The donkey is the hero - Exposition

The Donkey
By Catherine Gunther and Jessica Wolbers

The real hero in the, The Silver Donkey is the donkey itself.
The donkey is a brave creature; it has shown bravery in all the tales. Here is an example from the second tale on page 86. ‘It raised its voice bravely and said, “ It’s true I have known suffering, sky. That’s why I can not bear the sight of it … I will not take pleasure in the suffering of others. I would rather endure suffering myself, than see it inflicted on the world in my name.” ‘ The donkey was scared and told not to go up the mountain to see the sky, that he would make a fool of the people and animals is what he was told. Even though he was frightened he did go up to the sky to ask for rain for the common good to the world.
The donkey is also persistent in doing the tasks that were set for him/her. The donkey has shown persistence in the most in the first tale as well as the others. Hazel, the donkey was persistent to help the baby leave Bethlehem to escape the danger. As shown on page 48 and 49 ‘the old donkey was growing restless. She kicked the walls with her hooves. … “I think she is pining for Ruth,” said Mary. “We must take her home, Joseph.” … they saw in the distance vast legion of the king’s soldiers racing towards Bethlehem. … Mary and Joseph were glad they left. It was never good to be in the same place as the king’s soldiers. Hazel tugged the rope. “All right, Hazel!” said Joseph. “We’re coming, we’re coming.” They walked and walked.’ The donkey was tired in this quote but she kept going to protect the baby’s life that was in danger from the king’s soldier going to Bethlehem to kill all the babies born in the last three years which would have included Mary and Joseph’s baby.

The donkey was also loyal in all the tales, which shows true heroism. The donkey in the third tale comes out of hiding to comfort his carer, Jack when he was shot through the heart at war from a snipers bullet on the battle field. It shows that the donkey is loyal to Jack because on his death bed he comes to comfort Jack, to give him hope of life. As quoted on page 138 and 139. ‘Then he felt something touched his face. … He knew that the donkey had left the bushes and come to him, and lowered his grey face to his own. Its soft muzzle had brushed his cheek as delicately as velvet. He smelt its rustic, dusty scent. The smells made Jack think of home.’ The donkey was a loyal creature who had formed a friendship between Jack and himself.

The donkeys were the hero’s because they were brave, persistent and loyal for all their sacrifices they have made.