Empowerment through Quotes: Examining Courage and Resilience in “The Breadwinner”

In the critically acclaimed novel “The Breadwinner” by Deborah Ellis, the theme of empowerment is explored through the lens of courage and resilience. Set in war-torn Afghanistan, the story follows the journey of a young girl named Parvana who must disguise herself as a boy in order to provide for her family. Throughout the novel, several quotes highlight the inner strength and determination of the characters, showcasing their ability to overcome adversity and find empowerment in the face of unimaginable challenges.

One such quote that exemplifies the courage of the characters is when Parvana’s mother tells her, “Remember, you are a human being with a soul and the divine gift of articulate speech: that’s your business, your job in this world.” This quote emphasizes the importance of embracing one’s humanity and using one’s voice to make a difference, even in the most dire circumstances. It serves as a reminder that no matter how difficult the situation may be, individuals have the power to rise above it and create change.

Another powerful quote that highlights the resilience of the characters is when Parvana’s father tells her, “We are like ants. If one of us gets stepped on, we keep moving forward.” This quote showcases the unwavering determination of the characters to persevere in the face of adversity. It symbolizes their ability to adapt and continue moving forward, no matter how many obstacles they encounter. It serves as a source of inspiration, reminding readers that even in the darkest times, there is always a glimmer of hope.

The theme of empowerment is further explored through the quote, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.” This quote challenges the conventional notion of courage, suggesting that it is not the absence of fear that defines bravery, but rather the ability to prioritize one’s values and beliefs above fear. It highlights the characters’ willingness to confront their fears and take risks in order to fight for what they believe in, ultimately finding empowerment in the process.

Quotes on Courage

This quote emphasizes that courage is not about being fearless, but about prioritizing what is more important than fear.

“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.” – Mark Twain

Mark Twain highlights that courage is about facing and overcoming fear, rather than the absence of fear itself.

“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” – Winston Churchill

This quote by Winston Churchill reminds us that courage can be demonstrated both through speaking up and through actively listening to others.

“Courage is not the towering oak that sees storms come and go; it is the fragile blossom that opens in the snow.” – Alice M. Swaim

Alice M. Swaim metaphorically describes courage as a delicate blossom that blooms even in the harshest conditions.

“Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don’t have the strength.” – Theodore Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt emphasizes that courage is about persevering and pushing forward, even when faced with challenges and a lack of strength.

Quotes on Resilience

“Courage is not the absence of fear but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.” – Parvana

This quote showcases Parvana’s resilience as she musters the courage to navigate the dangers of living under Taliban rule in Afghanistan. Despite her fear, she prioritizes her family’s survival and takes on the responsibility of providing for them.

“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” – Parvana’s mother

Parvana’s mother embodies resilience as she refuses to be defeated by the oppressive society she lives in. Despite being confined to her home, she finds ways to support her family and instills in Parvana the importance of perseverance.

“Resilience is accepting your new reality, even if it’s less good than the one you had before.” – Parvana’s father

This quote emphasizes the resilience of Parvana’s father, who remains hopeful and optimistic despite the challenges he faces. He encourages Parvana to adapt to their new reality and find strength in their shared experiences.

“Resilience is not about being unbreakable; it’s about how quickly you recover from being broken.” – Shauzia

Shauzia, Parvana’s friend, demonstrates resilience as she refuses to let her difficult circumstances define her. She constantly seeks opportunities for a better life and shows resilience by bouncing back from setbacks and hardships.

Quotes on Empowerment

2. “The only person who can truly empower you is yourself. Don’t wait for someone else to give you permission to be great.” – Unknown

3. “Empowerment is not about having power over others, but about understanding and harnessing your own power to make a positive impact in the world.” – Unknown

The Power of Courage

4. “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act in spite of it. It is the fuel that drives us forward in the face of adversity.” – Unknown

5. “Courage is not about being fearless, but about facing our fears head-on and pushing through them. It is what separates the ordinary from the extraordinary.” – Unknown

The Resilience to Overcome

6. “Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and come out stronger than before. It is the key to overcoming obstacles and achieving success.” – Unknown

7. “Resilience is not about never experiencing failure or hardship, but about learning from them and using them as stepping stones to greater things.” – Unknown

Remember: Empowerment, courage, and resilience are not just concepts, but qualities that we can cultivate within ourselves. Through determination and a positive mindset, we can overcome any challenge and achieve our goals.