In this article we will consider such a thing as cowardice. We will give examples, we will analyze in detail the meaning of this word. Writers often address this issue. On the example of literary works, we will give examples of cowardice in various situations. Let's analyze the behavior and actions of literary characters. So, let's begin. What is cowardice?
Definition of this term
Under the concept of "cowardice" refers to the refusal of a person from any action or deed in a certain situation, the cause of which lies in fear. Such behavior of a person is considered a negative character trait. The word "cowardice" comes from the noun coward (in the Proto-Slavic language it means "the one who is shaking"). The words cowardly or cowardly are also derivatives of it.
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 quality of a person, which means a particularly attentive attitude, enhanced manifestationvigilance. It is the ability to think several steps ahead, foreseeing the consequences of one's 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 define cowardice? It is an unreasonable flight from some perceived danger without an adequate assessment of the latter.
The manifestation of cowardice. Examples
It should be remembered that fear 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.
An example is the case when the same person is afraid of heights, but is not afraid to engage in single combat with a group of notorious villains. Or, for example, showing cowardice in front of the boss, the same person will not be afraid to jump out of the plane with a parachute.
So what is cowardice? Mental 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 at the necessary moment is not capable of responsible actions, therefore he is inclined to commit a crime because of his fear. Therefore, a coward is considered a potential traitor who is able to frame, slander,throw in danger.
A normal person experiences a feeling of fear. But he is able to overcome himself, take control of his fear, will not commit a rash act or crime. A coward is like an animal that, driven by fear, is incapable of the process of thinking, and does everything to save its precious skin. Therefore, cowardice is always despised. This is a shameful quality of a person, causing only disgust.
"Fathers and Sons", "Garnet Bracelet". Reckless courage and desperate cowardice
Writers often refer to this topic. There are many examples of this in the literature. Let's take a look at some of them. Turgenev's work "Fathers and Sons", known to everyone since the school curriculum. Using the example of Bazarov's character, consider the situation. The duel that took place, the cause of which was a kiss, describes the behavior and state of the heroes, for whom honor is not an empty phrase. Overcoming fear, the heroes defend their beliefs, although one kiss should not endanger a person's life. Desperate cowardice and reckless courage have become a counterbalance to each other.
There is another remarkable example of cowardice in Kuprin's "Garnet Bracelet". The hero of the story is a petty official who is selflessly in love with a woman. But the fear of rejection keeps him from opening up 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, she realizes that true love in her lifewalked past her.
"War and Peace". Cowardice and valor. Victory over yourself
What is cowardice? The opposite of courage and bravery. Trained courage, first of all, is a victory over your fears, in other words, a victory over yourself.
As an example, here is the character of the novel by L. N. Tolstoy "War and Peace" by Nikolai Rostov, who during his first battle experienced a feeling of fear, could not overcome the cowardice that had swallowed him and fled from the enemy. In the future, he will be able to defeat cowardice in himself and act like a real brave man, protecting his homeland from the oppression of the enemy.
"Eugene Onegin". Public opinion
We all love the work of the brilliant Russian poet Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin, which describes a similar situation in which the protagonist Eugene Onegin finds himself. He receives a duel challenge from Vladimir Lensky, to whom he does not feel hostility, but, fearing condemnation from society, accepts the challenge. Under fear of being branded a coward, Onegin becomes one.
The meaning of the word "cowardice" in this situation can be thought of as the inability to do the right thing under fear of public opinion. In contrast, as an example, one can put the act of Tatyana Larina, who, not afraid of the opinion of society, herself declares her love to Onegin. And years later, she again confesses her love to him, but she does the right thing, thereby proving that loy alty is not empty for her.sound.
Quotes. The wisdom of life
An example of this is a quote about cowardice, which is written in the work of Gilbert Keith Chesterton in the Prehistoric Station, which reads as follows: “Noble people are vertebrates: they have softness on top, and hardness deep inside. Mollusks are current cowards: hard on the outside, soft on the inside.”
Or such a wise quote from L. N. Tolstoy: "A cowardly friend is more terrible than an enemy, because you fear the enemy, but you rely on your friend." Shaw Bernard once uttered the following words on this subject: “A person can find any reason but one justification to justify his actions, and for his crimes he also finds any excuse but one, for his safety - any reason but one, and that alone is his cowardice.”
There is another very beautiful statement that I would like to give here as an example: "A warrior dies once and always with dignity, a coward - thousands of times, every time he is afraid, and he 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 belong to the same part of speech, have a similar lexical meaning. In our case, the words timidity, timidity, indecision can be considered synonyms for the word cowardice. The line between all these words is quite thin. To understand a coward, you or not, you need to get into an extreme situation. Andif, 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. A coward can be re-educated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, summing up what has been said, I would like to note the following point: what is cowardice and how to get rid of this vice? Cowardice is mental weakness, betrayal. First of all, you need to learn how to control yourself and subdue your fear with the help of reason and will. Choose the right attitude and keep your fear in a tight grip, tightly controlling it. Until he becomes your slave, your servant. Replace fear with such a quality as courage, which is inherent in the best sons of mankind: warriors, knights, officers and just worthy people.
