The Book Mountains Beyond Mountains By Tracy Kidder

Throughout our lifetime we have at least encountered a heroic story, and probably even realized a pattern. An example is Joseph Campbell, who created a theory called “Monomyth”

Paul Farmer puts others first in many ways. Right after graduating from Duke University he needed to make a decision of becoming a doctor or an anthropologist. He decided to become a doctor due to viewing Haitians and their poor living conditions that reminded him some of his own childhood. In 1984 he would travel back and

As time goes on and new generations come about, many of the ideals of former generations seem to become irrelevant. Scott LaBarge, a professor of philosophy, elaborates on this idea and others in his essay. “Why Heroes Are Important” is LaBarge’s pursuit to persuade others of his idea of heroes in today’s society. He claims that many of our youth do not know what a proper hero is and that former generations should be educating them. LaBarge begins his persuasion by describing his personal experience and credibility; then, he briefly describes the history of heroes to tie in his opinion on the definition; finally, he uses Aristotle’s idea of Kairos to explain how his opinion proves true according to current events.

People in the US have assigned many different meanings to wilderness. Wilderness can be viewed as a nonhuman world where we can go to survive and escape reality. Wilderness is an unexplored land that can mean something entirely different for every individual. For many Americans, wilderness stands as the last remaining place where we can go and have fun. In America today, people go to the wild, to party and enjoy their weekend.

The concept of a hero has been around for many generations, and the meaning of a hero is defined in ways people grasp its idea. A hero can be a person who has a superpower and is willing to make a personal sacrifice for the benefit of others or can be an ordinary everyday person who just wants to help people out of his or her own heart. Linda Seger’s article, “Creating the Myth,” tackles the idea of a “Hero 's Myth,” and shows the ten steps of how heroes are transformed from an ordinary person to the Savior. On the other hand, Robert B. Ray piece titled, “The Thematic Paradigm,” emphasizes that in modern films, it is either having an “Outlaw Hero or an Official Hero,” which he uses three stages to demonstrates how they are different each other in the way they perform in the society. Further, the article, “Out of Character: Wonder Woman’s Strength Is Her Compassion - What Happened?” by Stevie St. John, explains how Wonder Woman was viewed as a compassionate woman in the 1940s and 1950s, and in the 2000s she changes into a more violent person. In this essay, I argue that a hero is subjective, and is defined by the villain or event that they had to adapt to suddenly.

In the eyes of today’s society, heroes are viewed as citizens who have accomplished what seems to be the impossible. Whether imaginary or not, heroes are looked at with awe and congratulated for what they have done for the society. However, there is a much simpler way to be a hero. A hero does not have to be able to climb walls, fly over the city, or even save someone from a burning building right before it crumbles down. A hero is simply someone who goes out of the way to give help to those around them that need it. This hero does not need recognition in what he or she does, but takes pride in what they have accomplished for others. In the novel Till We Have Faces by C. S. Lewis, Bardia, the King’s lead guard, acts as the hero for Orual

Flannery O 'Connor 's stories “A Good Man Is Hard to Find”, and “Good Country People” both present very similar themes. Within these stories is the theme of redemption, and the way relationships affect the way people interact with each other seem to be a core issue she struggles with. Both stories have a protagonist that have to deal with some type of villain who has little to no belief, while their presence of faith that there is good in people gets them into the horrible situations that they find themselves in. She uses some of the same aspects in both stories in very different ways. The characters are a big part of her stories, the conflicts that arise in the story, and the symbolism that is used. This paper will explore how faith can lead us to have false hope and why it is important to remain aware.

“The only real nation is humanity” (Farmer 123). This quote represents a huge message that is received in, Tracy Kidder’s, Mountains Beyond Mountains. This book argues that universal healthcare is a right and not a privilege. Kidder’s book also shows the audience that every individual, no matter what the circumstances, is entitled to receive quality health care. In the book Kidder represents, Paul Farmer, a man who spends his entire life determined to improve the health care of impoverished areas around the world, namely Haiti, one of the poorest nations in the world. By doing this the audience learns of the horrible circumstances, and the lack of quality health care that nations like Haiti

Although heroes may have a significant impact on a society or a populace, by executing rebellious actions, they don’t always end up being exultant in the end. In Brave New World, a story about the imperfections of a utopian world, Aldous Huxley depicts a character that shows this trait. John The Savage, rejects society’s values, calls an uprising, and faces powerful individuals, but ends up being miserable in the end. However, John is still the hero of Brave New World because of his bold acts that have been shown throughout the story. For example, the first time John saw Lenina, he was completely love-struck; since he has only read Shakespeare’s work, he expresses his emotions in an affectionate way.

In Mountains Beyond Mountains, Tracy Kidder documents and admires the work of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Harvard University graduate with a Ph. D. in medical anthropology. Kidder becomes interested in Farmer’s character, philosophies, and motives, so he shares Farmer’s story to inspire others to be the change they want to see in the world. He writes about the doctor’s compassion towards those stricken by poverty, particularly in Haiti and Peru, and tells the story of Farmer’s aid to them. Tracy Kidder, the author, meets Paul Farmer while he is in Haiti to report on American soldiers stationed there due to the recent unrest in Haiti. He gets to know who Farmer really is and describes his motives and character.

I believe that Farmer's childhood experiences, which include living in a converted bus and later a houseboat, both without running water, and fruit picking with Haitian migrant workers, instilled in him a passion for helping people living in poor conditions.

As we could appreciate in both stories “Dokte Paul” and “The Body flute”. Dr. Farmer was able to understand the situation of those in need of his services, while also establishing a connection with the patients. He showed his passion to what he does best, Help people. Throughout the story we get to know that he pretty much spends traveling back and forth most of his days of the year. He goes to Haiti where he spends most of the year, while he provides his services to those who need him. Doctor Farmer attends to a man dying from aids, even though the man did not have money to pay for his treatment he still welcomed him as he treated him which shows that he indeed had a commitment with the people that needed his services in order to live, even if they did not have the resources to

All around the world, children read stories of epic heroes and heroines. They dream of becoming one, but never really think they are brave enough, selfless enough, humble enough. But the truth is, if they live each day better than their last, and live ultimately with love in their heart, they can have what it takes to be somebody’s epic hero. “I have nothing left, but I have my heart, and with that I can always love.” A heroine receives help from a higher place, is courageous, and is humble before a greater power. At 17 years, Chiara Badano contracted osteosarcoma in her shoulder. But through her devotion to God, she remained brave yet humble during her tortuous treatment. Blessed Chiara Badano embodies the characteristics of an epic heroine because she was humble, courageous, and received supernatural help from the Lord.

Heroes are prevalent in everyone’s life. Whether someone’s hero is a living person or a fabled character from a movie, everybody has come into contact with some sort of hero. In fact, the concept of heroes has existed for hundreds of years, dating all the way back to Ancient Greece. Over time, heroes have drastically changed. As society has evolved, our heroes have evolved with it. Their goals and motivations have changed to coincide with the views of modern society. Modern day heroes have less selfish motives, better qualities, and are portrayed differently than ancient heroes.

"Heroes produce a recently identified emotion called “elevation”" (Allison 1). Witnessing a person give a homeless person money creates this feeling of elevation. It's a morally beautiful act that prompts warmth and love. This occurs more often than people think because most people keep this feeling of elevation to themselves. Frequently, the social sharing of emotions is not only the basis of strong and durable relationships, but it’s informative as well. A small, heroic act can go an extensive way. Heroes mend psychic wounds because the consequences of telling or hearing a heroic story create a feeling of comfort and safety. These stories added purpose to people’s lives. “Heroes nourish our connections with other people” (Allison 1).