Call It Courage | Themes

Call It Courage Themes

Fitting In

The whole premise of this novel centers on a boy who doesn't fit in. As he is different from the other boys (in that his fear of the sea prevents him from taking part in the traditional education the boys undergo), Mafatu is ostracized by his peers and, more importantly, by his father. This is the case in many societies even today. Anyone who is viewed as different is considered to be inferior, and as a result they are cast out of the crowd and forced to make their own way.

Mafatu desperately wants to be accepted by his community and by his father. He does not want to be viewed as an object of shame or disappointment, and he takes his destiny in his own hands when he sets out to prove to the doubters that he is worthy of their respect and capable of conquering his fear. Mafatu...
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