"Sidekicks" by Ronald Koertge

Ronald Koertge's "Sidekicks" utilizes an empowered and concerned tone along with comparison to signify that the idea of a sidekick exists in all individuals regardless of age or status. He starts by generalizing each sidekick into one category of being eager to help and having certain faults, then by showing how they are willing to take the blow for their hero. He next moves on by comparing each sidekick to a part of each individual in society. His main point is in the final stanza, as he says sidekicks "sit in a darkened theatre," showing that the real sidekick is in the audience, as we all have certain faults and a desire to help the common cause without taking the lead. Everyone in society wants to be the hero, but each person has faults and instead has to sit on the sideline. His use of comparison shows that while everyone wants to be a hero, they can sit on the sideline, but like certain sidekicks, they have the power to later step in and take the reins themselves.