...What is a hero? Join me in exploring heroism. ‘The Ballad of the Green Berets,' by Barry Sadler, is a tribute song that honors the bravery of the United States Army Air Forces during the Vietnam War. In ‘How Jackie Robinson, Wife, Rachel Helps Break Baseball Color,' by the author Chris Lamb, Rachel Robinson plays an important role in breaking the color barrier by supporting her husband and others. In Heros Chapter 8, author Comer writes a novel. In Chapter 8, Francis walks into a bar and talks to other vets about the war. These three texts similarly portray heroism by showing people doing big things—soldiers fighting in wars, Rachel Robinson's husband Jakie in baseball fighting color, and characters in a book being heroes—war vets that can help people by losing something. They all show that being a hero means bravery and sacrifice. In my first talking point, I will discuss how bravery is a key characteristic of heroism....
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...4/22/13 Beowulf: Epic Heroism There are many answers people will give if they were asked the question what makes a good hero. If myself were asked what makes a good hero, my answers would simply say courage, morality, honor, strength, unselfishness, and loyalty. Reading all of the works this semester; analyzing the characters traits of heroism, without a doubt the poem Beowulf displays the most epic heroism of all the works from reading this semester. David Aaron White said it best in his article; “In the poem Beowulf, one's value as a hero is built on what he has done, and what he will do or the good of other people” (Literary analysis: Heroism as portrayed in Beowulf). Compared to the others the character Beowulf, he represents the true qualities that myself look for in a hero. It’s not even close to me; also his faith in God and knowing that he is in control shows his tremendous character that a lot of people would love in a hero. Beowulf defines heroism, from his bravery, honor, strength, and unselfishness to put others lives before his, and in terms of positive morals he fits that description perfectly. In the epic poem Beowulf, “Much of this epic poem is dedicated to conveying and exemplifying the heroic code which values such attributes as strength, courage and honor.” (Beowulf and the Heroic Code). Beowulf heroic ways in the story cannot be ignored he had several amazing heroic displays in the story. Beowulf’s first display of epic heroism is his unselfish defense...
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...book I have read. The two characters Telemachus and Norman Bowker. Both characters show heroism. They are alike in a certain way. They show heroism by being fighters, never give up, and being courageous in anyway they could be. Literature is full of characters that can be heroic. The first book, "The Odyssey" is an epic poem written by Homer, where it takes place in Ancient Greece, where a character named Telemachus shows heroism by never giving up. Him not giving shows heroism because. Even when times were rough and people told him that his father was no longer alive; Telemachus did not just forget about his father and live his life. No! Telemachus ignored what everyone has said and did not stop his search for his father. He could have moved on but he would not let anyone take advantage, he was to finish what he has started. A quote that shows Telemachus is heroic is when he says, should not have sorrowed so over his dying if he had gone down among his companions in the land of the Trojans, or in the arms of his friends, after he had wound up the fighting. So all the Achaians would have heaped a grave mound over him, and he would have won great fame for himself and his son hereafter. But now ingloriously...
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...change someone’s life. People who stand up for what is right and help others find dignity in their lives can be considered heroes. One does not need to win the Nobel Prize or be Superman to be considered heroic. In some cases, helping individuals accomplish tasks others find too difficult to tackle can be considered heroic. In the novel, A Lesson Before Dying, Earnest Gaines demonstrates that Paul Bonin, Grant Wiggins, and Jefferson define heroism by giving dignity to all individuals and giving respect to a disrespected community. Heroes disregard the racist codes of society by treating all people as equals. In the novel, Paul, a white man who works at the jail, recognizes the injustices in society, and insists on treating all people equally with kindness. Grant comes to the jail frequently to visit Jefferson and help him die with dignity. Paul forms a friendship with this young black teacher and their bond and desire to help Jefferson grows stronger and stronger. This friendship goes against segregation, and a partnership is formed that is based on trust and loyalty. Paul understands people and recognizes Grant’s pain when Grant visits a defeated Jefferson. A few days after the execution, Paul greats Grant with Jefferson’s notebook, “ If I could ever be of any help, I would like you to call on me. I mean that with all my heart”(255). Paul shows bravery by reaching across the racial barrier. He thinks of each man’s humanity and what is inside, not their color. By forming a friendship...
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...key principals of heroism are courage, selflessness and a lasting impact. To some people that can mean a person admired for their achievements, to others it could be a renowned warrior. A hero to me is someone who shows great courage and puts others before themself but expects nothing in return. It is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as a mythical or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability. Often heroes are portrayed as male figures in films and stories usually depicting warrior- like traits. Some dilute heroism when they attribute it to celebrities, giving them hero recognition when in reality they’re job is to entertain. Some illustrious political figures are also admired for their stature, sometimes being thought of as heroes. Many religions hold mere men as demigods or magnates. All of these fail the true definition of heroism in my eyes. Heroes can be described as someone who is able to resist fear. An individual who does a courageous act doesn’t necessarily have to affect society as a whole but can definitely change the lives of those involved. They’re putting themselves at risk, or using their resources purely to help someone else in need. These people may not get media attention, or be praised by hundreds of people, but they have certainly made a lasting impression on people’s lives. A hero, in Greek Mythology or folklore, was originally described as a demigod, which fulfills the definitions of what is considered good...
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...Heroism can be seen through the eyes of different people. People, who have read The Odyssey by Homer, can see that it is filled with heroism. Odysseus has been on a 20 year journey, trying to get himself and his crew home safely. He went through many obstacles, like facing monsters, while protecting the people he had brought with him, and himself. Through the character Odysseus, Homer shows that to be a true hero one must have loyalty, courage, and eloquence. Loyalty plays a big part in being a hero. Odysseus makes sure that no man is left behind. He knows when he and his crew get to Kirke’s house, that it is a trap. Even though his crew members don’t believe him, he still goes back to help them “Here in this house you turned my men...
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...the course of time, but many believe the most popular Anglo- Saxon hero, Beowulf, most perfectly fits into this category and truly defines what it means. At all times, Beowulf is never afraid to put his life on the line for the sake and protection of his people, which helped him gain approval from the people of his area. Throughout the course of the adventure and journey, Beowulf exemplifies what it means to be an epic hero showing loyalty, courage, intelligence, and selflessness in his efforts to save his people and achieve immortality. Beowulf proves that he is a great Anglo-Saxon epic hero through his loyalty. Loyalty was held paramount by...
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...their culture and heroic characteristics involving bravery, leadership, strength, personality traits, fighting style, and their motivation to fight. Focuses on the two different aspects of heroism as defined by Greek and Anglo Saxon culture. Beowulf and Percy Jackson share the heroic traits of leadership skills, superhuman strength and bravery. Beowulf is the leader of the Geats,...
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...misunderstanding Obviously there is an invisible wall between father and his son. They talk about two different things, the father about the disease and the son about his death but they do not know that they misunderstand each other. This fateful misunderstanding appears in different scenes where the father and son talk about "it", meaning two different things. One example is when the father asks his son why he does not go to sleep. "You don´t have to stay in here with me, Papa, if it bothers you." The son is talking about his death but does not mention his fear. He must be shocked when the father answers "It doesn't bother me". Because the father does not know of the fear of his son there is no reason for him to explain that he won´t die. Instead he goes out to hunt. The boy must think that his father does not even care that he will die, but prefers going out to hunt. This fateful misunderstanding happens another time, again Hemingway uses the word "it" to describe two different things. Father: "It´s nothing to worry about." He means the fever. "Just take it easy." Since the son always thinks of death he assumes his father tells him to take dying easy so he answers: "I am taking it easy". The hunting scene In the story "A Day´s Wait" there is a story in a story. In this part of the story the father goes out to hunt for a while while his son is in bed thinking about death. In the passage there is a description of nature which is covered with a "glassy surface": you can see it, but...
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...decisions may have resulted in the death of his crew mates, I think it is important to consider his heroism in other areas of his life. From being the man who brought about the destruction of the Trojans during war time to his many warnings to his crew of the dangers of their journey, his heroics have far outweighed his villainous acts. It is hard for me to say, but sacrifices needed to be made, and he did what he could to bring his men home, however unsuccessfully he did so. First up, we have the making of the Trojan Horse. Athena, favoring Odysseus, came to him and instructed him to create a giant wooden horse to trick the...
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...In the book Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi, a 13-year-old kid, referred to just as Asta's Son, lives as a laborer in the little town of Stromford. Stranded upon the demise of his mom, Crispin is compelled to flee his home. Simply running for one's life is not chivalrous. However, Crispin's journey gets to be heroic when he is compelled to settle on choices that could kill him. Crispin begins as a very pessimistic, distrustful, and fearful young boy, but because of his quest, becomes more courageous, adventurous, and optimistic. Originally, Crispin finds himself deprived, alone, and scared. His fear drives him to be both suspicious and pessimistic of his future. For example, Crispin’s pessimism is presented when he says “All in all, I spent...
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...Strength, Power, Heroism, and Courage. These are among the central themes that encompass the epic of Beowulf and allow the reader to take an intimate look at Anglo-Saxon society. Beowulf, the hero of this story, is the focal point, demonstrating his phenomenal super human abilities throughout the epic as he conquers and kills anything dangerous or beastly in his path. Although Beowulf is viewed as a superhero, Hrothgar, does not hesitate to present Beowulf with the best advice that he can muster. Hrothgar’s guidance is essential in outlining the basic and most vital themes of the epic. He warns Beowulf about overweening, resenting tradition, and dishonoring customs, among many other points. As seen in this passage, the themes of wyrd, paganism, and heroism are clearly distinct in Seamus Heaney’s Beowulf through the harrowing adventures retold. The concept of wyrd, or a sense of inevitable doom, is a central theme in Beowulf, demonstrated by the constant reminder that the destruction of events or people will most definitely occur. When Hrothgar bestows his advice upon Beowulf, it is stated that “ancestral possessions/ and the goods he hoarded are inherited by another/ who lets them go with a liberal hand”, which clearly exemplifies a belief in ultimate ruin (ll 1756-7). Despite the honor that one must earn in order to receive such goods, once one dies it no longer has any meaning, showing how gloomy the Anglo-Saxon society was in it’s outlook about death. Additionally,...
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...Beowulf’s Actions: Heroism or Duty? In a historical poem named Beowulf, we see people of Danes living in a fear of a powerful monster, Grendal. No one seems to be able to defeat him until a hero warrior named Beowulf sails from Geatland and kills Grendel. From the very beginning of the poem Beowulf stands out as a fearless, “the mightiest man on earth, highborn and powerful” (line 196). He is not afraid of anyone or anything and he is also not shy about showing off all his success. He mentions all the accomplishments he had when he was younger and he goes to a great detail describing his fight with the sea monster, Breca. At the moment when we can see Beowulf crosses path with Unferth, his character really stands out in comparison to Unferth’s coward and jealous nature. Even though Beowulf comes across as a brave and strong warrior who later becomes a beloved and well respected king, there is a part of the story that makes me question his motifs. I wonder: Were his actions an act of heroism or was it his duty? After arriving in Danes, Beowulf meets with the king, Hrothgar. Based on their conversation, we can assume that they are not complete strangers. Hrothgar admits knowing Beowulf’s father, Ecgtheow. There is something Hrothgar said during their meeting that raises a question. Lines 470 - 473 read: “Finally I healed the feud by paying: I shipped a treasure-trove to the Wulfings, and Ecgtheow acknowledged me with oaths of allegiance”. In my opinion, the phrase “oaths of allegiance”...
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...0202 / مجلة ديالى العدد الرابع و االربعون The Bird as a Sacrificial Hero in Oscar Wilde’s “The Nightingale and the Rose” and “The Happy Prince” BY ASST. INST. Shaima’ Fadhil Hassan UNIVERSITY OF KOYA/ COLLEGE OF LANGUAGES/ DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH Heroism and sacrifice are not new concepts; they can be traced back to the early days of human life. These concepts developed throughout history as a result of the development of human thought. In literature, the idea of heroism appears on a large scale. It has been dealt with by different writers in different periods. As far as terminology is concerned, the terms of heroism and sacrifice are interchangeable. The hero must be a sacrificer and the one who sacrifices himself must be a hero, for this reason these two terms (hero and sacrificer) cannot be separated. Thus, both of them go hand in hand in so many works of literature. Heroism and sacrifice are not confined to human beings only. Some writers present their heroes as gods as in mythology, and some of them present animals as in fables. 809 0202 / مجلة ديالى العدد الرابع و االربعون The idea of having an animal as a sacrificial hero is shown in many of Oscar Wilde’s short stories. He developed this theme as a reaction towards his age which lacked, in his view, moral as well as human values. For this reason, he chooses a bird to be his tragic hero. He epitomizes this idea in such short stories like “The Nightingale and the Rose” and “The Happy Prince”....
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...not being recognized due to society’s fixed perspective of what can be called true Heroism. Therefore, it is the ignorance towards human nature present in Heroes and not faults in Heroes themselves that is largely responsible for the diminishing of such idealism. Society has come...
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