Heroes

Revision
Booklet
In this exam you will have one hour to answer two questions
about Heroes.
What will the questions be like?

You will have to answer an extract question worth ten marks.

You should spend 20 minutes on this question.
You will have a choice of two whole text questions. You answer
one of these questions whichever one you think you can answer
best. It is worth twenty marks. You should spend forty minutes
on this question.
What shall I do?

Read the instructions carefully

Divide your time carefully and write something for both tasks
Read the questions carefully
Dont spend ages choosing which whole text question to
answer!
Once you have chosen which whole text question to answer,
stick with your choice!
Make sure you are answering the question you have been
asked
When you have finished your writing read through your work
and check for errors
How will I be marked?
The examiner is looking for you to:
Incorporate detail in your answers
Evaluate characters and their relationships, attitudes and
motives
Show understanding of themes and ideas in the novel
Show understanding of how language is used for effect
Show understanding of how the novel is structured for effect
Explain Cormiers intent when writing his novel
Evaluate how the novel would affect a reader
The

examiner is also looking at the accuracy of your writing:

Expression will be clear and fluent
The answer will be well structured
Paragraphs will be used
Spelling and punctuation will be accurate
Specialist vocabulary will be used accurately

Plot
Cormier uses a fractured narrative to tell his story. To challenge
yourself, try putting the events of the plot detailed below into
chronological order.
Present We meet eighteen year old Francis and learn of his
injuries, caused by a grenade in the war. He returns to his
hometown of Frenchtown and moves in to Mrs Belanders tenement,
using his scarf and hat to hide his injuries and remain anonymous.
We discover he wants to kill someone called Larry LaSalle.
Past - Nicole Renard moves to Frenchtown from Albany, New York.
Twelve year old Francis falls instantly in love with her, thinking she
is like an angel.
Present -Francis wanders around Frenchtown, returning to Nicole
Renards old house. He remembers meeting fellow Frenchtown boy
Norman Rocheleau in the trenches and hearing that Nicole Renard
has left town. Francis struggles to sleep and has nightmares about
killing two young German soldiers in the war.
Present Francis meets fellow veteran Arthur Rivier who takes him
to St Judes Club for a drink with lots of other veterans, even though
he is not really old enough.
Past The Wreck Centre re-opens after a tragic past and Larry
LaSalle arrives in town. The centre is where everyone, even
bookworm Francis, hangs out and participates in various activities.
Larry LaSalle is motivational and inspirational and we wonder why
Francis would want to kill him.
Present Francis has been in Frenchtown for a month, waiting to
kill Larry LaSalle. He finally gets up the courage to ask about Larry
in St Judes Club and everyone raises their glasses to him as he is a
war hero. Again, we wonder why Francis would want to kill him.
Past Larry LaSalle convinces Francis to take up table tennis, He
coaches him and encourages him and eventually Francis enters in
the Wreck Centre table tennis champion, finally catching the eye of
Nicole Renard. Larry LaSalle lets Francis win the tournament and yet
again we wonder why Francis would want to kill him. Nicole invites

Francis to her celebratory party cut short by the bombing of Pearl

Harbour.
Present Francis finds Arthur Rivier drunk in an alleyway. He is
obviously emotionally affected by the war.
Past Larry LaSalle enlists in the army after the attack on Pearl
Harbour. The Wreck Centre has to close and Francis gets a job in
Lauriers DrugStore where he speaks to Nicole. They start dating,
spending Saturday afternoons together at the Plymouth Movie
Theatre. News of Larry LaSalles heroism in the war reaches
Frenchtown.
Past We learn of the day in England where Francis realised the
shocking extent of his injuries whilst on a day out from the hospital
where he was recovering. That is why he started wearing his scarf
and hat, but now he wears them just as much to remain his
anonymity. He burns the details of the plastic surgeon as he does
not intend to get his face fixed.
Past Larry LaSalle returns to Frenchtown a hero and is greeted by
crowds in the streets. There is a party arranged by the mayor to
celebrate his return. Larry LaSalle also organises a special party for
the Wreck Centre kids. At the end of the night, Larry LaSalle asks
Francis to leave him and Nicole alone. Francis leaves the room but
waits outside, where he hears Larry attack Nicole. Francis does
nothing.
Past Francis waits outside Nicoles house for three days, during
which time Larry LaSalle leaves Frenchtown. Eventually Nicole
emerges but will not accept his apology and tells him to go away.
Francis goes to St Judes Church with the intent of committing
suicide. He cannot bring himself to do it and instead enlists in the
US Army where he hopes to die a hero.
Present Francis hears of Larry LaSalles return from
eavesdropping on Mrs Belanders conversation with her friend Mrs
Agneaux.
Present Francis goes to Larry LaSalles apartment with the
intention of killing him. Larry LaSalle greets Francis as if nothing has
changed between them and Francis begins to wish he did not have
to complete this mission. When Francis confesses his reason for
coming, Larry LaSalle confesses that what he did to Nicole wasnt a
one off. Francis leaves without carrying out his mission but hears
Larry LaSalle kill himself once he has left.

Present Francis visits Sister Mathilde, a nun and teacher at St

Judes Parochial School. He asks for Nicoles new address and she
gives it to him.
Present Francis visits Nicole at her new school in New York.
Things are different between them and Nicole tells Francis that she
would prefer if he did not come again.
Present Francis sits at the train station considering what he
should do next. He also considers what a real hero is. The reader is
left on a cliffhanger, unsure whether Francis will move on with his
life or kill himself.

Characters
You are marked on the detail you can use when writing about the
main characters. Add what you can to each section to create
character profiles.
Francis Joseph Cassavant

Nicole Renard

Larry LaSalle

There are also some more minor characters in the novel. Find out
what you can about each of them.
Arthur Rivier

Mrs Belander

Joey LeBlanc

Enrico Rucelli

Marie LaCroix

Sister Mathilde

Key Quotations - Character

Analyse these key quotations about the main characters in order
to develop your knowledge and understanding. You can also
revise these quotations for use in the whole text answer.
Francis Cassavant
1. the war is over and I have no face.
2. [Mrs Belander] Poor boy

3. I look away from the admiration in his eyes.

4. The truth is that I dont care whether I heal or not.

5. I start to close doors. Not real doors, but doors to the

future.
6. No face at all actually, the nostrils like the snout of an
animal

7. miserable in my aloneness, wanting to be dancing with her

the way Larry LaSalle was dancing with her, holding her
close
8. The gun is like a tumour on my thigh

9. I am calm. My heartbeat is normal. Whats one more death

after the others in the villages and fields of France?

10.

I went to war because I wanted to die.

Nicole Renard
1. the pale purity of her face

2. a hint of mischief as if she were telling me we were going to

have good times together.

3. instantly caught the attention of Larry LaSalle

4. she didnt remind me of St Therese any more but of girls in

certain magazines at Lauriers Drug Store that set my heart
racing and made my knees liquid.

5. Nicole was the most talented of all

6. Her hair dishevelled, mouth flung open, lips swollen. Cheeks

moist with tears. Her white blouse torn and one hand
clutching the front of her blouse to hold it together.

7. The accusation in her voice was worse than the harshness.

8. Now her hair is cut short and combed straight and flat.

9. The softness is gone from her face and her voice is sharp
and brittle.
10. My good Francis. My table tennis champion. My Silver
Star hero
Larry LaSalle
1. Larry LaSalle had the broad shoulders of an athlete and the
narrow hips of a dancer. He was both.
2. You are all stars, Larry LaSalle always told us.

3. We knew little about him, however, and he discouraged

questions.
4. Larry LaSalles opinion could never be dismissed.

5. the subtle tender game in which Larry LaSalle was letting

me win.
6. Larry LaSalle was one of the first Frenchtown men to enlist
in the armed services

7. a crowd gathered at the Monument Depot to greet his

arrival
8. We always did what Larry LaSalle told us to do. Always
carried out his slightest wish.

9. rumours were rampant about Larry LaSalles sudden

departure from Frenchtown.
10. But Larry LaSalle is not innocent.
11. he seems fragile now
12. No more dancing for me, Francis. No more sweet young
things. No more anything.

Key Quotations Themes

Analyse these key quotations about the main themes in order to
develop your knowledge and understanding. You can also revise
these quotations for use in the whole text answer.
The Wreck Centre
The Wreck Centre is a key location in the novel. It is somewhere
the young people of Frenchtown can be themselves, a place that
Larry LaSalle uses to groom Nicole and the scene of his attack
on Nicole.
1. The Wreck Centre is boarded up and abandoned now.

2. When the builders finally completed the job, the building

still looked unfinished.

3. The white paint didnt completely cover the dark patches of

mildew on the clapboards
4. The loneliness of the tenement was what drove me to the
Wreck Centre.
5. The Wreck Centre became my headquarters

6. [Joey LeBlanc] Doom. Wait and see.

7. Larry LaSalles enlistment caused the Wreck Centre to close

for what people called The Duration.

8. the hall was filled with an old song from the bright and
exciting days of the Wreck Centre, before the war.
Confidence
Francis Cassavant starts the novel as a very shy and uncertain
individual. Throughout the novel, his outward confidence grows,
particularly in relation to Nicole.
1. Shed come into view, my mouth would instantly dry up and
I would look away.

2. I winced in an agony of embarrassment.

3. I wondered whether shed been waving at Joey LeBlanc or at

me.

4. I love to watch you dance. I blurted out the words,

surprising myself with my ability to say such a thing.

5. For the first time in my life a tide of confidence swept

through me.

6. Taking a deep breath, I said: Would you like to go to the

movies sometime?

7. Francis, Francis Cassavant, I announce.

8. For once in my life Im not timid with her.

Horror of War
The novel is set around the time of the Second World War. The
reader sees the effect the outbreak of war has on the people of
Frenchtown as well as the effect it has on soldiers.
1. bits of dangling flesh
2. the head of one of the soldiers explodes like a ripe tomato
and the other cries Mama as my gunfire cuts him in half
3. The next day the grenade blows my face away.
4. I see George Richelieu tugging at his pinned up sleeve
which should hold his arm but his arm is buried somewhere
in the South Pacific
5. [Arthur Rivier] so scared I shit my pants
6. [Arthur Rivier] not like the war movies at the Plymouth,
nobody displaying heroics or bravado.
7. We had discovered in one moment on a Sunday afternoon
that the world was not a safe place anymore.

8. I wondered what had scared him until I saw him peeking at

me again with one big eye, before bursting into tears.
9. [Larry LaSalle] no wounds that you can see, Francis. But Im
worn out. They called it jungle fever at first
10.
the smile turns into a grimace and I wonder
what hes thinking of or remembering.

Religion
Religion is prominent in Frenchtown. It features heavily in
Franciss life as he attends a religious school, is an altar boy and a
regular attender at church.
1. Then I am filled with guilt and shame, knowing that I just
prayed for the man I am going to kill.

2. At the Sunday masses, Father Balthazar prayed from the

pulpit for the safety of our men and women in the services.

3. I could only stand there mute, as if all my sins had been

revealed and there was no forgiveness for them.

4. It was part of the Hell that I had earned.

5. Still staring down I began to mutter a prayerthen stopped,

horrified at what I was doing. Saying a prayer before the
worst sin of all: despair.

6. [Larry LaSalle] Everybody sins Francis. The terrible thing is

we love our sins.

7. [Larry LaSalle] Does that one sin of mine wipe away all the
good things?

8. I wonder if its a special sin to lie to a nun.

Concealment
Francis is the main character who hides his true self behind a
mask of a white scarf and Red Sox cap, but others also hide their
true feelings and identities in other ways.
1. I walk with my head down as if I have lost money on the
sidewalk.

2. This was proof that the scarf and bandage were working in
two ways: not only to hide the ugliness of what used to be
my face, but to hide my identity.

3. I wasnt Francis Joseph Cassavant anymore but a tenant in

Frenchtown.

4. I try to avoid eye contact

5. there were dark hints that he had gotten into trouble in

New York City.

6. [Arthur Rivier] I want to talk about it, my war, he cries.

And your war, too, Francis. Everybodys war. The war
nobody wants to talk about

7. What matters is hiding my face from others, not only to

save them the shock of seeing a face in disrepair but so that
they wont identify little Francis Cassavant later on

8. [Sister Mathilde] But, then, we all have our secrets, eh,

Francis?
Heroes
As the title of the novel suggests, Heroism is the main theme. In
particular, the novel encourages the reader to question what a
hero actually is.
1. [Arthur Rivier] You deserve to be recognised Francis, he
whispers. Youre a goddamn hero.

2. [Arthur Rivier] We werent heroes. We were only there

3. he had been a hero to us long before he went to war

4. Soldiers were dying with honour on battlefields all over the

world. Noble deaths. The deaths of heroes. How could I die
by leaping from a steeple?

5. [Sister Mathilde] You have made us all proud.

6. I had always wanted to be a hero, like Larry LaSalle and all

the others but had been a fake all along.

7. I dont know what a hero is anymore, Nicole. I think of

Larry LaSalle and his Silver Star. And my own Silver Star for
an act of cowardice.

8. Scared kids, not born to fight or kill. Who were not only
there but who stayed, did not run away, fought the good war.
And never talk about it. And didnt receive a Silver Star. But
heroes anyway. The real heroes.

Love
The theme of love is presented between Francis and Nicole.
However, while he seems to have true love for Nicole, her love for
him seems much more fickle.
1. I silently pledged her my love and loyalty forever.

2. the word made my head spin: I was actually dating Nicole

Renard.

3. she allowed me an innocent kiss, our lips briefly touching

4. I was amazed at the lack of pauses in our conversation

5. my voice trembling a bit, betraying my love for her.

6. As if we were living a love scene at the Plymouth.

7. delight at her invitation and the instant agony of jealousy

8. my flesh burned with the echo of her touch

9. She looks at me with affection. But affection is not love.

10.
I close my eyes, clinging to the moment,
wanting it to last forever.

Here are some key words you can use to impress the examiner!
Try to find an example from the novel to illustrate each term.
Fractured
narrative

When the plot is not told

in the order in which it
happened.

Chronological
order

When a novel is told in

time order.

First person
narrator

When the story is told by

the person who the story
happened to, using I.
When a story is told as if
it has already happened.

Past tense
Present tense

When a story is told as if

it is about to happen.

Heroes does not

use a
chronological
narrative.

Irony

When one meaning is

expected but the opposite
is true.

Foreshadowing

When events in the novel

are hinted at before they
happen.

Pathetic fallacy

Using nature to reflect the

feelings of characters.

Symbolism

An object which
represents something
else.

Simile

A description of
something as if its
something else, using the
words like or as.
When the ending leaves
you uncertain what will
happen next.

Cliffhanger

How to Answer an Extract Question

1. Read the question, identify the keywords.
How does Cormier create tension in this extract?
2. Analyse the extract how does Cormier create atmosphere?
Suddenly he was there, sweeping her into his arms, and, as he
did so, he reached out and flicked the switch, plunging the hall
into darkness. I made my way towards the front door but drew
back, didnt leave, stationed myself in the small foyer, in a slant
of moonlight, as the music filled the place, miserable in my
aloneness, wanting to be dancing with her the way Larry LaSalle
was dancing with her, holding her close

In the shadows of the hallway I stood in agony and waited for

the song to end and then I would tell Nicole that I had not left,
that I had stayed, would never desert her, that she had told me
not to go and I hadnt, that she was more important to me than
Larry LaSalle.
The song ended and the scratching of the needle on the record
did not stop and I heard a sigh and a sound that could have been
a moan and a rustle of clothing.
How long did I stand there listening? Hearing the small sounds,
then a sudden gasp and the needle scratching as the record went
round and round, and I couldnt breathe, my body rigid, lungs
burning, and at the moment of panic, heart thudding, my breath
returned, and I listened and heard nothing now. What were they
doing? But I knew what they were doing the thought streaked
through my mind so fast that it could hardly be acknowledged.
Them, a whimpering, like a small animal caught and trapped,
moaning distinct now. The scratching of the needle stopped.
Footsteps approaching, coming close, closer, and suddenly she
stumbled into the hallway, her face caught in the slash of
moonlight.
3. Start your response by writing a short introduction to the
extract. Include what happens in the extract, what has
happened just before and link to the question.
At this point in the novel, Larry LaSalle has returned from war and
received a Heroes welcome. After an evening of celebrations
Larry, Nicole and Francis are left alone in the Wreck Centre. Larry
asks Francis to go so he can dance with Nicole; whilst Francis does
leave the room, he does decide to stay and wait for Nicole. Here,
Cormier creates a shocking atmosphere through the rape of
Nicole.
4. Work systematically through the extract, making sure you
link back to the question. Link similar ideas together in your
response

At the start of the extract, we are told how Larry swept her
into his arms. This is rather uncomfortable for the reader,
as we can see the physical power Larry has over Nicole. As
well as this, it is described almost like they are lovers,
foreshadowing the horrific events about to happen. Larrys
power is further reinforced through the description of him
holding her close. This is particularly significant when
contrasted with later in the extract, as Francis comments on
how he heard a whimpering, like a small animal caught and
trapped. Again, a shocking atmosphere is created for the
reader as we can see how vulnerable and powerless Nicole
is
5. Make comments on language, form and structure

Example Extract Questions

1. Start of novel to page 3, I dont blame them.
How does Cormier create an effective opening to the novel?
2. Page 9 ,I saw Nicole Renard for the first time, to page 11,
vowing to talk to her the next day.
How does Cormier present the innocence of Francis?
3. Page 20, I can never trace the moment, to page 22, The next
day the grenade blows my face away.

How does Cormier present the horrific reality of war?

4. Page 31, The loneliness of the tenement, to page 32, would
simply leave when the dance classes were over.
How does Cormier introduce the character of Larry LaSalle in an
interesting way?
5. Page 44, Our conversation was interrupted, to page 46, the
radiance of her face mirroring my own.
Explore how Cormier creates tension when describing this scene.
6. Page 49, Arthur Rivier is slumped, to page 50, sends me
hurrying back to Mrs Belanders tenement.
Discuss how Cormier presents the after effects of war.
7. Page 53, Nicole Renard dropped into the drug store, to page 55,
if the war lasts long enough
How does Cormier present Nicole and Franciss developing
relationship?
8. Page 58, As I walked along, to page 59, after I have carried out
my mission.
How does Cormier create sympathy for Francis?
9. Page 73, Later that week, to page 74, became a soldier in the
United States Army.
Explore how Cormier presents Franciss desperation.
10.
Page 77, The gun is like a tumour on my thigh to page 78,
I dont want to waste any time.
How does Cormier create tension in this extract?
11.
Page 93, We run out of words to page 95, until theres
only silence left.
Discuss how Cormier presents Nicole and Franciss relationship.
12.
Page 96, In the railroad station, to page 97, heading for
the exit and the next train to leave the station.
How does Cormier create an effective ending to the novel?

How to Answer a Whole Text Question

Essay Style

1. Read the question, identify the keywords.

Are there any true heroes in the novel?

2. Plan your answer brainstorm some ideas. This will ensure you
only use your very best ideas in your essay. There are also marks
for organization so its worth spending time planning!

3. Start your response with an introduction that addresses the

question. If its a character question, introduce the character, if
its a thematic question explain what is meant by the theme.
The title of the novel is Heroes. A hero is someone that does something to
help someone else in some way. There are many people in the novel that
show elements of being a hero but are any of them true heroes?

4. You should aim to write 4-6 paragraphs in response to the

question. Each paragraph should:
- Start with a short point that uses the keyword from the question
- Include some relevant evidence, or some relevant detail
embedding a few very short quotes may be more appropriate.
- Mention the reader and how they feel
- Mention Cormier and the effect he is trying to create

- Finish by referring back to the keyword from the question

Remember - there is no right or wrong way to structure your
essay as long as it makes sense and answers the question, its
right!

Firstly, Francis could be considered by readers to be a hero as he has earned

the Silver Star whilst in battle in World War Two. He earned this accolade by
diving on a grenade and saving his platoon, seriously injuring himself in the
process. Many people in Frenchtown view Francis as a hero, including fellow
veteran Arthur Rivier who is shocked when he learns Francis wishes to
remain anonymous, calling him a Goddamn hero. Larry LaSalle also sees
Francis as a hero for signing up to war so early, aged only fifteen. Indeed, in
many ways Francis is a hero and many readers would view him as one.
However, using the narrative voice of Francis, Cormier presents him as a
vulnerable figure who does not believe himself to be a hero, partly because
he didnt actually go to war with the intention of saving lives but with the
hope that he would die. Therefore, when he jumped on the grenade he did
not do so to save lives and he believes this to be an act of cowardice rather
than something a hero would do.

5. (If time). Conclude your essay by summing up your argument

and referring back to the question. Mention Cormier and the
reader if possible.
In conclusion, although many people are presented to have heroic qualities
in the novel, none of them is presented to be perfect. Maybe what Cormier is
trying to suggest to the reader is that even people who are viewed as heroes
arent entirely infallible.

Example Whole Text Questions

1. Is Larry LaSalle a hero?

2. To what extent is Francis and Nicoles relationship true love?

3. Do you think that Heroes is a suitable title for the novel?
4. To what extent does the reader feel sympathy for Francis?
5. Is there love in the novel?
6. How does the theme of religion affect Franciss behaviour in
the novel?
7. How does the first person perspective affect the readers
feelings towards Francis Cassavant?
8. Does Larry LaSalle deserve to die?
9. How is the idea of hiding your true self significant in the
novel?
10.

Is Nicole Renard a likeable character?

11.
Explore the significance of the Wreck Centre on Francis
Cassavant.
12.
How does Francis change as a person through events
described in the novel?
13.

Discuss how Cormier presents the horror of war.

14.
Imagine you are Francis after Larry LaSalles attack on
Nicole. Write your thoughts.
15.
Imagine you are Francis after your trip to London. Write
your thoughts.
16.
Imagine you are Francis after your visit to Larry
LaSalles tenement. Write your thoughts.
17.
Imagine you are Francis after your visit to Nicole in New
York. Write your thoughts.

How Your Work Will be Marked

Extrac
t

Whole
Text

Questi
on
2-4

Questi
on
5-9

5-7

10-14

8-10

15-20

Displays some understanding of main features.

Makes generalised reference to relevant aspects of the
text, echoing and paraphrasing.
Begins to select relevant detail.
Able to recognise and make simple comments on
particular features of style and structure.
Expression will be reasonably clear and the answer will
have a basic structure.
Grammar, punctuation and spelling will contain errors but
these will not be intrusive.
Use of specialist vocabulary will be limited and/or not
always appropriate.
Makes more detailed reference to text.
Discusses thoroughly, and increasingly thoughtfully,
characters and relationships.
Probes the sub-text with increasing confidence.
Selects and evaluates relevant textual details.
Understands and demonstrates how writers use ideas,
themes and settings to affect the reader.
Conveys ideas clearly and appropriately.
Sees how different aspects of style and structure combine
to create effects.
Shows increasingly clear appreciation of how meanings
and ideas are conveyed through language, structure and
form.
Begins to be able to relate texts to own and others'
experience.
Expression will be mainly clear and fluent and the answer
will be quite well structured.
There will be some errors in spelling or punctuation.
Specialist vocabulary will be used mainly appropriately.
Makes increasingly assured selection and incorporation of
relevant detail.
Able to speculate/offer tentative judgements.
Able to evaluate characters/relationships and
attitudes/motives.
At the highest level, consistently handles texts with
confidence.
Has an overview and ability to move from the specific to
the general.
Uses apt textual support.
Shows appreciation of how writers use language to
achieve specific effects.
Makes assured exploration and evaluation of the ways
meaning, ideas and feeling are conveyed through
language, structure and form;
At the highest level, makes assured analysis of stylistic
features.
Expression will be clear and fluent and the answer will be
well structured. There will be few errors in grammar,
punctuation and spelling; specialist vocabulary will be

used appropriately.

Final Tips
Writing about the structure of the novel and its effect on a
reader can help to move you up the grade boundaries.
Use appropriate critical vocabulary in your responses
conveys, portrays, suggests, demonstrates, reinforces,
highlights, illustrates
Dont just identify language techniques - suggest why they are
used and what impression they give.
Practice responding to a range of different tasks in timed
conditions.
Practice planning essays in short spaces of time.
Look at BBC Bitesize for revision ideas about Heroes.
Past papers and mark schemes for previous exams are
available on wjec.co.uk under the English Literature section.
Email me for help and feedback
p.butler@plantbrk.bham.sch.uk