Free Essay

Character Analysis

In:

Submitted By loweredchevy
Words 780
Pages 4
Robert Smith

Professor Chelsea Grammer

English 102

03 September 2011

Greg Mortenson’s Educational Mission in Life

There are a few occasions in a person’s life that can change them forever. The book, Three Cups of Tea, authored by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Reling, focuses on Greg Mortenson’s journey from an adventurous free spirit to a man on a crusade to bring education to the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan. In the United States, education is taken for granted because every child has a Right to Education. Mortenson was faced the reality of poor education in other countries when stumbling upon a village in Korphe and promised to make a difference in the education of children in the Middle East. He believed through education, the violence and bloodshed taking place in that region of the country will eventually stop. Mortenson’s educational vision evolves throughout the book as he overcomes personal barriers through life changing experiences, trials and tribulations, and the expression of his political views of education which pave the way to better life for people by teaching children.

Mortenson’s empathy and spontaneous nature was expressed early on by climbing a tall mountain in honor of his sister’s death. Through a series of events, he ended up lost at a location that would ultimately change his life forever. Having originally been taken in to rest from his hike, Mortenson’s compassionate nature shine and his focus in life begin change. Mortenson was in a poverty stricken village known as Korphe when he noticed the poor education standards. These events motivate Mortenson to help educate the people of these villages by building schools to repay the generosity that was given to him. The decision to build schools is also an example of his spontaneous nature to make a decision without considering all the details involved in completing the momentous task in the Middle East. It is this life changing experience along with his empathy and compassion that pave the way for Mortenson to accomplish his educational mission in life.

Mortenson’s new focus in life didn’t come with ease throughout the book as he encountered many trials and tribulations associated with his mission. He encountered many obstacles along the way such as the accumulation of funds to build schools as well as being captured by Taliban forces. His enduring compassion to overcome many obstacles throughout the book reinforces his character which makes his educational mission believable. While building his first school he learns a valuable lesson from the chief elder, Haji Ali. In the book Haji Ali states, “The first time you share tea with a Balti, you are a stranger. The second time you take tea, you are an honored guest. The third time you share a cup of tea, you become family, and for our family, we are prepared to do anything, even die” (Mortenson, Relin 150). Mortenson realized that his own spontaneous behavior was actually a hindrance in accomplishing his education mission, and he was responsible for some of the obstacles he was faced with.

While Mortenson was his own worst obstacle at times, his political views on education were very clear. Mortenson and Relin indicated the importance of resolving terrorism, and how it will be won using books and education rather than the use of military force to win the war (301). Mortenson’s definitive stance on education is politically motivated. To prevent bloodshed in future generation, Mortenson would rather use money to educate children. He that the dollars used in military operations was a waste and did not accomplish anything for future generations. Mortenson also believes that providing education to young men in particular will prevent extremist like behaviors commonly associated with poverty. These political views on education remained pretty consistent throughout the book and shed light to his mission for a better future without violence.

Mortenson is only one man, but because of his nature he was able to bring education to people who needed it. He didn’t have much focus in life until he found himself in the village of Korphe. After Mortenson’s life changing experience, he became focused on his educational mission to make a difference in future generations. He remained empathetic throughout the book but changed his spontaneous nature as time progressed by working with different cultures. These actions prove how much Mortenson promotes education no matter the social economic standing a person has. It was amazing to see how he overcame life changing experiences, trials and tribulations, and his political views of education which paved the way for a better life for people by teaching children.

Work Cited

Mortenson, Greg, and David Oliver Relin. Thee Cups of Tea. New York: Penguin, 2007. Print.

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Character Analysis

...Professor Susan W. Keith: Honors ECII Character Analysis: Paper #1- Character Analysis This paper is an analysis of the theme of alienation in Dagberto Gilb's short story, "Love in L.A." From its ironic title to its sense of continual longing for something "that would even make it better, “Jake,” the protagonist’s definition of “love” is expressed in different fashions, none results in anything positive; He portrays being lazy, somewhat poor, irresponsible, and perhaps a scam artist, lusting for materialistic things. Several essences reveal the main character true identity throughout the story: a love for image, self-conceit, and daydreaming. At the beginning, Jake, the central character, is "slouched" in his car, stuck "in the peculiar gray of concrete, smog, and early morning." The air and time around him are an amorphous mass that put him the mood to muse about the amorphous mass that is his life. Disdainful of those with regular jobs and regular routines, he waits for the traffic light to change while fantasizing about all the improvements his car ought to have and all the benefits those improvements would make. His way of cognition is similar to that of a younger person who's greatest preoccupations in life, like the stereotype of most guys, are cars and freedom. When the author states that "[Jake] needed an FM radio in something better than this '58 Buick..”(line 7), Gilb gives an estimate Jake's age bracket. The description the author gives of Jake thinking about...

Words: 1057 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Tyrell Character Analysis

...There comes a point in life where a person is saddened, feels useless, and has the world's weight on their shoulders. It's up to that person to either turn it all around or live miserable without taking initiative. Correspondingly, the novel Tyrell, has the same situations that some teens may have in their life. Tyrell, the main character, goes through hard patches and literally has no role models. He lives in an unfortunate environment, his mother and little brother move around from motel to motel, whatever seems fit from the EAU. His mother doesn't fill any of the empty holes in his heart nor does his father, they both are what drives Tyrell into doing what he does. His little brother though, Tyrell cherishes him and wants what's best for...

Words: 1189 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Movie Character Analysis

...Fictional Characters are characters we all know and loved as children but, have you ever stopped and wondered, ¨hmm we both posses that or those same characteristics¨. Well while viewing some shows and movies Ive found that there are 3 that share similar characteristics as I. All 3 characters that I believed had the same characteristics all come from different shows and or movie. The three fictional characters that most represent my personality are Tarzan from Tarzan for his wild ego that he shows among others and his ability to lead others, Stitch From Lilo and Stitch because he is extremely loyal to Lilo, his friend, but is is wild, and Crush from Finding Nemo because he a helpful, calm, gentle sea turtle and doesn't let anything bother him....

Words: 1335 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Character Analysis: The Outsiders

...One Step At A Time Summary: When he was only two, a car accident took his leg, and his mother. Now, Ponyboy must learn to deal with life as a fourteen year old with only one leg. With the help six brothers and dad, he's just going to have to take it one step at a time. (Mr. Curtis is alive!) Disclaimer: No, silly, I never have nor will I ever own The Outsiders. S.E. Hinton owns The Outsiders. *sighs* :( I simply borrow them for my own creative enjoyment purposes. Guest: White collar black wolf: I'm happy that you think so. :) Thank you so much! Kas3y: Ha ha, same though. You'll have to find out in here. Thank you so much for reviewing! HappierThanMost: Sofie (Guest): Amanda (Guest): What did I do? I don't know. I think you'll have to wait and see. xD Thank you so much, as always, for all of your awesome reviews. :) Candymouse22: Maybe, maybe not. Thank you so much, as always, for taking the time to leave a review. KT (Guest): Outsiders-stories-forever: RiceCrispy98: SunnyDreams (Guest): Well, good thing you get to find out what happens to everyone in this chapter! And exactly about Steve, and I definitely like showing him older and more mature, where he isn't thinking of Pony as a tag along kid but as one of his brothers. Thank you so much for your kind review! Guest: I know, I know! I'm terrible for leaving you guys with that cliffhanger. But you get to find out what happens in here. :) Thank you so much for your review. Chapter 12: Thanksgiving Traditions...

Words: 1311 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Character Analysis: The Chosen

...PSYDONEUM Ms. Meng English I: 8-1 due 11.2.15 Character Study Fan Fiction for The Chosen Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction based on Chaim Potok’s novel, The Chosen, published by Ballantine Books in 1967. I, its author, do not in any way profit from this story. All rights to the characters belong to the copyright holder(s) of The Chosen. Hero It rained that entire week; constant, ravenous rain that clawed against the ground, as if searching for something buried deep under the mud. The rain lulled me to sleep, and the radio too, playing from down the hall. Our heroes are coming home, it would say. And I’d repeat it to myself. They’re coming home soon. Home to me was the hospital. The white walls, the white door,...

Words: 1034 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Unbroken Character Analysis

...The novel, Unbroken, is based off of true events where the main character, Louie, faces many exciting moments yet many hardships in his life. As a young kid, he was a troublemaker, he always stole goods and got caught by authorities countless times. But when his brother introduced him to track, his entire life changed. As he grew, he became more and more of a runner. Until later in his life he became an Olympic runner. But when WW2 started, he was drafted into the Air Force as a Bombardier. He flew on many missions over the Pacific against Japan in his trusty B-24 Liberator, the Super Man, and his crew. Some time later, the Super Man had to be put out of commission after surviving a bombing run with 594 bullets in it and the crew had to go...

Words: 618 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

The Outsiders Character Analysis Essay

...The Outsiders Analysis Gang violence has severed consequences that affects the life of many adolescence. Young adults are exposed to many dangers when they become part of a gang. As in the book The Outsiders by S.E Hinton all the characters where affected in many ways by the violence that a gang exposes. Ponyboy the main character of the story had to deal with stabbings and deaths of people that where closed to him because of the violent environment that he lived in. In The Outsiders Ponyboy was affected by the violence that surrounded him as not being able to walk alone home, the murder of Bob and the death of Dally. Ponyboy was afraid to walk home alone, because he was in danger since he was a greaser. He mentions “Greasers can’t walk alone too much or they’ll get jumped, or someone will come by and scream “Greaser!” at them, which doesn’t make you feel hot, if you know what I mean. We get jumped by the Socs” (Hinton 2). Ponyboy was affected by this because he could not walk...

Words: 730 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Cousin Simmons Character Analysis

...“Cousin Simmons might be the nicest and most delicate writer in all the country…” (Fast 23). April Morning by Howard Fast takes place April 18th, 1775 near Lexington, Massachusetts on the verge of the American Revolution. Joseph Simmons, often referred to as Cousin Simmons, is the father of Ruth Simmons and the “neighbor and kin” (Fast 18) of the Coopers. He is also the blacksmith of Lexington. Joseph is a cautious and kind character, but throughout the book becomes tremendously brave as a leader. Joseph is a round and dynamic character who is cautious at the beginning of the book. Adam thinks highly of him and his values. “Some of them, like Cousin Simmons, actually disliked arguments and attempted to avoid them whenever possible…” (Fast...

Words: 528 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Gearta Lowe Character Analysis

...Introduction One character in the novel. A Night Divided.by Jennifer Nielson Gearta Lowe as known as the main character. Mama is the mom and named Katharina. Gearta was worried the wall being up because they did not sleep well. The fears were only getting up before Gearta was wearied. Gearta is a hardworking and active character. Paragraph 2 Gearta Lowe also known as the main character is a hardworking character. The first thing Gearta douse is dig when her mom leaves. Gearta was going to stand up and be hardworking or sit in chains so the first thing Gearta did was dig. The other time was when they were working they heard someone digging. They are active because they are always helping and sometimes digging. Lastly they were working and...

Words: 294 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Mark Haddon Character Analysis

...The first way Mark Haddon shows us how people with disabilities are handicapped by communities is by showing us how Christopher acts similarly to other people. Throughout the book, Haddon shows us Christopher’s thought process and actions. They are quite similar to that of someone we would consider “normal,” even in his most unnatural environments. For example, Christopher thinks of familiar things when he is uncomfortable, he talks about games and science, and thinks slightly differently by the increased structure and precision. An example of this is when he explains how he recalls people: “And this is how I recognize someone if I don’t know who they are. I see what they are wearing, or if they have a walking stick, or funny hair, or a certain...

Words: 293 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

To Kill A Mockingbird Character Analysis

...Did you ever notice that peoples around us change as things happen, and time goes on? In the novel “To Kill A Mockingbird” by Harper Lee,(Re-Word Whole Sentence) you can notice that happening throughout the novel, from beginning to end. The characters that have the most change, are the two protagonists, Scout and Jem. They get older throughout the novel, and as such they mature Do not list one of your paragraphs points in introduction. Different events that occur around them cause them to shape their views. The fact that they are still kids makes their minds more malleable, and they often side with ones close to them in conflicts. This causes them to adopt morals as they grow up, and changes how they view things in everyday life. Jem and Scout change throughout the novel, for a variety of reasons. As Scout and Jem age, they gain maturity, as humans do. When Scout attends school for the first time at 6 years old,...

Words: 1094 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Fifth Business Character Analysis

...Business Fifth Business is a novel, based in archetypes, about character development, specifically developing all sides of one’s person and not leaving any side “raw”. The main character, Dunny, is subject to this experience of developing largely due to an incident where Dunny steals an egg from his mother, and she, in turn, attacks him viciously (as all friendly mothers do) and beats him. This experience is pivotal in the story because it helps open up Dunny to the notion that people have more than 1 side to them, spawns Dunny’s distrust and lack of understanding of women, and makes Dunny a more “raw” and underdeveloped character which originates Dunny’s need for development....

Words: 822 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Zebra Crossing Character Analysis

...Connecting My Life To Fiction: Personal Response The novel Zebra Crossing by Meg Vandermerwe is about the suffering of people who are different. Chipo is a character that is both innocent and vulnerable, and who helps her brother and friends without even a simple thank you. Her appearance and background make her a character i can relate to easily because her issues are one i know from my own experience. Her decisions and ambitions maker her a character that i can not relate to because her choices and actions hurt not only herself but the people around her, and these choices and actions are against my moral code. nonetheless her similarities and differences to me is what helps me as a reader understand both her and myself better. Being an albino, refugee, and a teenager can be a hard life for anyone. Chipo is no different. Being dissimilar...

Words: 841 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Play 'Prior': Character Analysis

...My favorite character so far is Prior. He goes through a lot in the play and yet he does not let it break him. He first has to process and come to terms with his mortality when he is diagnosed with AIDS. Then, he is cheated on and deserted by his boyfriend (Louis), who cannot bear to deal with the pain and trauma of watching a loved one waste away from AIDS. When he begins to experience his visions, he begins to doubt himself and wonders how much of what he sees is real or as a result of his AIDS. As I read the book, I wondered how he was able to communicate with Harper in his dream. He had not been introduced as a person with supernatural powers. I also found it interesting that although the angel that crashes through his roof is female, he...

Words: 359 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Jacob Portman Character Analysis

...“I was plagued by wakeupscreaming nightmares so bad that I had to wear a mouth guard to keep from grinding my teeth into nubs as I slept.” (pg. 39) Night terrors, along with anxiety, become a way of life for Jacob Portman after the death of his grandfather. By all accounts, he is a “normal” teenager who spends the better part of a summer in an “abnormal” place trying to figure out what his grandfather meant before he died. Through the story, Jacob’s personality changes tremendously due to his relationships with other characters . All throughout his childhood, Jacob’s grandfather, Abe, plays a huge role in his life. He is always sharing stories from his own childhood; stories that seem quite peculiar. Jacob listens to his grandfather’s tales intently and wants to believe they are all true, no matter how farfetched...

Words: 544 - Pages: 3