Ishmael Chambers example essay topic

Ishmael Chambers may not be a typical hero. He is not physically heroic as for example, Carl Heine was seen as an "extraordinary specimen of manhood" by his fellow islanders. However, it remains to be discussed how far Ishmael can be perceived as the literary hero of the novel. There are reasons why Ishmael could be seen as the hero, and there are also arguments against this statement.

As the reader gets a clear insight into Ishmael's thoughts and feelings, through reading about his love of Hatsue and his war experiences, the reader becomes more emotionally involved with Ishmael. He / she therefore sees how sensitive, moralistic and "decent" he is. As the novel lacks a 'true' hero, the reader may choose to interpret Ishmael as the hero due to his decency and the personal insight we get from reading about his past. When Ishmael Chambers comes across a piece of evidence that may help Kabuo he goes through an internal debate throughout the trial whether to reveal the truth and help save Hatsue's husband or keep quiet and try to get Hatsue for himself.

"An enemy on an island is an enemy forever". Politeness is crucial, and ultimately the book's protagonist, Ishmael Chambers, apprehends this. He realises that he must outgrow his bitterness over losing Hatsue, and he decides, nobly, to stop hiding a piece of evidence that he knows will exonerate Miyamoto and sets his rival free. "I'll always love you.

I don't care what else happens. I'm always going to love you". Despite this, Ishmael sacrifices his happiness by telling the truth concerning Heine's death. Chambers is used as a role model in this book who is willing to stand up for someone else, even if it means losing his last chance of reclaiming Hatsue as his own. This shows that Chambers has values and principles, and Guterson displays this character as someone that should be commended and admired. Ishmael's decision can also be seen as a heroic one, since it demonstrates his newfound moral superiority compared to the other islanders who remain caught up in silence and prejudice.

They are so convinced that Kabuo is guilty just because he is Japanese and are willing to take his life, based on only circumstantial evidence. Ishmael's decision also gains symbolic significance because it occurs while he is in his father's study. Sitting in Arthur Chambers' chair, Ishmael finds the strength to fill the place left vacant by his father's death. Ishmael chooses to live up to Mr. Fukida's belief that his "heart is strong" and to fulfil Hatsue's prophecy that he will "do great things". Ironically, this great thing, saving Kabuo, establishes the foundation for a new, reconciled relationship between Ishmael and Hatsue. However, Ishmael's heroic moral fibre could be undermined by a couple of reasons.

For example, just before leaving, Hatsue says good bye to Ishmael. Ishmael however, some may say, immorally takes advantage of her vulnerable situation, and tries to have sex with her while she is "crying silently" and unable to speak. Another way Ishmael's heroism could be undermined is the fact that he waited until the last minute to give the evidence. The fact that he even had doubts about whether to come forward makes the reader feel that to some extent his morals are not so superior. People view Ishmael as a hero for the quality of the moral choice that he finally makes. However I do not think he should accrue much spiritual credit for revealing the facts that clear an innocent man, even if he did want Kabuo out of the way so he could steal his wife.

It is for this reason that I do not agree that Ishmael is the hero of the novel. I do not believe there is a hero in the novel, simply a male protagonist who eventually comes to the right decision.