Kimo's Essay 4.09.09

Kimo Gray
4.8.09
H. Salsich
English9

The Idea Never Dies
An Essay on Courage
In her poem, “Courage,” Anne Sexton attempts the unthinkable; defining courage. Webster’s dictionary defines courage as, “The quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear.” Anne Sexton describes courage as a triumph, as if courage is equivalent of strength(Loose Sentence). As seen through one of the greatest pieces of cinematography of the 20th century, “The Wizard of Oz” demonstrates that courage is if anything an idea, one that must be embraced with discretion.
Unfortunately for us, there is no such thing as “Liquid Courage,” a metaphor often used to express a feeling of impetuous(FAST) triumph of heart and soul. In Sexton’s metaphor-addled poem, “Courage,” she presents courage not as a fuzzy feeling in your stomach but as milestones in life that define who you are. One such milestone is as simple as your first moment of true sadness you’re your “heart went on a journey all alone.” It is moments such as these that shape our being, without being weathered away with sadness, you could not continue on with your ‘courageous’ journey. Another aspect Sexton suggests is that courage is merely an idea, but one that we must accept into our lives. If all you do is “fondle the weakness inside you,” then you’re life shall move in a solitary disposition. So many paths will be eliminated from your road purely because of the inability to accept courage. Another trait courage is tied close to is value. All courage is placing your health and your emotions and your life in perspective, and moving forward with your life in a way based off those assessments(Polysyndeton). When you suffer a great despair, you must asses that life is worth continuing. “You gave [you’re sorrow] a back rub…and after it had slept…it was transformed.” There is no such thing as Liquid Courage, and never will be. For I perceived Sexton’s interpretation of courage as carrying on even in the toughest moments of your life, as these are the most important, and the triumph comes when you know you’ve made the right choice.
In such an iconic film like, “The Wizard of Oz,” there are many examples of courage. “We’re not in Kansas anymore.” Even here when Dorothy is transported from her world into one very unlike her own she remains calm and keeps moving forward. She doesn’t contemplate why life has done this to her, she only dares to continue. Even a whole character is devoted to courage, and his quest to find it and learn it and embrace it. The ‘Cowardly’ Lion has been living a life of suppressed solitude for years, and it’s only when he meets up with others who want to see the Wizard that he displays his courage by joining them. In fact, the Lion shows much courage development throughout the story. He helps to fight the evil monkeys, defeat the witch and save Dorothy. Though the lion refuses to admit his courage, it is his gift from the wizard (A medal) that fortitudes (FAST) his belief in courage and belief in himself. He is even courageous enough to say goodbye to Dorothy, knowing that they would never meet again. The Wizard himself, ‘great’ as he is, shows courage in this film. When the Scarecrow discovers that the Wizard is merely a projection controlled by an ordinary professor, the Wizard (Professor Marvel) contemplates his life of self-confinement and manipulation, and strives to be a better person. He even leaves Oz to help Dorothy, even though his plan didn’t follow through. “The Wizard of Oz” being such the strange film it is offers courage even in the most simplistic forms, and shows that true strength comes from the ability to accept courage. Or the Lion’s definition, “Courage! What makes a king out of a slave? Courage! What makes the flag on the mast to wave? Courage! …Courage! What makes the sphinx the seventh wonder? Courage! What makes the dawn come up like thunder? Courage! …What puts the "ape" in apricot? What have they got that I ain't got?”
While researching courage I came across a quote that expresses what I, what Anne sexton, and what the Wonderful Land of Oz tried to compile, “The important thing is this: To be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become.” (Charles Dubois) I don’t think of myself as a very courageous person. But then again I like to try new things, something to add a little more crazy to my life every day. For me it breaks down to this: If I am not courageous, my life will move like molasses and cease to socially function in all ways; or I could embrace courage, be wrong once in a while, let myself fall, so that I can rise again.(Antithesis)