Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does the phrase 'Sweet young things' suggest about Larry LaSalle?
What does the phrase 'Sweet young things' suggest about Larry LaSalle?
What is the central theme related to the idea of a hero in the book?
What is the central theme related to the idea of a hero in the book?
The definition of a hero is questioned, particularly through Larry LaSalle's character.
How often does Francis think about Nicole Renard?
How often does Francis think about Nicole Renard?
Very often.
What does Francis mean by stating, 'I am not a hero, of course, and I turn away in disgust'?
What does Francis mean by stating, 'I am not a hero, of course, and I turn away in disgust'?
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The phrase 'nobody displaying heroics or bravado' contrasts with the ______ image of war.
The phrase 'nobody displaying heroics or bravado' contrasts with the ______ image of war.
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What does the quote 'The war nobody wants to talk about' imply?
What does the quote 'The war nobody wants to talk about' imply?
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Francis went to war because he wanted to die.
Francis went to war because he wanted to die.
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Match the quotes with their themes:
Match the quotes with their themes:
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How does Francis feel about his healing process?
How does Francis feel about his healing process?
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Francis believes that Larry LaSalle was a genuine hero.
Francis believes that Larry LaSalle was a genuine hero.
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What does the quote 'it's amazing that the heart makes no noise when it cracks' suggest?
What does the quote 'it's amazing that the heart makes no noise when it cracks' suggest?
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Study Notes
Key Quotes from "Heroes" by Robert Cormier
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"Sweet young things": Reflects Larry's predatory nature, suggesting a pattern of behavior and a lack of morality.
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"I don't know what a hero is anymore": Central theme questioning the nature of heroism, particularly in the context of Larry's actions.
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"I thought of Nicole Renard, realising I had not thought of her for, oh, maybe two hours": Highlights Francis' infatuation and guilt as he frequently contemplates Nicole.
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"I think of Larry LaSalle and his silver star and my own silver star for an act of cowardice": Contrasts the true meaning of heroism; Larry's accolades juxtaposed with Francis' self-view of cowardice.
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"I don't see me anymore but a stranger slowly taking shape": Illustrates Francis' loss of identity and emotional numbness post-trauma.
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"Who was I going to tell...? He was a big war hero": Nicole's silence regarding her assault connects to themes of community perception and the idealization of heroes.
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"I am not a hero, of course, and I turn away in disgust": Francis' rejection of hero identity linked to self-doubt and societal expectations.
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"Nobody displaying heroics or bravado": Emphasizes the theme of appearance vs. reality, presenting a stark and gritty truth about war compared to romanticized portrayals.
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"The war nobody wants to talk about": Highlights the veterans' understanding of war's realities and contrasts it with Frenchtown's idealization of heroes, and avoidance of trauma.
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"I was too much of a coward to kill myself...": Reflects Francis's deep despair and ambiguity about his fate, driven largely by feelings stemming from Larry's actions.
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"He had been a hero to us long before he went to war": Acknowledges Larry's flawed hero status in the eyes of the community, despite his eventual betrayal of that trust.
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"I had always wanted to be a hero like Larry LaSalle, but he had been a fake all along": Represents Francis’ ultimate disillusionment with heroism following betrayal.
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"It's amazing that the heart makes no noise when it cracks": Evokes poignant imagery of heartbreak and emotional trauma at the chapter’s conclusion, starkly contrasting its beginning.
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"The words sounded false as I said them and realised they were Larry's words not mine": Demonstrates the manipulative influence Larry had on Francis’ identity and voice.
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"For three days I haunted sixth street": Metaphor of haunting reveals Francis’ emotional state, suggesting he feels like an outsider due to his past.
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"Miserable in my aloneness": Captures themes of isolation and emotional distress both in the flashback and present.
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"I could not sleep at night...glad for the heat that was so relentless as if it was the part of hell I had earned": Connects Francis' suffering to his guilt and religious background; highlights inner turmoil.
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"The truth is I don't care whether I heal or not, because I know it doesn't matter": Expresses profound hopelessness and guilt, signaling a belief that he doesn’t deserve healing.
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"I'm not supposed to have favourites, Francis, but you and Nicole are special to me": Indicates a unique bond among characters, setting the stage for their tragic narratives.
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"Nothing glamourous" "we weren't heroes we were only there": Arthur’s recounting of war speaks to disillusionment surrounding traditional heroism, portraying the stark, unglamorous reality of conflict.
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Description
Test your understanding of key quotes from Robert Cormier's 'Heroes' with these flashcards. Each card features a memorable quote and a brief analysis exploring its significance in the context of the novel's themes, such as heroism and morality.
