The news often circulates with stories of brilliant firefighters and outstanding soldiers. The media label these people as ‘heroes’. However, the definition of a hero can be very elusive. Many kids believe that heroes have to be athletic and robust, but as they grow up, they realize a hero 's actions and thoughts can be more influential than their physical abilities. It can be difficult to determine what elements make up a hero. However, by examining heroes in different stories, the elements of what makes a hero can become clearer. Classic heroes in The Odyssey can be examined, along with the heroes in Fahrenheit 451 and The Sniper. By taking apart the characteristics and traits of these heroes, a deeper understanding of a hero can be found. Rather than by a character 's physical abilities, a hero can be defined by their displays of courage, determination, humanity, profound changes in personality and behaviour, and a fatal flaw. Courage is a deciding factor for what defines a hero. The protagonist in The Sniper displays courage in many ways. When engaged in a firefight against the opposing enemy, the hero continues to flaunt his fighting spirit and never backs down. Furthermore, after he is greatly wounded, he comes up with an ingenious plan in the face of imminent danger to defeat the enemy. This presentation of courage can also be seen in many other heroes, such as Odysseus in The Odyssey. The simple fact that he fought in the war illustrates great courage as he is
All fictional heroes share the fact that their mindset changes through adversities in order to reach fulfillment. For example, Odysseus is considered an unconventional hero because he killed and or scarred many creatures that prevented him from going home. On the other hand, Rainsford is also considered an unconventional hero, but he didn’t have powers like Odysseus to kill his hunter (General Zaroff) instead he used his intellect. In addition, the archetype heroes of war are portrayed in Odysseus and Rainsford because yet endure hardships through creatures and or people. Although Odysseus and Rainsford share their differences in the development and growth of their mindset, they eventually find their destiny as becoming altruistic. In summary, methods and approaches taken by the heroes based on their obstacles can help us identify comparing key points as well as contrasting in fictional heroes. At the end of the day, all heroes fictional or not will be portrayed as being selfless through their change of
Since long ago, people carried an image of what it means to be a hero. It is evident in some great books one might even say. As in The Epic of Gilgamesh, Antigone, and The Iliad, heroism is displayed and exalted, but what does being a hero mean? Overarchingly, in regards to these works, the heroes earn their titles as heroes by notably doing what is right when the time is right, with humane purpose, and an everlasting message. However, Gilgamesh, Antigone, and Akhilleus, being different in their purposes, everlasting messages, type of heroism as whole, can not compare in regards to heroic status.
The concept of a hero has been around for many generations, and the meaning of a hero is defined in ways people grasp its idea. A hero can be a person who has a superpower and is willing to make a personal sacrifice for the benefit of others or can be an ordinary everyday person who just wants to help people out of his or her own heart. Linda Seger’s article, “Creating the Myth,” tackles the idea of a “Hero 's Myth,” and shows the ten steps of how heroes are transformed from an ordinary person to the Savior. On the other hand, Robert B. Ray piece titled, “The Thematic Paradigm,” emphasizes that in modern films, it is either having an “Outlaw Hero or an Official Hero,” which he uses three stages to demonstrates how they are different each other in the way they perform in the society. Further, the article, “Out of Character: Wonder Woman’s Strength Is Her Compassion - What Happened?” by Stevie St. John, explains how Wonder Woman was viewed as a compassionate woman in the 1940s and 1950s, and in the 2000s she changes into a more violent person. In this essay, I argue that a hero is subjective, and is defined by the villain or event that they had to adapt to suddenly.
Throughout history the traditional heroic elements have changed because of our society. Although elements of a hero have changed there are also certain characteristics of a hero that stays the same, such as a hero’s character and courage. This can be seen through Beowulf , “ The Epic and the Epic Hero,”and the movie “The 13th Warrior.”
The term “hero” has many different interpretations for different individuals. In his speech “Heroes”, Tim O’Brien tells his audience how he views a hero and redefines the often dramatized term. He defines a hero as one who knows what a person needs and is willing to give that to them without question. O’Brien accomplishes sharing his argument of what a hero is through the use of appealing to Kairos, diction and syntax.
Christopher Reeve once said, “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to preserve and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” A hero is a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. Hero’s are around us in our everyday lives such as firefighters who put their lives on the line to protect people and their property. Other hero’s can be found in literature. These hero’s, also know as an epic hero, exhibit superhuman qualities to help fight and protect others while on their quest. Being a hero means taking on enormous responsibilities. With these responsibilities comes great praise from others which both Beowulf and everyday firefighter receive for their extraordinary work.
We have all had someone whom we have considered our hero. We call them our hero because they have exhibited certain characteristics that make us feel safe or protected in harmful situations. A few books demonstrate heroic characteristics masterfully through their characters. Beowulf portrays a strong, self-sacrificing hero. Canterbury Tales shows us a wise and caring hero. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight displays a flawed, loyal hero. These three men give us some of the attributes it takes to be considered a hero. These books tell us that to be a hero, you have to sacrifice, have wisdom, and loyalty.
The trait of heroism is something that has changed over thousands of years. Today’s heros have different traits than those heroes of the Trojan War. However, a few have survived the test of time. Many of modern day heroes, as well as past heroes, do hold these long enduring traits, like Nelson Mandela, Marcus Luttrell, Louis Zamperini, and the fictional Iron Man. Odysseus, the main character in The Odyssey by Homer, portrays the traits necessary to be dubbed a hero. One is a hero if he or she shows leadership, bravery, resilience, and creativity throughout their actions.
“True heroism consists in rising superior to misfortune.” – Napolean Bonaparte. Every fairy tale or story contains a hero; most kids want to grow up to be that knight in shining armor. Many different people and authors portray the idea of heroism in various manners. John Wyndham in “The Chrysalids,” illustrates heroism in a thought-provoking way. Any hero will be responsible, smart and cautious of their enemies; they make decisions and act on a plan, rather than impulse. Consequently, a hero is a leader, an example. They protect and guard, but they lead and have qualities any person would wish to possess. Finally, all heroes have the ability to resolve and realize that you have to take a life in order to save a million others. Based on this,
What do you think of when you hear the word “hero”? Perhaps someone who wears a cape or has super powers comes to mind. Not all true people who fight for what is right, though, have great physical strength, super speed, or a bright red cape wrapped around their neck. The Odyssey uses Penelope, the wife of Odysseus, to demonstrate the characteristics of being a hero. Heroes without loyalty are like marriages without fidelity.
Their purpose has not been the classical hero’s purpose but instead, the modern meaning of greatness is service to others. Heroes generally reflect the ideals of their society, and while they are not perfect, they demonstrate the qualities and traits valued by their context. Heroes have always possessed distinguishing qualities, but these traits and qualities have changed
Heroes are prevalent in everyone’s life. Whether someone’s hero is a living person or a fabled character from a movie, everybody has come into contact with some sort of hero. In fact, the concept of heroes has existed for hundreds of years, dating all the way back to Ancient Greece. Over time, heroes have drastically changed. As society has evolved, our heroes have evolved with it. Their goals and motivations have changed to coincide with the views of modern society. Modern day heroes have less selfish motives, better qualities, and are portrayed differently than ancient heroes.
There are many heroes, but there are those who sit back and question what or who makes a hero in today’s society. It has never been a set standard for heroes. In this modern world, there are many types of heroes. In today’s media, there is a contrast between million dollar sports figures, glorified celebrities, and the normal people we call heroes. Some heroes receive no recognition and others receive hero status with ease. However, it has yet to be determined whether our meaning of heroes has changed due to this influence. We have known about the
What is a hero? Perhaps it should be rephrased: who is a hero? Of course, it now becomes easy to answer – we can say Odysseus, as he didn’t just assist in the victory at Troy, but fought the gods with his longing for his home; or Beowulf, who fought of the terrible monsters in Hrothgar’s kingdom as well as his own; or Byrhtnoth, who died while defending the land he loved. Clearly, it is easy to list off the heroes in these ancient poems. However, why is this so, why can we so easily identify heroes without consciously recognizing the clues that lead us to those conclusions? While this question may remain unanswerable without understanding psychology, it is still possible to understand what makes a hero tick – his set of features
The classical hero is a timeless description of human beings all around the world. Not only is it part of some human’s nature; it is used as a source of entertainment for people as well. The classical hero is seen both in the Iliad, as we have discussed, and in today’s world every day and in most cases everywhere. Heroes are seen today in TV shows, novels, movies, sports, in politics, and on the news, etc. As an audience, we love to study the classical hero whether we’re watching something or reading a novel or story about one. It always seems to be exhilarating because it’s part of our nature. The story of the hero motivates individuals to want to be like that person and strive to help