Heroism In I Am Malala

For the duration of the autobiography, I am Malala, by Malala Yousafzai; Ziauddin Yousafzai shows verifiable qualities of what most would believe to be a true hero. Although many believe the hero to be the primary protagonist of the biography, Malala, her father Ziauddin shows many more characteristics such as selflessness, wisdom, and intelligence. Ziauddin shows his heroic quality by standing up for what he believes is right and showing no concern to what his higher authority and the outside world is pronouncing. The reader could infer this by his actions of voicing his opinion in public (page 144) to his decision to keep running his school (page 95) no matter what consequences he may face. As Ziauddin attempts to keep his family safe as well as do what’s best for his country, he makes decisions, rebels against the law, and most of all, fights for what is right. While living in a war torn area, Ziauddin Yousafzai is constantly being influenced by what he …show more content…
Inside Ziauddin’s he holds his family. He is willing to protect them in any way possible such as on page 177, when instead of leaving his village, Swat Valley; he stays to fight for women’s rights and sends his family away so they can be safe. He is aware that there is a likely chance that the Taliban will unleash results on Ziauddin and his family if they are in reach, so he sends them where they are the complete opposite- out of reach. Ziauddin also fights for Malala and his wife, Tor Pekai’s, rights. On page 144, he states, “this girl is our future.” He is referring to women in general when he speaks that women are what can make or break Pakistan. He wants Malala and his wife to have rights such as him and his sons, so he fights for them. This is also an example of the mouth. He is a public speaker well known by the Pakistani people. This as well is why Ziauddin shows heroic capability; because he puts other’s needs before his