Essay Questions

How does the author build the theme of living to the fullest in the novel The Hero of This Book?

One of the most important lessons the reader learns from the novel The Hero of This Book is to live life to its fullest regardless of any situation. After the narrator's mother dies, she reflects on how she struggled to make her happy. Most importantly, the narrator acknowledges that she let her mother down by not thanking her for her struggles. Therefore, the narrator resolves to live her life to the fullest because that is the only way to get satisfaction in whatever she does.

What is the primary paradox in the novel?

Throughout the novel, the author depicts the narrator's mother as caring and determined to help her daughter live a better life. Every parent is responsible for taking care of their children and providing whatever they want in life. In this novel, the author shows the mother's sacrifice when she takes a loan to afford her daughter the luxuries she needs to be happy. Paradoxically, the daughter does not appreciate any effort her mother makes. According to the daughter, her mother is a miser who does not want to spend on her. This is quite the contrary because readers can see the mother's sacrifice to ensure her daughter's happiness.

What makes the narrator’s late mother a unique person?

The narrator's mother was exceptional because she had a command of language. The mother had a collection of English books on her shelves, indicating that she loved reading. In addition, the narrator's mother was dazzling and an accomplished scholar. People recognized her academic prowess throughout her life, and she was a role model to many. The narrator finds it difficult to fit into her mother's shoes, but she is determined to do her best to make her life worth living.