TOW #3 "The Real Source of Heroic Behavior'

"The Real Source of Heroic Behavior" is a a Time article written by Elizabeth Svoboda, the author of What Makes a Hero?: The Surprising Science of Selflessness. Because Svoboda is not a well-known writer, she cannot establish automatic ethos with her audience. The audience in this article isn't specified but it is most likely targeted towards adults who are interested in psychology.

Svoboda's main purpose in writing this is to debunk the generalization that heroes are larger-than-life figures and prove that they can be in fact, normal people. In the article, Svoboda first lists the characteristics of a hero then backs it up with evidence from a real situation. Some of the characteristics she depicts are determination to lead a meaningful life in the face of challenges, more likely to take unusual risks and more likely to take part in social service. The author's evidence is given the form of exemplification. She introduces a normal 47-year old school clerk, Antoinette Tuff who prevented a mass shooting in Decatur, GA. Tuff, who has been through her own share of difficulties was able to talk the shooter, Michael Brandon Hill to dropping his gun. The author quotes Tuff, "You know I tried to commit suicide last year after my husband left me...It's gonna be all right, sweetheart. I just want you to know that I love you, though, okay?" By using Tuff's words, the author is able to appeal to pathos to the audience and make herself, as well as Tuff seem more credible in the article.

Tuff was a fitting example for Svoboda's argument that our society's conception of heroes as unflappable males is far too narrow. Tuff's decision to risk her life to save 800 children and staff members demonstrates that women also feel compelled to take risks to help others.