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Odysseus As A Modern Day Hero In Homer's The Odyssey

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In the words of Christopher Reeve, “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” A hero doesn’t have to save the world from a world wide mass destruction like superman. They also don’t have to be male. In Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey, the main character Odysseus and real life modern day hero Razia Jan model what a good hero really is. Odysseus and Razia Jan reveal how a good hero is someone who can overcome obstacles because it exhibits determination, inner courage, and selflessness. A good hero has the determination to keep moving even when there are hardships along the way. Through his entire journey Odysseus is being thrown into danger and terrifying situations nonstop. …show more content…
As Odysseus is just about to take his home back he encounters a resistance, the suitors. Odysseus faces the suitors head on, even though he is aware of the fact that he is horribly outnumbered (b.22). Any sane person would be afraid, but Odysseus still goes into battle with the confidence of a hero, slaying all those who deceive him. He doesn't let his fear get the better of him. Getting rid of the suitors doesn't only effect him, but his family and the people who are loyal to him. They want their king back and he is the only one who can fix their lives. Bombs, guns, acids, and poison gases were used to kill a total of 149 students and teachers in afghan schools in 2008 the same year Razia opened her all girls school. Talibans were so opposed to the thought of girls learning they used violence to hurt them. Razia Jan's school has to be protected by a stone wall and guards. They also have daily air and water tests for threats. There is always this fear of someone trying to kill her in the back of her mind, but she is courageous and overcomes the fears of an attack to give these young 354 and counting girls a chance at a proper education. Even with a huge target on her back from terrorists she intends to never stop helping and teaching. Their fears don't stop them from achieving their

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