The Nature Of Heroism In The Novel Neuromancer

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The Nature Of Heroism In The Novel Neuromancer
Neuromancer is a popular science fiction novel that was authored by William Gibson back in 1984. The novel belongs to genre cyberpunk and apparently is among the most celebrated as it won several awards including the Hugo Award, the Nebula Award as well as the Dick Award. In the novel, many themes are developed, but only a few such as the nature of heroism stands out. The various characters in the novel such as Case, Riviera, Molly, Linda Lee, Armitage, Lady 3Jane among others contributed to development and creation of the theme (Gibson 12). Through the struggles of these characters some such as Molly, Case, Riviera, and Armitage are presented as heroes and heroines.
The interaction of the characters mentioned above will be used in shaping the theme of heroism. For instance, characters such as Case are defined in reference to his struggle in life. The author presents his as a drug addict as well as a cyberspace hacker who undergoes through a lot to find his freedom. As the key hero, the early life of cases such as his robbery attempt and his encounter with Armitage is highlighted. The text indicates how Case was used to satisfy the needs of Armitage and his interaction with Molly. As another key character in the novel, Molly is used by the author to contribute to creating the theme. Molly is built as a heroine in the novel as she interacts with Case to help Armitage in his mission (Gibson 14).

Together with Case, they investigate Armitage to find out more him. The account of Armitage is also used in the development of the theme. In this case, Armitage’s history while in Russia proves that he was a hero. As the ring leader, he led an operation referred to as the Screaming fist where despite the fact that he was seriously injured he managed to come out successfully.
Case is a hero in his way since he was one of the crucial members of Armitage Crew. Together with other personalities such as Molly, they managed to go on a long mission where they found the computer and penetrate its target as required by Armitage. Despite him being an underdog, he could not have achieved his good health back if not for his effort to deliver and be resourceful to Armitage. He successfully, delivered as commanded and his health was restored, and he was allowed his privileges which included his use of drugs.
This cyberpunk text presents Case as a person who underwent a lot of suffering and struggles to attain a happy life. It is evident that “Despite everything, Case and Molly accomplish their mission allowing Wintermute to merge with Neuromancer. This merge has unknown consequences. Case is saved from death by having the poison sacs washed out of his bloodstream”(Gibson 17). It is evident that despite the fact that Case had some negative characteristics such as selfishness, he was committed to ensuring that he met his target. As instructed by Armitage, Case held hands with Molly as well as other characters such as Lady 3Jane to ensure that they find the computer that they were required to find the disconnect. He entered in the mainframe and disconnected the main terminal
Case acts as the main cyberspace hacker who plays a big role in tracing the computer mainframe. With Armitage as the team leader, Case collaborates with Molly to ensure that they deliver as per the requirement. His heroism emanates from how he is poisoned for retaliating, but still, he fights out to achieve his health back. Even though he was at first depicted as an antihero when he betrayed his crew and tried to steal from them, he fought for his life which was apparently at risk. Since he was required to help Armitage achieve his goal, for him to be helped gain his health back, he went through a lot of obstacles, and finally, he managed to become successful. This shows the theme of heroism since Case was an antihero who eventually escaped death.
The account of Molly also contributes to creating the theme of heroism. Molly is introduced in the mission to disconnect the computer terminal at the same time when Case is introduced. Armitage employed her because of her ability to perform the intended duty. Apparently, he helped Case in various instances to go through obstacles and reach the mainframe computer which was the final stage. Together with Case, they were rewarded for accomplishing the mission and are allowed to go back to earth.
Molly’s physique makes her a suitable person to help achieve Armitage’s goals. According to the novel “. Case and Molly are paid generously for their success. Victorious, Case and Molly return to Earth where they have a brief fling. They part ways amicably to begin the next chapter of their lives”(Gibson 22). This statement shows that Molly was a heroine and was rewarded accordingly. Her fingers had blades which helped her easily go through many obstacles. Together with Case, they identified the room, and he helped Case go in and execute the assigned duty.
Molly’s physique greatly contributed to his heroism. The blades which developed below her nails acted as claws, and this made her fearless. They enabled her to be fearless and become confident throughout the mission. Molly contributed significantly in helping Case finding The ROM. Additionally, they conducted an attack which was aimed at taking some products from Sense corporate headquarters. Eventually, they became successful as they managed to enter the computer room and access the terminal.
Armitage is another character in the novel which plays a significant role as far as the theme of heroism is concerned. He was formerly a general in the forces and had a lot of military skills and experience. He recruits Molly and Case and assigns them a series of jobs where he promised them rewards upon completion of the task. He was working for an intelligence called Wintermute. Apparently, even though he died, he facilitated and governed Molly and Case towards their success.
The novel depicts Armitage as the master planner behind the success of Molly and Case. For the case of Armitage, his heroism is seen in the way he coordinates different characters to achieve the goal of Wintermute. In the novel, it is evident that “Armitage, the team’s leader, makes Case an offer he cannot refuse—he can help cure his damaged nervous system”(Gibson 29). This statement shows that it was Armitage who spearheaded the entire mission. As such, to some extent, the success of Molly and Case can be attributed to him.
Armitage was a hero in the novel as seen in how he organized a team which managed to meet the demands of Wintermute. His experience as the colonel in the Green Beret has helped him bring together Case, Molly as well as Riviera in the pursuit of common interests. The three characters worked together in different jobs. They certainly became successful in all the jobs which they collaborated.
In conclusion, the theme of heroism is brought up in the text by the contribution of Case, Molly, and Riviera. The accounts of these three characters depict some form of heroic acts. For instance, Case and Molly form a friendship after they were recruited by Armitage to work in the mission. The two characters collaborated and helped execute the goal. Armitage was another hero whose scenes contributed to the development of the theme of heroism. Through his coordination of the various characters. The team managed to meet its goals.

Works Cited
Gibson, William. Neuromancer. Simon and Schuster, 2008. Available at https://www.shmoop.com/neuromancer/. Retrieved 22/02/2018.