Books

Top 4 Independent and Inspirational Book Characters

Aubrey Leaman

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In the spirit of the Fourth of July, here are four of the most upstanding and independent literary characters of all time:

Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird: Despite the intense racism surrounding him, Atticus fights for what is right even when it is highly dangerous.

Beauty from Beauty and the Beast: She freely gives her life in exchange for her father’s, even though she expects to die as a result.

Jane Eyre: She herself says, “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.”  Despite her love for Mr. Rochester, she does not let him control her and even (SPOILERS) leaves him after the failed wedding because she will not be made a mistress.

Jean Valjean from Les Misérables: Originally a prisoner, Valjean takes advantage of his freedom to make a difference in the world.  From Fantine to Cosette to Marius and more, Valjean is one of the best examples of using your independence and freedom to help others.

 

Shout-out to A Kinder Way for blogging that Jane Eyre quote in relation to the Fourth of July.  It inspired this post!

Happy Fourth!

If you liked this post, you may also enjoy Bilbo Baggins in Rapunzel’s Tower (And Other Rapunzel Character Swaps), GPS Literary Characters, and How to Actually Enjoy Classical Music (For Book Lovers).  

You can follow me on Twitter here.

 

23 thoughts on “Top 4 Independent and Inspirational Book Characters”

  2. What a great idea for a post! Huck Finn could be added to the list, too–he finally learns to follow his own conscience and help free Jim, despite what his society has taught him. And of course Jim–he ran away for his independence.

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  5. This is a really great post! I’ve never seen Les Misérables but I’ve heard a lot about it 🙂 But I really love Beauty and the Beast – one of my favourite Disney films ❤

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  11. I love Jean Valjean among other Les Mis characters. I feel strongly for these characters and the connection is quite deep. This inspiring tale full of love, hope, compassion, forgiveness, sacrifice, humanity, and redemption. Jean Valjean faces a lot of injustice but makes a difference in the lives of others and through an act of mercy shown by the bishop, he shows compassion towards others and puts others happiness before his own. He showed compassion towards Fantine by agreeing to raise Cosette and rescued Cosette from a life of abuse by the hands of the Thenardiers and so on. Les Mis is so complex, but so well crafted and it such a classic masterpiece and the musical brings out the uniqueness of the book

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