The Thematic Idea Of Courage In The Serpent King By Jeff Zentner

Jeff Zentner’s The Serpent King explores courage from a thematic perspective. Zentner introduces the theme of courage through the plot, character interactions, and literary elements. Travis finally stood his ground when his father was abusing him. If you touch me again, your hand will be broken. If you touch me again (profanity), I’ll kill you. Travis was tormented by his father for the rest of his life because he could not stand him. Travis did confront his father’s wrongdoings. Travis was aware that he could only protect his mother and himself by confronting the issue. Travis’s acts support the theme since courage forced him take action in what he believed to be right, regardless of the consequences.

Dill has to go through many trials and also face things he’s afraid to do. Dill felt nauseated the morning of the talent show. He was unable to eat his breakfast. Lydia and He did not speak to each other on the bus. He could not pay attention to class. After lunch, the talent show assembly took place. “He trembled when he entered the auditorium with his guitar case.” As he entered the auditorium, Dill began to sing and play. He sang as though the Holy spirit had come down on him and cleansed him. Dill may have been hesitant to perform because of fear of reactions. Dill showed his courage in the second quotation, and was able show his passion for music. Dill’s courage helped him overcome his nervousness, and he was able to express himself. Dill started to forget who he was after Travis passed away. Dill began to feel guilty, blaming his own legacy and himself for Travis’s demise. He almost took his own death: “Then stood up and gathered courage to decide to end his lifetime and take chances on the new”. Dill’s “ending his life” is a metaphor, not a literal statement. He wants to start anew. Dill intends to achieve this by attending college: “I am here because I promised you. I must leave to go to school or I will be dead. I need your help”.

It is a sign of strength that you can continue to live after experiencing mental suffering, and deviate from your parents’ path. Dill’s struggle with his future is a good example of Dill having courage. Dill also showed resilience when he faced the school bully. ‘Hey, Madison, Tyson. Are you two not getting it? You cannot harm us any longer. You can do nothing to us. You can’t do anything to us. You’re now nothing”. Dill didn’t defend himself when he interacted with other people. Instead, Lydia was given the position. Dill had faced contempt many times. Dill is gaining confidence as a result of this part. Dill gains courage and becomes able to face his own problems. Dill was also able to show moral fortitude in his goodbyes to Lydia. Are you still not aware that you’re naked? You have danced the death. What is left for you to fear? You are capable of surviving anything. Serpents. This is a deadly poison. This. “He whispered ‘I’m in love with you’ into her hair”.

Dill chose to confront the unknown because he was brave. He also knew that he would suffer a lot. Dill is a mature person now because the author shows that Dill does not feel frightened by anything. Dill’s courage influenced his character and perception of him. It is clear that The Serpent Queen’s theme is courage, which allows people to be willing to face their fears and overcome them.