...Prompt: Traditionally the term "heroism" has been applied to those who have braved physical danger to defend a cause or protect others. Byt one of the most feared dangers people face is that of disapproval by their family, peers, or community. Sometimes acting courageously requires someone to speak out at the risk of such rejection. We should consider those who do so true heroes. Should heroes be defined as people who say what they think when we ourselves lack the courage to say it? Plan and write an essay blah blah blah, etc. A hero can be anyone- someone who fights crime, one who stands up for another, and maybe even one who silently defends. In my opinion, and Im sure many would agree, a hero is one who defends, protects, and stands up for what he/she believes in. Whether they have braved physical danger or not, heroes come in all different types, include those who protect with words over actions. Therefore, a hero should also be defined as one who says what he/she thinks when others lack the courage. One of the finest examples of this is the ever famous black woman Rosa Parks, who refused to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery bus in the times of racial segregation. Parks did what many other blacks were unable to do and stood up for her beliefs , that a black woman is no different than a white woman. She was spurned by the entire community of whites, yet she stuck to her beliefs and brought about change. To this day, she is hailed as a hero, even though...
Words: 587 - Pages: 3
... it is commonly thought as the kind of hero who is generally male, with a cape that chases and flows behind his back, a skin tight costume, and the mighty strength that he possesses to defeat criminals and villains. These super heroes that are seen in comic books, television shows, and movies always end up with the damsel in distress adoring them or some kind of acknowledgement; they lift their chins up, and chests forward portraying confidence and no struggles or worries when it comes to saving the day. While in reality, true heroes can be ordinary human beings where “saving the day” becomes a risk and where something valuable may get lost. Although heroes receive recognition in response to their success, sacrifice contributes more to heroism because, it portrays selflessness, courage,...
Words: 570 - Pages: 3
...heroes are helping others. Heroism is when someone shows an act of bravery and strength. In the book The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton one of the characters, Ponyboy Curtis, showed heroism. Ponyboy showed heroism when he saved kids from a burning church. In The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, Ponyboy showed a lot of heroism and gallantry. Ponyboy Curtis, from The Outsiders, by S.E. Hinton, was heroic. Ponyboy is in a group called the Greasers, which is one of two groups in the book. These two groups are called the Greasers and the Socs. In The Outsiders Ponyboy is with Johnny Cade, another Greaser, when they are jumped by a small group of Socs. The Socs hurt the two Greasers and then start drowning Ponyboy. Johnny, however, kills one of the Socs to get them to stop torturing them. Ponyboy and Johnny end up running away after killing the Soc and finally take refuge in an old abandoned church. When Johnny and Ponyboy were living in the church, after running away when they killed a...
Words: 448 - Pages: 2
...Monstrosity and heroism are extremely complex matters as both are in the human nature, and one cannot be without the other. Although most people have a definition for hero and one for monster, and they think the two terms are always clearly distinct, that is never the case. Monstrosity and heroism are not clear cut, as authors like Mary Shelley and Harper Lee have tries to convey. In her novel Frankenstein, Shelley tells a story of a man who, in his dangerous pursue of knowledge, creates a being that will lead his life to ruin. Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is a bildungsroman narrated by a girl whose father attempts to challenge their racist society by defending a black man in court. These two stories discuss heroism and monstrosity through the ordinary heroism of a monster, the courage of those disapproved by society (Atticus and Boo Radley), the behaviour of Victor, a character that initially appears to be benevolent. The theme of heroism is little evident in Frankenstein. The being that is also monstrous is one of the most heroic characters in the novel, for he is, until a certain point in his life, an ordinary hero. One can note such ordinary heroism in the help he constantly provides the cottagers: “(…) during the night, I (…) brought home firing sufficient for the consumption of several days” (Shelley 82). Although what he does is not extremely significant in the eyes of an outsider, the creature provides help in the best way he can, and his help does have a positive impact...
Words: 1440 - Pages: 6
...which they did not like. In Homer’s epic poem, The Iliad, the protagonist Achilles most closely fits the canon of “a hero”, as portrayed by Malala in her speech as a person who puts others before themselves, because they both risked their lives for the sake of another and they both were compassionate even towards their enemies. Heroism can be shown through risking one's life for another. Achilles demonstrates this when his good friend falls in battle and he vows to fight to honor him. When reminded of his fate to die an early death, he replies, “Then let me die, since I could not prevent the death of my companion” (113.74-75). Even though Achilles knows his fate is to die in the war, he chooses to fight for his friend’s sake. It takes a true hero to sacrifice their life for someone else. In Malala’s speech, after explaining how she was shot for her beliefs she claims that from that, “strength, power and courage was born” (Malala). Instead of giving up in order to protect herself from further attacks, Malala chose to keep her movement going. She is willing to risk her life everyday to promote a cause that she believes in, which marks a true hero. Heroism is shown through compassion towards enemies. When Priam comes to Achilles asking for Hector’s body, Achilles answers, “You unhappy man, your heart’s had to endure so many evils. How could you dare come to Achaean’s ships, and come alone, to rest your eyes on me, when I’ve killed so many noble sons of yours?” Achilles points out...
Words: 569 - Pages: 3
...Odysseus is a captain, above all. One who is in command, who must make important decisions. Now, though some of these 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...
Words: 762 - Pages: 4
...although it was not a genre at the time. It's an interesting time of life to write about, when your ideals get slammed up against reality, and you must compromise.” -S. E. Hinton. The Outsiders was a big deal back in the ‘60s because it started teen-realistic fiction. This book demonstrated heaps of true heroism in many of the characters. A hero, in my opinion, shows responsibility, bravery, and sacrifice. Johnny Cade most suits my definition of a hero. Early in the book, Johnny reveals his heroism, but he shows even stronger heroism during the middle of the book. Ponyboy, Johnny, and Dallas were eating at a Dairy Queen for the first time since Johnny and Ponyboy fled, and then Dally tells the others that Cherry is their spy and that she explained Johnny was innocent. After all, killing Bob, who nearly drowned Ponyboy, was self-defense. “We’re goin’ back and turn ourselves in,” Johnny stated [Hinton 87]. Johnny chose to do the right thing, even though he knows he might have to sacrifice the rest of his life. Johnny’s first act consists of heroism/sacrifice because he longs for what’s right, even at the cost of his future. In the next scene, Johnny further performs his heroism by being incredibly brave. He and Ponyboy ran into a burning church...
Words: 536 - Pages: 3
...Most of what they do goes unheralded, unappreciated. And that, ironically, is heroism: not to be recognized.” (from Where I Find My Heroes.)This sentence proves that some heroes are everyday people who are not recognized for their actions. It does not take special abilities to be a true hero. Heroes are scientists, people who respect others, people who take risks, people who help others, people who give more than they take, people who sacrifice, people who are determined to do the right thing and people who are willing to give what they have to someone who needs it more. That is a superpower. That is a role model. That is a...
Words: 529 - Pages: 3
...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...
Words: 569 - Pages: 3
...is the true definition of bravery and heroism. This story recaptures Beowulf's quest as he destroys monsters that terrorize the kingdom of Herot and the people who subside within it. Throughout the story vivid imagery and detailed monologue help upholds the story to an epic quality. But, for for it to truly to be an epic it must have a few needed elements such as references to god and battles between good and evil. A moment in Beowulf that truly captures this epic mentality can be found near the end of the story. Beowulf is out of his youth and is living in his old age as king. He along with some of his geats are set up outside the cave, where a diabolical dragon awaits to destroy anyone in sight. Beowulf stands up and begins his great final speech to his geats, unweary what there future holds.(2510-2510) This moment adds so much momentum to the story and so the way it embodies Beowulf as a story and a character. This moment shines above the rest and fully demonstrates the elements of bravery, self-sacrifice, and overall heroism. Of all the things Beowulf is, Beowulf is the true definition of bravery. He demonstrates this in many different ways through the text but it is the most apparent in his...
Words: 647 - Pages: 3
...Everyone has a different definition of heroism. Heros could be brave, courageous or audacious, bold, and good-looking. According to Atticus Finch, heroism is “when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do.” When I think of a hero, I think of someone who is willing to take bold risks. Many qualities of a hero are overlooked, like courage, honesty, bravery, selflessness, and the will to try. You don’t have to kill anyone, conquer forbidden land, or take crazy risks towards your life to be a hero. Anyone who influences anyone else by saving or helping save his or her lives is a hero. Although he is not Superman, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was a hero who changed many people’s lives during the Great Depression by creating the New Deal. Even a parent can be a hero to his or her child by leading them in the right direction. All teachers are heroes when they make it their job to teach a child anything that will help them in life. In To Kill A Mockingbird, Atticus mentions to Scout that Mrs. Dubose was a hero because she wasn’t afraid of death and worked so hard to stop her addiction to morphine. You do not have to go to great lengths by risking your...
Words: 603 - Pages: 3
...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...
Words: 533 - Pages: 3
...When creating a story, movie, or even a book, the creator or author often thinks of an attention grasping plot. No matter what era or time period people have a tendency to be attracted to heroism. A plot displaying action, heroic journeys or deeds and a fitting character that possess each one of the traits to accomplish the role of a hero. In the Epic known as “Beowulf” there is an example of this kind of hero. He is the kind of man other men look up to or the kind of man that children hear stories of. Beowulf is an extremely gifted and respected individual; his heroism is fueled by his motives which are his duty, everlasting glory, and self-worth. Beowulf is very loyal to his people, he is the strongest and fights to protect all and listens...
Words: 664 - Pages: 3
...Topic A: Real world trend. To understand the history of American comic book, we should go back to see the first comic book. Proto-comic appearing in 20th century, the most well-known one is Dell Publishing’ 36 page Famous Funnies: A Carnival of Comics, which known as the first American comic book. However, comic book becomes a type of industry and swept the country which start at 1938. The author Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster's create Superman. Rather than typically “American dream”, people already have another dream which we can be saved by a single superhero. Followed the historical time line, we can see superman just created after The Great Depression. This recession continues about four years, through 1929 to 1933. It is the biggest depression in human history. Wall Street become the powder keg of the world stock market. U.S. didn’t have a break from the economic disaster, the world war II come after the economic shadow. Since 1939 to 1945, the six years war immediately reformed the world order. If we combined the World War I and World War II, we can see there two parts from one war. The big mess happened in European War Zone, until 1941 American joined in to the allied nations, and against axis. The attack on Pearl Harbor is a nightmare for every American citizen. Compare to the sadness reality, the golden age of comic book is looks like reasonable. We people have so much pain and tragedy memories. And only arts can express the strong emotion. The superhero character...
Words: 492 - Pages: 2
...The term “Hero” is a very ambiguous word. A hero for one group of people or one country is a villain or enemy to the next. Normally the traits associated with a hero are courageous, selfless, strong, leader, determined and perseverance. This idea is proven in Wolfgang Petersen’s film Troy and Zack Snyder’s film 300. Both films portray a character that embodies the image of a hero, Prince Hector and King Leonidas and Anit-hero/villains who are greedy and inspired by wealth, fame, and or power, Achilles and Xerxes. The theme of Heroism in 300 and Troy are similar because they both exhibit a common philosophy of Immortalization of oneself vs the protection of ones homeland and people. The latter is viewed more highly because their heroic action are for the betterment of themselves and other people but goal of the former is selfish and self-centered which is seen as immoral and is often frowned upon. Whether or not any of these characters are heroes is debatable but fact remains that they all possess characteristics of a hero in addition to the same idea of “All for One” vs “One for All”. Although, these historical events took place during different times in history these two different pairs of characters represent the same thing. Ironically the conclusion of both the films express that when the two interject, those who fight for themselves will indeed conquer those who fight for their land and people. In the Spartan culture warriors were taught to either win the...
Words: 728 - Pages: 3
