I Survived the Hindenburg Disaster, 1937

In I Survived the Hindenburg Disaster, 1937, courage is defined not as the absence of fear, but as the choice to act for others despite being terrified. The narrative traces Hugo Ballard’s development from a boy consumed by anxiety to a young hero who confronts grave dangers. Through his journey, the novel shows that bravery can be a conscious decision rooted in love and a sense of responsibility for others. Hugo’s actions illustrate that courage is found in moments of deliberate choice, when the impulse to protect a loved one overrides personal fear.

Initially, Hugo is characterized by his deep-seated worries. He is anxious about his younger sister Gertie’s life-threatening illness and intimidated by the menacing presence of Nazi soldiers aboard the airship. His fear is palpable, yet his love for his sister motivates his first significant act of bravery. When Gertie, weak with fever, whimpers for her dog, Hugo makes the choice to sneak into the forbidden cargo area to retrieve Panya. He knowingly breaks the rules and risks punishment, demonstrating that his commitment to his sister’s well-being is stronger than his fear of authority.

This initial act of courage prepares Hugo for a far more dangerous confrontation.