Commentary: The Courage of Turtles-Edward Hoagland

            It seems that most often when people choose an animal to admire, it is because that animal has a trait that we wish we could achieve.  Common phrases may include the heart of a lion or the gracefulness of a swan.  People admire the speed of jungle cats or the clever camouflage of deep sea creatures.  Edward Hoagland admires turtles for their incredibly human-like traits.  Despite how different a turtle may seem from ourselves, Hoagland shows how wonderfully human even a reptile can be.

            By setting up so many parallels between humanity and turtles to begin with, we feel much more sympathetic towards them later on; they see the same colors that we do, they can work their way logically through a maze, and they share some similar body language.  Knowing this, it’s disappointing to see how Hoagland has witnessed turtles being treated.  In one section, he describes small turtles that are being kept as prizes at arcades.  They are painted on and are out of any habitat that is even remotely natural.  He purchases an older turtle from the back, but still doesn't have the proper means of taking care of it.  The story from then on is presented as rather tragic. 

            The main part of Hoagland’s characterization that interests me is the fact that his essay is title “The Courage of Turtles.”  Courage.  What about a turtle is necessarily courageous?  He proves intelligence in his essay.  Compassion and even humanity are shown.  Throughout the paper, there is not a situation in which it seems the turtle has to literally call on courage to solve an issue.  So, with literal courage being most likely out of the question, what’s left is to figure out is; what is the main trait that Hoagland is seeking to praise here? 

            Courage, in my opinion, seems to be most applicable to perseverance and strength through misunderstanding.   The turtles, while being seen as remarkably human, can therefore easily represent people and what we have to call on courage for.  Sometimes being brave is not a significant event and a major contribution.  Sometimes it takes bravery to get through rather simple situations.  The strength that it can take to make it through an average day is often overlooked.  The perseverance that people have to rely on in order to simply keep moving is constantly underrated and struggles are disregarded. 

            Look at how a turtle begins its life.  After hatching, usually rather close to the water, it seems simple enough to meander across some clear sand and start swimming off to begin a life.  However, young turtles are in extreme danger from the beginning.  Even with a short distance to cross and few obstacles in the way, there are many predators and harsh elements to endure.  A very small percentage of sea turtles make it past infancy.  A seemingly simple task has so much more behind it.  Courage isn't always needed to go into something.  Sometimes it is needed to make it through something that you don’t have a choice in.  It takes courage simply to be a turtle.  It takes courage simply to get through day-to-day tasks.  Life itself requires bravery no matter what the circumstances. 

            Hoagland, I think, means for us to learn from our animal counterparts.  For us to appreciate life and to not discount the small things.  For us to be courageous enough to allow ourselves to be seen as people may see turtles and to work through personal hardships because being different doesn't mean that two things can’t relate, and being similar doesn't mean that two will always see eye-to-eye.