The Messenger by Markus Zusak is full of unconventional ideas and theories, one of which being a challenge to the typical hero we see in most texts. Zusak attempted to differentiate from other novels through the main character, Ed Kennedy, using a slightly atypical attitude and personality to the classic hero we are accustomed to without becoming overly eccentric. The difference between Ed and the typical hero is obvious but there is still a distinct similarity between the both of them. This element of the story is perhaps one of the most driving sections of the book and Zusak managed to implement this perfectly creating an even balance of regular stereotypes and abnormal concepts.
One idea that is against the typical hero stereotype is Ed’s…show more content… As the book progresses however we are slowly able to see Ed’s change in character and attitude towards different tasks. Take for example the difference between Ed’s first task and his last. During the first task on the ace of diamonds Ed is required to help a woman from being raped by her husband. When Ed learns that this is his job he hesitates and puts it off for as long as he can until he is ushered by those in control to complete the task when he receives a gun in the mail. In his last task he needs to confess his feelings to Audrey. Although such a task to a normal person would seem impossible Ed manages to tackle it head on without any hesitation whatsoever. Both tasks, in their own manner, are on a similar level of difficulty to Ed and if their order was to be swapped I feel Ed would struggle significantly more with the task with Audrey and manage the rape task with much more ease. This type of development within a character is symbolic with heroes in any story even if the development is quicker in others. While you may miss the change when reading through the book if you compare Ed from the beginning to Ed at the end the contrast is unmistakably familiar to other
