HeroesBy Robert Cormier

Heroism and CowardiceIn the story there are many acts of heroism and cowardice, for example:• When Francis and Larry

get silver stars – Heroism.

• When Francis Hides his identity – Cowardice.

Identity and AnonymityThe theme of identity and anonymity is addressed in the novel, for example:• Francis wants to hide his identity from

the people of Frenchtown – Identity.• Francis wants to stay anonymous

because he’s on a mission - Anonymity

Love and WarThe theme of love and war is prominent in the novel ‘Heroes’, for example:• When Francis pledges

his love and loyalty to Nicole Renard – Love

• When Francis kills two young soldiers – War

Guilt and ForgivenessIn the novel, guilt and forgiveness is one of the themes, for example:• When Francis feels guilty for not stopping Larry from

raping Nicole – Guilt• When Nicole forgives Francis for not helping her -

Forgiveness

Good and EvilIn Heroes good and evil is another prominent theme, for example:• Francis decided not to murder Larry in the end –

Good• Larry raped Nicole – Evil

Truth and LiesIn heroes truth and lies is a theme, for example:• The truth about what Larry did

came out in the end – Truth• Francis lied on his birth certificate

in order to become a soldier in the war – Lies

Robert Cormier’s Life and Background:

Life and BackgroundRobert Cormier was born and has always lived in Leominster, Massachusetts. He grew up there, went to school there, courted and married there, and raised four children in the house where he and his wife, Connie, still live. "I never intend to live anywhere else," he says." There are lots of untold stories right here on Main Street."Cormier, who was a newspaper reporter and columnist for 30 years is inspired by news events and, in some cases, by circumstances in his own life for the basis of his plots. And, he has an outstanding ability to create stories which capture human interest. No critic has ever captured more succinctly Cormier's ability to make us see what motivates behavior which is often called evil but which becomes understandable when seen through the eyes of his characters." I take real people and put them in extraordinary situations," he said in an interview in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL. "I'm very much interested in intimidation. And the way people manipulate other people. and the obvious abuse of authority."

World Wars

InfoIn the 20th century there were two 'world wars'. Many countries were affected by the wars. The first war lasted from 1914 to 1918. Though it was fought mostly in Europe, people called it the First World War (World War 1).The Second World War (World War 2) lasted from 1939 to 1945. It was fought in Europe, in Russia, North Africa and in Asia. 60 million people died in World War 2. About 40 million were civilians. Children as well as adults were affected by the war. This site will tell you what the war was like for children, mainly in Britain but in other countries too.