Heroism In Dance With Wolf

Heroes aren't people with super natural abilities that make them greater and stronger than ordinary people. Heroes are people who make an effort to change the world no matter what it takes. This is clearly shown by Lieutenant Dunbar in the novel "Dances with Wolves,” written by Michael Blake. Dunbar shows traits of heroism by being loyal to his word when he does not leave his post, even when there was no sign of help; showing bravery by saving Stands With a Fist when he could have left her to die; and completing his own personal, emotional quest. Lieutenant Dunbar may seem like a normal person, but he acquires the traits to be a real hero

Loyalty is a trait that sets many people back from being heroes. Lieutenant Dunbar was given the task to go to Fort Sedgewick and
wait for further instructions. His unintelligent partner, Timmons, wanted to give up and go back when there was no sign of anybody coming back. Dunbar did not break his promise and stayed loyal to his word. Blake shows his loyalty greatest in this scene when he writes, “He saw the heel of Dunbar's hand light softly on the handle of the big Navy revolver he wore on his hip. He saw the lieutenant’s index finger slip smoothly through the trigger guard. 'Get your ass off the wagon and help me unload.'”(Blake 18). Dunbar went as far as threatening to kill his partner just to follow the orders he was given.

Bravery is defined differently for everyone. To be brave a person has to overcome whatever fear or doubt that may be setting them back from doing great things. Dunbar, after having an unusual confrontation with the Comanche Indians, decided to leave post to make further contact with the Indians. On his way, he stumbled across a wounded girl on a hill and risked his life to save her. Blake shows Dunbar's bravery in the novel when he writes, "Working there by himself was nerve-racking, not knowing who the woman was, not knowing whether she would live or die"(Blake 93). Dunbar held a wounded woman, who he knew nothing about, trying to save her life. He risked his own life to save another persons life.

Often in literature a hero has to complete a journey to overcome an emotional or physical issue.
Dunbar had his own emotional quest throughout the book to understand why he was lead to the Comanche tribe. In the novel Dunbar completes his emotional quest when he is given his Comanche name, “The Lords of the Plains, that's what they were called. And he was one of them. In a fit of reverie he dropped the reins and crossed his arms, laying each hand flat against the breastplate that cover his chest. 'I'm Dances With Wolves,' he cried out, 'I'm Dances With Wolves'” (Blake 230). Dunbar didn't know what the reason was for being with Comanche tribe was until this moment. He realized that he was one with nature and the Earth, just like the Comanche believed. He had the opportunity to look at things in the perspective he wanted and it was how the Comanche view things as well.

Dunbar is the perfect image of a hero. He portrays the traits of a hero and significantly changed the Comanche tribes lives. He showed loyalty when he stayed at his post; he showed bravery when he helped a stranger in need; and he completed his own emotional quest. Dunbar is a hero and Blake shows this very clearly in the
novel.