(336 words) A person’s generosity is often indicated by his desire to help others, but even such an aspiration does not always personify sincerity and kindness. In the modern world, even cruel people can be capable of displaying nobility, therefore it is necessary to know other qualities of a generous personality so as not to be mistaken. It is a combination of positive traits that can more truly characterize the soul of each of us. To determine the true components of generosity, one must turn to classical literature.
Some people do noble deeds for any profit. In the novel “Crime and Punishment" by F. M. Dostoevsky, the landowner Svidrigailov pays for the funeral of Katerina Ivanovna and the lives of her children, which can be said about his great soul, although in fact this nobility has a desire to hide his own guilt. Because of Svidrigailov, his wife, footman and deaf-mute girl die, therefore, trying to look in the eyes of others less immoral, he still does not turn into a magnanimous person. Another heroine of this work - Sonya Marmeladova, on the contrary, is characterized by responsiveness, selflessness and mercy, because she sincerely wants to help Raskolnikov, who committed a terrible crime. She does not abandon the hero in a difficult situation and remains with him until the revival of his soul. It is such a person who in any situation showed his virtues, can be called generous. He is characterized by compassion, selflessness and kindness.
Magnanimous people are inherent not only chivalry and nobility, but also self-sacrifice. Gorky in the story “The Old Woman Izergil”, through the mouth of the heroine, tells the legend of Danko, who decided to lead his tribe through the terrible forest to the light. When people began to blame the leader for the difficult road, he tore a burning heart out of his chest and illuminated their path. Throughout the journey, he never rebuked his fellow tribesmen, and never asked them for a service fee. Having made a feat, he did not even demand fame and praise. What, no matter how it says about his sincerity and responsiveness? The hero did not ask for anything in return, he only wanted to help others. Generous people are always ready to sacrifice themselves in order to help those around them. This is a very important component of a truly great soul.
Thus, a generous person always remains responsive, disinterested, noble and merciful in all circumstances. It is such qualities as kindness, compassion and a willingness to sacrifice that are inherent in generous heroes.
