In the stories of Gulliver's Travels and "The Man Who Stepped Into Yesterday," we have two men traveling to a place unknown to them. Both are looking for something in order to fulfill a void in their empty lives, and at the same time encounter heroism in their own understanding of the word. We meet Colonel Forbin, a man with a military past full of honor, trust, and dedication. The many years of dedication to his country and comrades make him a hero. This is a man that stood so strong in the eyes of battle and had built the trust of many men under him during times of war. Mr. Forbin has earned the honor of his superiors during his time spent in the military. In the many eyes of his countrymen, this would be the ultimate symbol of a hero. .
In another time and in another place, we have another man who falls under the title of a hero. His name is Gulliver. Lemuel Gulliver is the third of five sons. Not being the first-born, Gulliver was not going to be heir to the estate so he was to excel in another passion in his life: his studies. Gulliver did extremely well in his studies including mathematics and medicine. Being under the distinction of a doctor, we carry many responsibilities including the life of another. But not only was this man a surgeon, he had an extensive knowledge of navigation. Navigation was his true hearts desire and he had an obsession with adventure during his travels. Under many circumstances he found himself among people that very different, whether it was proportionally or socially. To have mastered these two disciplines takes the skill of a man with a hint of heroism. .
Each man is going to be put to the test as a hero, not in a time or place known to him, but under unfamiliar circumstances. Colonel Forbin in his situation has mastered heroism in the military world. What about a land unknown to military order and tactics? Could a man achieve heroism there? What about heroism deep inside the mind of Forbin himself? Could he see himself as a hero? Forbin in the land of the Lizards played a very significant role in the outcome of the Lizard's future, and in most cases would be considered a hero.