But perhaps the book that will best illustrate Porter's heroic actions in spite of his courage being sorely tested and almost failing him is The Order of the Phoenix. For it is in this story that Porter's human frailty is revealed to the fullest extent. Shunned and ridiculed by the world of wizards because of his failure to successfully ward off the last attack by Lord Voldemart at the Triwizard Tournament, life isn't easy for Porter. To add to his problems, Hogwarts has been almost taken over by the Ministry of Magic and Porter is constantly facing humiliation at the hands of Dolores Umbridge and her allies. Thus, Porter has to find the courage from within to keep going in spite of an unfriendly world and a prophecy, which may well involve his death. Naturally, all the unpleasantness and resultant strain leads to the all-too-young hero growing angry and sullen. Yet, Porter finally manages to gather the courage to face both his anger and his fears, and ultimately bravely confronts both Lord Voldemart and all his other enemies.