Imagine standing up to an angry, bloodthirsty cat. As if that's not scary enough, think about it from the perspective of a little squirrel. Sure you might be able to defend yourself against your neighbor's domestic feline (although we don't recommend it), but to Ulysses, Mr. Klaus is three times his size. That's like you defeating a polar bear. Yikes.
Ulysses proves that he's big and brave despite his tiny body, yet there are other types of courage in Flora and Ulysses, too, that are not of the fighting variety. William shows courage when he learns to be true to himself despite the obstacles, and Flora learns how to stand up to her mom when she's lying. Whether you're fighting a nasty cat or standing up for what you believe, these characters show us what it means to be courageous.
Questions About Courage
- Who is the most courageous character in Flora and Ulysses? Why?
- Do you think Ulysses was courageous before his vacuum accident? How does Flora help him act more bravely?
- Many characters start to come around to the idea that Ulysses is a superhero once he shows courage. Why do you think that is?
- Should all superheroes be courageous?
- Have you ever had to stand up to a bully or parent? Do you relate more with Flora or Ulysses when they show courage?
Chew on This
Flora shows more courage than anyone else because she stands up for what she thinks is right and declares her feelings to the world, even though she might get made fun of for loving a squirrel.
Ulysses is the most courageous character because he fights villains much bigger than himself for others without asking for anything in return. Ultimately, it's his selflessness makes him brave.