Minor Heroism (Masterplots II: Short Story Series, Revised Edition)
At a glance:
- Author: Allan Gurganus
- First Published: 1974
- Type of Plot: Psychological, domestic realism
- Time of Work: 1942-1972
- Setting: North Carolina
- Principal Characters: Richard, Helen, Bryan, Bradley,
- Genres: Short fiction
- Subjects: 1950’s, 1960’s, 1970’s, North America or North Americans, United States or Americans, Parents and children, Homosexuality or homosexuals, Twentieth century, 1940’s, World War II, Brothers, Fathers, North Carolina, Veterans, Heroes or heroism, Generation gap
- Locales: North Carolina
The Story
“Minor Heroism” is a story in three parts. The first part is essentially a biographical sketch of Richard in his prime, from his stint in the military in the 1940's to his young fatherhood in the 1950's.
Along with most of the members of his fraternity at the University of Virginia, Richard enlists in the Army Air Corps in 1942; he subsequently serves as a bombardier during the controversial Allied firebombing of Dresden, Germany, in February of 1945. On his return from that mission, he is “decorated for minor heroism” and photographed being kissed by...
[The entire page is 1599 words long]
Join eNotes
Over 3,500 study guides, question and answer forums, literature criticism, reference content, and much more!
See Also
