Essays on literary works - 2024
Living by Honor: Lessons from Dumas and Verne
Alexandre Dumas' The Three Musketeers and Jules Verne's Children of Captain Grant are two of my favorite adventure novels. The protagonists in both stories embody the concept of living by a code of honor.
In Verne's novel, the expedition members searching for Captain Grant demonstrate unwavering loyalty to one another. They never abandon a friend in need and are always ready to lend a helping hand. Robert's resourcefulness saves them from cannibalistic natives, while Major McNabbs unmasks the treacherous Ayrton. Even the bumbling Paganel plays a crucial role, supporting his companions in their quest.
Dumas' musketeers live by the motto "All for one, one for all." This means they stand together through thick and thin, always ready to defend their friends, their country, and their honor. Fear, wealth, or power cannot sway them from their principles. It is precisely this unwavering adherence to honor that ensures their ultimate triumph.
Similarly, the characters in Children of Captain Grant succeed because they live by their conscience. By being honorable and just, they overcome numerous obstacles.
These novels teach us the importance of loyalty, courage, and integrity. The heroes of both stories inspire us to always do what is right, even in the face of adversity. They demonstrate that living by a code of honor is not just a noble ideal but a practical way to navigate life's challenges.