Heroism and Moral Courage

Where it surfaces

• Biographical Sketch

  Thoreau's moral integrity, his refusal to compromise his beliefs, and his 'dangerous frankness' are portrayed as forms of heroism.

• The Service

  Thoreau explores the concept of the hero and the inner moral struggle, emphasizing the importance of service to a higher ideal.

• I: Qualities of the Recruit

  True heroism is defined by inner fortitude, not outward action; the brave man is spherical, strong in all directions, and aligned with necessity.

• II: What Music Shall We Have?

  The brave man is the sole patron of music, and his life is a stately march to an unheard music, compelling concord everywhere.

• III: Not How Many, but Where the Enemy Are

  Central theme: Thoreau defines true heroism as a sustained, virtuous life rather than isolated acts of bravery, urging readers to live 'on the stretch' like soldiers.

• A Walk to Wachusett

  The mountain is described as a 'western pioneer' with 'venturous spirit,' and the traveler's ascent is framed as a heroic, elevating act.

• Natural History of Massachusetts

  Thoreau praises the quiet bravery of scientists like Linnaeus and Thales, equating scientific inquiry with moral courage.

• The Landlord

  The landlord is portrayed as a heroic figure, sitting at the crossroads and offering himself to the public with unruffled serenity, embodying a sublimely trivial life for the good of men.

• Paradise (to Be) Regained

  Thoreau emphasizes that moral reform must come first, and that rectitude and true behavior are more powerful than any mechanical system.

• Homer; Ossian; Chaucer

  The lecture highlights the heroic and morally courageous aspects of these poets' works, particularly in Homer's epics and Ossian's tales of valor.

• Ossian

  Ossian's poetry is celebrated for its depiction of heroic deeds, the dignity of warriors, and the bard's role in preserving their fame.

• Chaucer

  Thoreau contrasts the ancient bardic heroism with Chaucer's domestic, unheroic verse; Chaucer lacks the heroic sentiment of Raleigh or the soaring genius of Milton.

• Wendell Phillips Before the Concord Lyceum

  Phillips is depicted as a knight-like figure, a 'Red-cross knight' with moral integrity, standing alone against slavery and hypocrisy.

• Thomas Carlyle and His Works

  Thoreau highlights Carlyle's emphasis on moral courage, renunciation, and action, as seen in his discussion of 'The Everlasting No' and 'The Everlasting Yea.' Carlyle's hero Teüfelsdrock embodies defiance and the pursuit of truth despite personal cost.

• Sir Walter Raleigh

  The chapter extensively explores the nature of heroism through Raleigh's life, contrasting different types of heroic bearing and emphasizing character over deeds.

• Chesuncook

  Thoreau's decision to stop hunting and reflect on the killing of the moose demonstrates moral courage and a commitment to living tenderly.

• A Plea for Captain John Brown

  Thoreau elevates Brown as a true hero who risks and gives his life for a righteous cause, contrasting him with cowards who passively accept slavery.

• After the Death of John Brown

  The entire speech is a eulogy for John Brown as a transcendent moral hero, using poetry to celebrate his courage and martyrdom.

• The Last Days of John Brown

  Thoreau presents John Brown as the epitome of heroism, whose willingness to die for a principle surpasses ancient examples and challenges conventional notions of success and failure.

• How the Wild Apple Grows

  The wild apple's persistent struggle against adversity is framed as a heroic model for human genius and moral fortitude.

• The Wellfleet Oysterman

  The old man's vivid recollections of General Washington and the Revolutionary War highlight the theme of heroism and moral courage in the fight for independence.

• The Highland Light

  The narrative of fishermen and lighthouse keepers facing dangerous seas and shipwrecks underscores the quiet heroism and resilience of the coastal inhabitants.

• The Scenery of Quebec; and the River St. Lawrence

  Reflections on historical figures like Cartier and Roberval, and the 'good justice' administered in the colony.