The meaning of the story "A Mystery of Heroism" by Stephen Crane is that, in reality, the common man can be a hero. The Idealist theory, the mindset of the prior age of dreamers, had suggested that heroes must have no shame and be perfect. However, Crane uses the psychological component of Realism to prove the opposite. The protagonist, Fred Collins, convinces himself that he is not a hero because of this Idealistic concept; he decides that since he is not perfect he cannot truly be a hero.
Collins cannot accept that what he is doing is a heroic deed because of the type of person he thinks he is. He sees himself as "irritable, childish, diabolical" because of his past actions and believes himself to be "an intruder in the land of fine deeds." He feels as if he is not the type of person that heroes are supposed to be. However, Crane's commentary says that Collins indeed is the heroic type, for the Idealistic hero concept was incorrect. Collins' internal struggle regarding his character shows his self-doubt, but ultimately proves his growth throughout the course of his actions.
Collins' actions while he ventures through the battlefield to collect water for his regiment show what a Realistic hero is. For example, Collins questions whether or not to help a dying officer lying in the battlefield. Initially he shouts, "I can't!" and runs off, but, soon after he goes "dashing back" to give the officer some water. He risks his own safety to help the dying officer, who responds with "the faintest shadow of a smile on his lips." Collins was apprehensive at first, but deep down he wanted to and knew he had to help that man. Crane uses Collins' inner struggle to fathom the real meaning of heroism and prove that a hero is not simply a shameless, perfect being, but rather a good, common man who selflessly helps others in need. Arthur Miller's theory of the "tragic hero" coincides with the Realist theory as he "[believes] that the common man is as apt a subject for tragedy in its highest sense as kings were." The model American Character could easily begin as an average man, but develops into one that is influential and inspiring when he or she possesses a tragic flaw and the impulse to act upon it.
Collins cannot accept that what he is doing is a heroic deed because of the type of person he thinks he is. He sees himself as "irritable, childish, diabolical" because of his past actions and believes himself to be "an intruder in the land of fine deeds." He feels as if he is not the type of person that heroes are supposed to be. However, Crane's commentary says that Collins indeed is the heroic type, for the Idealistic hero concept was incorrect. Collins' internal struggle regarding his character shows his self-doubt, but ultimately proves his growth throughout the course of his actions.
Collins' actions while he ventures through the battlefield to collect water for his regiment show what a Realistic hero is. For example, Collins questions whether or not to help a dying officer lying in the battlefield. Initially he shouts, "I can't!" and runs off, but, soon after he goes "dashing back" to give the officer some water. He risks his own safety to help the dying officer, who responds with "the faintest shadow of a smile on his lips." Collins was apprehensive at first, but deep down he wanted to and knew he had to help that man. Crane uses Collins' inner struggle to fathom the real meaning of heroism and prove that a hero is not simply a shameless, perfect being, but rather a good, common man who selflessly helps others in need. Arthur Miller's theory of the "tragic hero" coincides with the Realist theory as he "[believes] that the common man is as apt a subject for tragedy in its highest sense as kings were." The model American Character could easily begin as an average man, but develops into one that is influential and inspiring when he or she possesses a tragic flaw and the impulse to act upon it.
