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Archetypical Hero

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In many accounts the archetypical hero has been used time and time again. The heroic character has traits that are collectively inherited and admired by many. In Silence of The Lambs and the mythological story of Theseus an archetypical hero is used. The reason why mankind has steadfastly composed the archetypical hero is because it is found relatable. The hero is relatable because they are intriguing, impressive and inspirational.
The archetypical hero is intriguing as he comes from an obscure or mysterious origin and he is also spiritually alone. Theseus is intriguing as his father is unknown. Theseus’ mother slept with two different men the night of his conception. These men were Poseidon, a god and Aegeus, a king. So Theseus could either be a demigod or the son of a king. Theseus begins his journey by collecting flying sandals and a sword from under a rock from (his could be father) Aegeus. By himself, Theseus set off to find his father as well as his maturity. In Silence of the Lambs, Clarice is an outsider in her field of work for the FBI, since she is a female in a man’s world. Her father dying when she was only 10 and her mother already deceased created an even more captivating past. Despite her difficult beginnings she prospered as the head of her class. She was then chosen for an important case even though she was still training in the academy. Clarice is an introvert to society and remains spiritually isolated, haunted by her past. After her father died she lived with her aunt and uncle on a farm. One night she woke up to the sound of lambs crying and being slaughtered, desperate to stop the noise and save even just one lamb she tried but failed. This instilled a determined need to save innocents in her life with the reoccurring dreams of the lambs.
The archetypical hero is impressive as he faces difficult obstacles and danger throughout his journey, plunging into the ultimate darkness. Theseus overcame many impediments along his journey. One example is a bandit named Procrustes the Stretcher, who had two beds, one of which he offered to passers-by in the plain of Eleusis. He then made them fit into it, either by stretching them or by cutting off their feet. Since he had two beds of different lengths, no one would fit. Theseus turned the tables on Procrustes, cutting off his legs and decapitating him with his own axe. He also entered the notorious Labyrinth and killed the Minotaur a very daunting task that other believed he could never accomplish. Clarice is impressive as she agreed to meet the infamous “Hannibal the cannibal” (Dr. Hannibal Lecter) despite the warnings she received and the tormenting she received while visiting him in the unnerving asylum he was kept in. Much like Theseus she entered the labyrinth like basement/lair of the serial killer she was hunting; Buffalo Bill. Buffalo Bill, analogous to the Minotaur is a human “monster” that captures and skins his victims. Like, the Minotaur and Theseus, Clarice in the end has to kill him. Clarice makes her way through the eerie and confusing basement and is forced to kill Bill who is hunting her after she discovered who he was. (All on her own still as a trainee)
Last of all the archetypical hero is used repeatedly because they serve as an inspiration. After descending into the darkness they emerge and are changed. Theseus volunteers as one of the 12 tributes to be sacrificed to the Minotaur on his own free will. By going into the labyrinth and slaying the Minotaur he saves countless lives. His act of selfless courage serves as an inspiration to many.
Clarice also serves as an inspiration, as she goes with her instinct and investigates even when she didn't have to, which leads her to the correct killers’ house.
Clarice goes to Bill’s house on her own accord and despite being in a desperate situation all alone she kills Bill (who was threatening her life) and also she successfully saves the girl trapped, providing some closure to the lamb incident. Another mythological hero, Perseus, a demi-god who killed Medusa, and claimed Andromeda, having rescued her from a sea monster sent by Poseidon is alike to Clarice saving the girl from Bill. Unlike the typical female role, her prominence as an independent woman inspires women to be strong despite weaknesses, take charge and be the hero.

An archetypical hero possesses qualities and actions that make them intriguing, impressive as well as inspirational. Outsiders or those that stand out from society can find a role as a hero despite being different or alone. Impressiveness does not apply to those who are impervious to the difficult obstacles, but rather rightful admiration to those who work hard. With persistence throughout difficulty it helps others feel able to surpass the seemingly impossible. Both Theseus and Clarice exemplify these traits, among many of the archetypical heroes that present themselves over and over again.

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