Critiques for my essay?

<p>Any critiques or insight is very much appreciated. (Sorry, it's kinda long):</p>

<p>Do people learn who they are only when they are forced into action?</p>

<p>There is no symbol of nobility and altruism more prevalent than that of a super hero. In childhood we learn of these humanitarian, noble superheros who come to our behalf willingly, and who defend us with no regard to their own well being. Yet, real heros, those who exist in everyday life, act altruistically, do not always come to our defense so eager to fight on our behalf. Indeed, it is that eagerness to act heroically that separates heros from superheros, for everyday heros do not often know they are heros until they are forced into such a path. History and literature alike have shown us that heros often don't find out who they are until they're forced into adverse situations.</p>

<p>The first example of a hero forced into adversity ocurrs in the novel The Judges, by Elie Wiesel. Five plane-crash survivors are held hostage by a madman, locked away in a spare room. Among the hostages is Yoav, an Israel soldier, hardened by a life of soldiership. Yoav is forced to resist his impulses to assault his captor, for the captor's aids would surely see to the survivors' deaths. Trapped in that room, Yoav is forced to think of a nonviolent solution that will save the lives of the survivors. In the end, his being forced to resist violence and remain captive allows him to contrive the perfect plan, saving everyone's lives. </p>

<p>The second ocurrence of unknown heroism takes place in the novel Shalimar the Clown by Salman Rushdie. Exiled from her village, Boonyi Kaul is forced to remain in a secluded cabin for years. During this time, she is able to think introspectively, and eventually is able to think of a way to repair her relationship with her husband, the failure of which had initially forced her into exile. In a way, her forced seclusion allowed to her to love her husband again.</p>

<p>Another example of a hero forced into adversity was the Civil War. In 1860, Abraham Lincoln did not want a war. He did not seek to free the slaves. It was only when Fort Sumter was attacked in 1861 that he waged a war to free the slaves. Forced to fight a war he never wanted, Lincoln proved to be the greatest hero of the 19th century, and uncovered a humanitarian side of himself he had never explored.</p>

<p>In history and literature alike, everyday heros have only discovered their own heroism when forced into adversity. Some may say that this somehow diminishes their altruism or their nobility. Yet, what is a better test of one's true character than being forced into action?</p>

<p>*Just for the record, I sliiiiightly embellished the two literary examples. In the first one, the madman commits suicide and that's how the others get free. In the second, Boonyi is actually assassinated by husband.</p>

<p>Thoughts:
- Why does your thesis mention heros when the question asks about ordinary people?
- Okay, so Yoav comes up with a plan. But what does that have to do with the original question, which asks whether people learn who they are only when they are forced into action?
- "The second occurence of unknown heroism..." But the question isn't asking about unknown heroism. It's as if you're writing an essay for a different prompt.
- Same thing. Summary: main character is secluded and finds a way to love the husband. So what? Please, answer the prompt!
- Same thing. Why are you always talking about heros when the question asks about people?</p>

<p>Notice, I don't care about whether what you're saying is entirely factual or not. The serious error is that you aren't answering the question. </p>

<p>If I were faced with this question, I'd say, Yes, because you'd have to be forced into some kind of action and see how you respond in order to know how you really are. And then come up with some examples to support that.</p>