Henty Essay Contest Winners
FIRST PLACE WINNER
Curtis Ting
DUTY, HONOR, and COURAGE: THE IDEAL CHARACTER
In his seventy years of life, G.A. Henty saw much of the world. Participating in
several major battles in a number of wars, as well as enjoying adventures in India
and the California gold fields, he encountered many men of different character.
Some were good, some bad. He observed them all. He recorded them. His unique
journeys greatly aided him not only in writing the military background for his books,
but also in the formation of the characters of his heroes. Masterfully, Henty does
not create literary magnum opuses simply from meticulously gathered historical facts
about major events; but also from his examinations of the values and beliefs of
those periods of time. In every one of his books, through all the major time periods,
duty, honor, and courage had been highly esteemed virtues. Consequently, while reading
Henty’s books, one asks, “What can I learn about duty, honor, and courage
from G.A. Henty, the writer of ideal characters?”
In all of Henty’s books, a sense of duty is a quality possessed by every hero.
When thinking of duty, I remember John of Gamala’s sense of responsibility
to his nation during the siege of Jerusalem (For The Temple). His sense of
duty helped him maintain focus on the task at hand: the defeat of the Romans. He
knew his enemy, unlike other war leaders in Jerusalem who did not feel loyalty to
their own nation, and who bickered endlessly amongst themselves. John’s sense
of duty gave him sharp resolve against the Romans; it prevented him from clashing
with other factions within the city; and it caused him to treat civilians humanely,
for he knew these were the very people he ought not to exploit but to defend. Clearly,
one might also recall Ned Martin’s persistence in the face of successive losses
during the rise of the Dutch Republic (By Pike and Dyke). His determination
was derived from his loyalty to a country beleaguered by seemingly invincible foes.
In both examples, the heroes knew their responsibility to their countries. If only
the youth of today would know it as well. Another aspect of duty which today’s
youth should grasp may be found in the sense of duty in Ned Martin to his parents.
Knowing his obligation to obey his parent - although the latter was sorely wounded
- Ned departed from his father’s side against his own will. This demonstrates
that obedience to a father or mother comes before one’s own wishes; and the
child who understands this appreciates duty.
To be honorable is to retain strong moral character, as well as to adhere to ethical
principles. G.A. Henty, a committed Christian, greatly accentuated the importance
of integrity in each of his compositions. Each hero’s ethics and morals prove
congruent with the teachings of the Bible, even those who are pagan! A further meaning
of honor is glory and fame. Of the former, bear in mind Amuba (The Cat of Bubastes),
who led an army and fought against the Egyptians for the honor of the Rebu nation.
In addition, recall again Rupert Holliday’s intrepid duel with the German swordsman.
While fighting for his own honor, Rupert also struggled on behalf of the reputation
of the entire English army. Some might think that honor in the sense of glory and
reputation seems a fickle thing; however, this is not true. Admittedly, one can
easily assume honor to be temporal recognition for an achievement. On the other
hand, honor can be a reflection of God’s approval as conveyed through other
men. This would explain why Henty emphasized it so repeatedly. Undoubtedly, children
today should learn about, and what, honor implies.
Within every one of the works of Henty, no quality is more highly accentuated than
courage. Repeatedly placing his characters in one conflict after another, he stressed
the importance of “sticking to one’s guns” despite staggering odds.
“Valor is of no age,” said the Grand Prior to Gervaise Tresham (A Knight
of the White Cross). One does not have to be a seasoned soldier to display
courage. In fact, a thirteen year-old of today can display the same courage as a
seasoned soldier of old. Of Rupert Holliday (Cornet of Horse) it was observed,
“He faces [certain] death as calmly as if he were ignorant of his danger.”
This remark was made when Rupert fearlessly engaged a German redneck in single combat,
and – to everyone’s amazement – ran him through. Similarly, the
courage of Rupert against the German might also be seen today in conflicts with
school-yard bullies. Time and time again, G.A. Henty’s young and unassuming
heroes distinguished themselves either in open battles, stealthy espionage, or honorable
duels. Although each, in his first conflict, confessed to anxiety and fear, their
conduct in combat proved their worth and audacity. It is this kind of courage –
the kind that prompts unshakable resolve even through dire straits – which
should be instilled in the youth of today.
As has been shown, G.A. Henty clearly values the three virtues of duty, honor, and
courage. One may wonder, why does Henty feel these three are so important? Simply
put, because they are the elements of an upright spirit. Without duty, a man knows
no responsibility; without honor, a man owns no dignity; and without courage, a
man lacks initiative. For the author, honor embraces all, because without courage,
honor becomes stained; and without a sense of responsibility honor seems vacuous
and a mere show of bravado. Through his travels, through his adventures and through
his experiences, Henty’s understanding of human character took shape. As a
result, he has left a set of guidelines for noble character in the subtle form of
adventure narratives. What better way to impact younger generations than through
the modeling of heroes to whom they can relate? It is the legacy he wishes to leave
behind to subsequent generations. It is the legacy of G.A. Henty, the creator of
ideal and honorable characters.
ABOUT CRUTIS TING
I, Curtis Ting, age fourteen, was born and raised in Seattle, Washington, but am
temporarily residing in Vancouver, Canada. The eldest of four siblings, I am a full-blooded
Christian Chinese who enjoys Latin. Currently a Grade Nine homeschooler, I split
most of my time between schoolwork and tennis. My hobbies include writing, debate,
and — most of all — tennis.
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