English & Literature

The Aged Mother" by Basho The Old Man at the Bridge" by Ernest Hemingway

Explain how each of the characters in the stories displays courage or lack of courage: the old mother and the son in "The Aged Mother" and the old man and the narrator in "The Old Man at the Bridge".

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Last updated by Jill W
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The old woman is courageous because she faces her fate head on.... always loving, and always guiding.

Her son is courageous for refusing to abandon her.... for carrying her home, knowing the possible ramifications he faced if discovered.

The old man is courageous because he stands (sits) prepared to face the approaching army. He doesn't stand against them, and he is exhausted.... thus, he cannot continue on his way. He must simply face what comes. For the old man, the only thing he has left to lose is his life.... and his life has been left behind.