Individuals grow up in different environments, and each of them has to face different effects and pressure from society and other people. Therefore, whether they are able to explore their own mind and courage in complex situations becomes quite significant on their way to personal integrity. In Alden Nowlan's short story "The Glass Roses", protagonist Stephen is faced with conflicting views regarding the definition of a "real man". He does not want to disappoint his father, but at the same time he finds himself desire to do something without conventions and be honest to his mind. Through Stephen's character change, the story explains that having the courage to be one's own individual is the more important than the stereotypes others set out, and it nurtures the personality of integrity.
Stephen has been taught by his father who acts as a role model of a "man" all the time, and he never realizes how important one's courage can be to nurture integrity. Stephen is only 15 year old, working with his father and several other "burly-faced" men as pulp-cutters. Living in the forest during the breezy winter season which is "cold enough to break the stones". Working together every day, Stephen looks at his father as one of the most important people in his life. "You got to start actin' like a man if you want to hold down a man's job.(P28)" His father is the strongest among all men and doesn't hesitate to pass on his own beliefs. Living among these narrow-minded workers, the rest of Stephen's life seems to be already decided. Regarding his role model as a "real man", Stephen finds it crucial to carry on his father's thoughts and beliefs, in hopes that his own father wouldn't think of him as being any less of man, as his father states, "There ain't no room for kids in the pulp woods.(P28)" To start, physical strength is one of the most significant qualities Stephen's father talks about, and showing emotion or weakness is frowned upon.
