Proust #28 Who is your hero of fiction?
Maybe we only do this consciously when we are young, but did you ever read a book and think “I wish I was like (insert character’s name)?” I’ve thought it many times.
We don’t have to restrict this to books, but by now you know how much I love them. TV and movies are fine, but almost without exception, if the show was based on a book, I’ll say the book was better. Just trust me, it is.
I think because a book requires a significant investment of time and attention, you identify with the characters in a way you don’t with TV and movies. I know when I start a 300 page book and only a few pages in I can’t bear the thought of putting it down, I’ve made some kind of connection with one of the characters. When the tears are running down my cheeks and I start flipping pages like a mad woman, I know I can’t stop reading until the last page has been read. And when that moment comes, I’m sad and I’m praying there’s another book in the series. Why? Because somehow, in some magical way that happens with books, I’ve begun to care (probably far more deeply than I should) about what happens. Either I see something in them that is also in me, or something I wish was in me.
So who is my hero of fiction? You should know by now there has to be more than one, the first has been animated for “children”. The other two started their lives in the pages of a book and a short story, but have been brought to the screen.
Did you ever read the story of Ferdinand the Bull? Poor Ferdinand cannot bear the thought of being inside the bullfighting ring. His great size makes him a perfect candidate, but all Ferdinand wants is to be left alone in his meadow where he can smell the flowers and watch the world go by. An unfortunate bee sting gives everyone else the impression that he will be a great opponent in the bullring. Well…not so much. Ferdinand stays true to himself, despite the fact that every outside influence is pushing him to take advantage of his fierce size, he stays true. It’s a pretty inspiring moment for a children’s book.
How about The Hobbit? Think about Bilbo Baggins who is so very comfortable in his life in Bag End. He is appalled at the very thought of adventure, but when the opportunity comes, he finds enough bravery within to go off with Gandalf and the dwarves. He is loyal, he is doggedly persistent, and creative in his problem solving. Bilbo battles his own lack of confidence and the doubts planted by the Ring of Power, to do what is good and right. And here’s what I love the most, he overcomes his fear to do what he knows in his heart he must do.
And here’s my final hero. Walter Mitty. Do you play out scenarios in your mind? Are you ever in the middle of a conversation with someone, but in your mind something far more dramatic is playing out like a parallel universe? I confess, I do. My mind runs away with me on some exciting, horrifying, or fantastic adventure before reality snaps me back. The reality is never as interesting, or as entertaining, as what’s played out in my mind.
But eventually, Walter’s fantasy life becomes his reality. He needs to stop living in his imagination, screw up his courage, and step out of his humdrum existence. He needs to leave the comfortable and familiar behind if he wants to save his job and win the girl.
Stepping out in faith is a bit of a theme for me at the moment. Moving past my fears and insecurities to do what I have always felt I should do.
What about you? What’s holding you back? Chances are good that the only thing standing in your way…is you. Look to fiction, find your hero, take your courage from them, then step out and take a chance. Whether it works out or not, I can almost guarantee the only thing you’ll regret is not trying.
