# The Coward Hero explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by George MacDonald.

## What happens

Photogen, ashamed of his cowardice in the face of night, attempts repeatedly to conquer his fear of darkness but fails each time. His repeated failures lead to a loss of confidence, sleeplessness, and ultimately a physical and mental collapse, ending in delirium.

## Themes in this chapter

### Reality vs. Illusion

Photogen's self-image as a courageous hunter is shattered by the reality of his terror at night, revealing the illusion of his bravery.

### Suffering and Divine Chastening

Photogen's repeated failures and subsequent physical and mental breakdown serve as a form of chastening, forcing him to confront his limitations.

## Character check-ins

### Watho

Referenced as the witch who took pains over Photogen's health.

### Nycteris

Mentioned as the girl with deep blue eyes who previously tended to Photogen.

## Key lines

> But no sooner had the sun reached the noonstead, than Photogen began to remember the past night in the shadow of that which was at hand, and to remember it with shame.

As soon as the sun was at its highest, Photogen recalled the previous night with shame, dreading the coming darkness.

_Highlights Photogen's anticipatory shame and fear of the night._

> Seven times in all, he tried to face the coming night in the strength of the past day, and seven times he failed—failed with such increase of failure...

He attempted to confront the night seven times, relying on the day's strength, but each attempt ended in greater failure.

_Emphasizes the repetitive and escalating nature of his failure._

> ...his sleep forsook him, and on the seventh morning, instead of going to the hunt, he crawled into the castle, and went to bed.

He lost all ability to sleep, and on the seventh morning, he abandoned the hunt and retreated to bed in the castle.

_Marks the culmination of his physical and psychological collapse._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_21_se/chapters/xv-the-coward-hero
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_21_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_21_se/chapters