Conscience Case

Someone once said, "The bravest of individuals is the one who obeys his or

her conscience." If somebody has a conscience it means they have the ability

to discern right from wrong and to do what is right during an intellectual

or emotional opposition. Indeed, the validity of this quote is exemplified

in many ways. In the novel Lord of the Flies and the nonfiction work, The

Bookseller of Kabul; William Golding and Asne Seierstad, respectively,

demonstrate a characters' morality by obeying their conscience, which is

what truly defines a brave individual.

In Lord of the Flies, Golding chooses the setting of a deserted island,

during World War 2. The historical setting may seem distant, but it also

allows readers to be intrigued and create ties to their own lives. Different

people express a wide variety of different emotions, and don't always share

the same opinions. This can also be found in fictional characters such as

the ones in Lord of the Flies. Ralph, especially, shows throughout the novel

that he believes in being fair to everyone. He is only twelve years old and

demonstrates his democratic views. His opinions on how the stranded boys

should conduct themselves are questionable and different to the others.

Golding shows how Ralph cares about the good and well being of the other

boys and some of them respect him because of this. Others however, like

Jack, are quick to criticize Ralph's decisions. Ralph is characterized as

being someone who will stand by his beliefs no matter what. Even when the

circumstances were bad, Ralph did not let the protagonist, Jack, influence

him. When Ralph and Piggy were alone without the other boys, Ralph still

chose not to give into Jack's tribe. A recurring theme in the novel is that

there is good and bad in everyone; it's up to you to listen to your

conscience and decide how you want to conduct yourself. For those who listen

to their conscience and go against popular opinion for the good of others,

it is safe to say they are the bravest.

Similarly, in The Bookseller of Kabul, Seierstad characterizes an Afghan

families everyday life; as well as presenting their controversial

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