Themes – WJECHeroes - Themes overview

In Heroes Robert Cormier introduces four main themes, which can be categorised as follows:

The novel takes place just before, during and immediately after World War Two. It looks at what happens to people as a result of war, and it poses the question: what is a hero?

The novel is very concerned with how people appear to others; it also makes the reader consider whether a disguise has to be literal or can be figurative.

Heroes is concerned with the theme of loneliness. Characters can be very lonely even when they are not alone. They have a sense of isolation because their experiences set them apart from others.

The theme of forgiveness is a major one in Heroes; a sin has been committed but the sinner does not acknowledge it. Instead someone else feels the guilt. Characters need to either forgive or be forgiven.