Introduction on “Minor Heroism” by Allan Gurganus
Minor Heroism by Allan Gurganus is a story that mainly focuses on the connection between a father and his son. The tale is separated into three portions; the last and first part are from the son’s opinions and ideas while the middle part is written based on the father’s point of view. The older son, David describes the life that he shared with his dad, a renowned hero during World War II who had no concern for his son who loved art. After the war, the father came to be an insurance worker and made a home with Helen, his wife in a district in Virginia. He had two children, Bradley, and David. David was more subtle. He liked staying indoors and he really enjoyed drawing. He had no admiration for his dad regardless of his competency in the war and was disgusted by the fact that he always forced him to become strong person. When David developed into a young man, he became homosexual and he also dis artwork. In the second portion of the story, the father claims that he always provided the best interests of his kids and often spoiled them in every manner. He really desired David to be outgoing but David on no occasion understood why and instead, he grew up failing to meet his father’s expectations. This part also talks of Bradley’s wedding where David appeared with his peculiar homosexual friend. In the final part, David explains an incident which occurred while he was eight years of age. He was sketching a picture of him and his dad. His father claimed that he wanted to have a glance at what David was drawing but David declined. He finally gave his father the drawing which he attempted to scratch his sketch out due to the fact that he never acknowledged his son’s artistic passion.