In this article, we will consider such a thing as cowardice. We give examples, we will analyze in detail the meaning of this word. Writers often address this issue. On the example of literary works, we give examples of cowardice in various situations. Let us analyze the behavior and actions of literary characters. So, let's begin. What is cowardice?
Definition of the term
The term "cowardice" refers to a personās refusal to take any action or act in a particular situation, the reason for which is fear. Such human behavior is considered a negative trait. The word "cowardice" comes from the noun coward (in the Proto-Slavic language means "one who shakes"). The words coward or cowardly are also its derivatives.
The main cause of cowardice is fear. It should not be confused with prudence and must be able to distinguish from excessive caution. Caution is a personās quality, which means a particularly attentive attitude, enhanced vigilance. This is the ability to think ahead a few steps, anticipating the consequences of their actions and the possible reaction of people. After all, the goal of caution is the successful implementation of conceived plans, which fundamentally does not correspond to cowardice.
How else can you determine what cowardice is? This is an unreasonable escape from some alleged danger without an adequate assessment of the latter.
Manifestation of cowardice. Examples
It should be remembered that fear in itself is a natural defensive reaction for a living being. This is the instinct of self-preservation. But, given many circumstances, it often takes strength to overcome fear. In many cases, a person is able to overcome this feeling, and in some circumstances not.
As an example, we can cite the case when the same person is afraid of heights, but not afraid to engage in combat with a group of notorious villains. Or, for example, showing cowardice in front of the boss, the same person is not afraid to jump out of the plane with a parachute.
So what is cowardice? Soul weakness that prevents you from doing what is necessary in the face of fear. It is important to be able to distinguish a coward from a normal person who is afraid of something. After all, not everyone should be considered as such if for some reason he experiences such a feeling. Since the coward is not capable of responsible actions at the right time, he is therefore inclined to commit a crime because of his fear. Therefore, a coward is considered a potential traitor who is capable of setting up, slandering, and throwing him in danger.
A normal person feels a sense of fear. But he is able to overcome himself, to take control of his fear, will not commit a rash act or crime. A coward is like an animal, which, driven by fear, is not capable of the process of thinking, and does everything to only save its precious skin. Therefore cowardice is always despised. This is a shameful quality of man, causing only disgust.
āFathers and Sonsā, āGarnet Braceletā. Reckless courage and desperate cowardice
Writers often address this topic. There are many examples of this in the literature. Let's pay attention to some of them. Turgenevās work āFathers and Sonsā, known to everyone since the school curriculum. Using the example of Bazarovās character, consider the situation. The duel that happened, the reason for which was the kiss, describes the behavior and condition of the characters for whom honor is not an empty phrase. Overcoming fear, the heroes defend their beliefs, although one kiss should not jeopardize a personās life. Desperate cowardice and reckless courage became a counterweight to each other.
There is another noteworthy example of cowardice in Kuprinās work āGarnet Braceletā. The hero of the story is a petty official who is selflessly in love with a woman. But the fear of rejection does not allow him to open to her. The heroine, in turn, fearing shocks in love and preferring a quiet marriage, makes a choice in favor of another man. And only after the death of a man in love with her does she understand that true love in her life passed by her.
"War and Peace". Cowardice and valor. Victory over oneself
What is cowardice? The opposite of courage and courage. First of all, trained courage is a victory over oneās fears, in other words, a victory over oneself.
An example of this is the character of the novel L.N. Tolstoy's āWar and Peaceā by Nikolai Rostov, who during his first battle experienced a sense of fear, could not overcome his cowardice, and fled from the enemy. In the future, he will be able to defeat cowardice in himself and act as a real brave man, protecting his homeland from the oppression of the enemy.
"Eugene Onegin". Public opinion
All of us, the beloved work of the ingenious Russian poet Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin, describes a similar situation in which the main character finds himself Evgeny Onegin. He receives a challenge to a duel from Vladimir Lensky, to whom he has no feelings of hostility, but, fearing condemnation from society, he accepts the challenge. Under fear of being branded a coward, Onegin becomes him.
The meaning of the word "cowardice" in this situation can be represented as the inability to do the right thing under the threat of public opinion. In contrast, as an example, you can put an act of Tatyana Larina, who, not afraid of the opinion of society, herself is explained in love by Onegin. And years later, he again declares his love, but does the right thing, thereby proving that loyalty to her is not an empty phrase.
Quotes. The wisdom of life
An example of cowardice is the quote that was written in the work of Gilbert Keith Chesterton in the Prehistoric Station, which reads as follows: āNoble people are vertebrate: they have softness on top and hardness deep down. Mollusks are today's cowards: they have hardness on the outside and soft inside. ā
Or here is such a wise quote from L.N. Tolstoy: "A cowardly friend is worse than the enemy, for you are afraid of the enemy, and you rely on your friend." The Bernard show once said these words: āA person can find any reason for justifying his actions, except for one reason, and for his crimes he also finds any justification, except one, for his safety - any reason, except one, and this one is his cowardice. ā
There is another very beautiful saying that I would like to give here as an example: "A warrior dies once and always with dignity, but a coward - thousands of times, every time he is afraid and always dies like a cowardly jackal."
Synonyms Meaning and Examples
First of all, it should be noted that synonyms are words that are distinguishable in spelling and sound, but relate to one part of speech, have a similar lexical meaning. In our case, synonyms for the word cowardice can be considered the words timidity, timidity, indecision. The line between all these words is rather thin. To understand the coward, you or not, you need to get into an extreme situation. And if, overcoming your fear, you are able to go forward for some good purpose, you are not a coward, but a worthy person. To date, it has been proven that fear can be corrected. Coward can be re-educated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, summing up the above, I would like to note the following moment: what is cowardice and how to get rid of this vice? Cowardice is spiritual weakness, betrayal. First of all, you need to learn to control yourself and subjugate your fear to yourself with the help of reason and will. Choose the right attitude and keep your fear in tight rein, strictly controlling it. Until he becomes your slave, your servant. Replace fear with a quality such as courage that is inherent in the best sons of mankind: warriors, knights, officers, and simply worthy people.