ELA part 4 Critical Lens

Task: Write a critical essay in which you discuss two works of literature you have read that particular perspective of the statement that is provided for you in the Critical Lens. In your essay, provide a valid interpretation of the statement, agree or disagree with the statement as you have interpreted it, and support you opinion using specific references to appropriate literary elements from the two works. You may use scrap paper to plan your response.

Martin Luther King Jr once said that "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." This quote means that a person is not acknowledge for their actions in a moment of comfort, rather they are acknowledge for their actions in a moment of struggle. I mus agree with this quote. How one reacts during times of struggle, defines them more then the way they react in times of comfort. Two books that relate to this quote are Incidents in the life of a slave girl by Harriet Jacobs and Ambush by Tim O'Brien. In these stories the protagonists have to face challenges in their life that would define who they are.
In the autobiography/novel Incidents in the life of a slave girl, the protagonist, Linda Brent lived during slavery in North Carolina. She was mistreated by her masters and suffered the constant harassment of her master, Dr, Flint. Linda escapes from her masters. As a result of her escape she had to live seven years in a small attic, where she could not even stand. She had to resist the temptation of calling out to her kids as she saw them play in the yard. When she finally reached the North, Linda had to face racism. Through all of her struggle she kept strong. She kept fighting for her freedom. When she was faced with a challenge she sought out a way to solve it.
In Ambush, by Tim O'Brien, the protagonist was faced with the challenges of war. He was fighting in the war and had to deal with the fact that to save himself he had to kill another. When he was on watch duty he saw a young man walking with a gun in his hand. He "automatically" threw a grenade he had, which hit the young man and killed him. In that time of challenge O'Brien acted upon his instincts. He did not think before throwing the grenade. It shows that O'Brien is defined as a man that does not think of his actions. He reacts to a situation upon instincts rather then thinking twice.
Both Incidents in a life of a slave girl and Ambush, show how the protagonist respond when under challenges, therefore defining them. The protagonist had different situation but when seeing how they acted in their situation it shows the reader, how they might act in the others situation. Linda fought for her freedom while O'Brien acted on his instincts, which is not always great.
Both of the literature prove the quote by Martin Luther King Jr that said "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." The quote is as important to apply to these literature and its characters, as it is to apply to life. This quote can help many people see who they really are. They can note how they act in times of challenges and can define themselves.