Antihero

-Central character who lacks the qualities traditionally associated with heroes. My lack courage, grace, intelligence or moral scruples.
In the chapter titles Speaking Of Courage, a veteran named Norman Bowker travels around a lake in his home town reflecting on the death of his close friend in Vietnam. He talks about how he almost one a metal for bravery but he says he wasn't quite brave enough. This type of hero is different from we normally except as heroes because he is not successful in his attempt to save his friend. However I still think this man would be considered a hero simple because of all the suffering he endured to defend his country. The story goes on to talk about the common beliefs of what courage is and how Norman does not feel that he qualifies as a hero because he let his friend die. Even though he has many metals he does not feel good enough. I think this goes to show how society views heroes and courage is not always correct. There's something deeper to every story.