Bravery does not define heroism. Personally, I agree with the previous claim because acting courageously for egotistical reasons rather than for the benefit of a certain group is not a principle of heroes. In addition, heroes often possess admirable leadership skills which help them to lead the people they empathize with and fight for in a way that benefits them. In the novel entitled Oroonoko, Behn (1997) presents the story of a prince named Oroonoko who experiences several challenges as he enslaved and exploited by British colonialists; consequently, making him starting a revolution that results in his cruel death. In this literary text, issues of power, domination, slavery, social oppression and others are discussed in a thought-provoking …show more content…
Throughout the text, the narrator gives the impression of assuming two identities which add controversy to her portrait of Oroonoko as a hero. The first identity is of a European settler with British standards who identifies herself with the Western world. For example, she accepts being part of the “[her] Western world” when she makes reference to the name Caesar, Oroonoko’s new name according European religious standards (Behn, 1997, p. 37). The second identity is of a powerless interventionist against slavery who empathizes with Oroonoko’s misery and unavoidably opposes the British colonialists. Once more, when making reference to the naming system, she separates herself from the British colonialists by stating that “they [British] giv’em some Name of their own” (p. 36). At this point, her stance is undefined and she avoids being part the domineering side. Some might consider arguable her alternating stance because her association with Oroonoko might be perceived as a political approach with the goal of making Oroonoko a reliable character for the European audience. Yet, considering the alternating stance of the narrator, it is reasonable that the reader chooses to meticulously analyze if every factor involved in Oroonoko’s acts of heroism were totally profitable for all, instead of arriving at any …show more content…
As a hero analyzes matters in a broader perspective, it is evident in the text that he fails to consider how his actions will negatively affect the safety of the slaves, their relationship with the colonialists and their viewpoint of creating another revolt. First, his disregard for the wellbeing of the slaves shows that his objectives seem to be impulsive rather than logical because maintaining the slaves’ safety should be one of his primary goals. For example, he thinks that murdering his pregnant wife is the best alternative as oppose to leaving her under the colonialists’ control (Behn, 1997, p. 61). Such treatment of his wife as a submissive subject and disrespect of her life reveals a tyrannical character of Oroonoko that usually differs from a self-sacrificing hero (Brown, as cited in Behn, 1997, p. 234). Secondly, his decision on resuming his vengeful course negatively affects the relationship between the slaves and their rulers. Although his effort of rebelling against the colonialists can be considered as a turning point for further anti-colonialist movements, he is oblivious to the fact that the slaves become targets of violent oppression. According to the narrator, the slaves “were no sooner arriv’d at the Place, where all they received their Punishments of Whipping” after being detained by the colonialists; Oroonoko
George Orwell once offered this definition of heroism: ordinary people doing whatever they can to change social systems that do not respect human decency, even with the knowledge that they can’t possibly succeed.
There are many different types of heroism that exist among the heroes of past and present. Heroism usually is thought of as battling and triumphing over an obstacle, or conquest of a fair-maiden’s love. But notice what this passage from the Mahabharata says about “The True Hero.”
“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” Being a hero doesn’t mean your invincible. It just means you’re brave enough to stand up and do what’s needed. In the historical fiction novel, “Crispin: The Cross of Lead” by Avi, 13 year old Crispin who is now an orphan after the death of his mother is forced to flee his village after being accused of stealing and is to be killed. He comes across a man who helps him along his quest and faces many overwhelming challenges. Its not until he made the decision to risk his own life to benefit the life of another that he then shows an act of true heroism.
Examining primary sources can be a useful tool to provide partial insights of past events. Olaudah Equiano’s Interesting Narrative is an example of a primary source that provides insights on 18th century New World slavery. His autobiography takes the reader on a journey starting from his village in Africa through the slave trade to the West. He reveals many insights on slavery, but there are also limitations that do not provide the full picture, which is to be expected. Nevertheless, Equiano’s autobiography provides important insights on 18th century New World slavery through his experiences and the experiences of others.
All in all, heroism is a vague word that could be defined as many of things. Such as bravery, courage, honesty, morality, trusts...etc. If Beowulf was defined as a hero then the knight should be defined as one also seeing as he gave the old women the choice to be old and good or pretty and bad. Or if the Author of The Art of Courtly love cannot be heroic and then write in a way of being heroic how can one decide what heroism is. All three of these studies show different forms and fashions of heroic people, feelings, and attitudes. Overall heroism is and always will be based on personal opinion, what one person defines as a hero can be completely different from what another person sees it as.
Heroism entails several things; a selfless act, courage, or the accomplishments of bold and daring expeditions. A hero can also mean courage in the face of death. Others may view this type of hero as stupid, or a martyr. Every hero has faults and these faults along with heroic deeds make the man or woman; a hero, heroine.
Beowulf is the exact image of a perfect hero. He is unimaginably strong, selfless, determined and courageous. Victor Frankenstein may be much less of a hero, but a hero nonetheless. Heroism is often seen as someone who is strong, brave, selfless and determined. It is someone who would risk their own life for the benefit of others. It is someone who is physically strong and mentally capable of enduring extreme pain and hardship. Heroism can ultimately be defined as someone who puts others ahead of themselves.
Both the “character” of Frederick Douglass in Douglass’s Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass and the character of Babo in Herman Melville’s Benito Cereno are, among many things, a tale of heroism. Although there are clear distinctions between Douglass’s autobiography and abolitionist work and Cereno’s fictional work -specifically in terms of how they resisted slavery and to what extent they were successful- both protagonists use their intelligence and strength to overcome their white masters and a society that has subordinated them.
Bravery has a history that can be traced back to the first trace of humanity. Indeed, society depends on leaders that are brave.The word bravery itself lives within our everyday lives. There are times when we need leaders, courageous ones. At school, we need bravery in every classroom. Especially during the shooting of Sandy Hook,when six heroines dies to save their students. This was a time when intense bravery was needed to overcome evil. Teachers, how much will you sacrifice for your school? If an assailant shows up in your school, will you do the things that no others will do? Together, I believe, we could all be a little bit braver. If we become braver one by one, the world would be a much better place for everyone.
In his autobiography, The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, Equiano describes his early life in Africa and the shattering effects of the slave trade. From growing up and learning to be a man under the watchful and loving eye of his mother, to being torn from his family and home and being forced to travel throughout Africa before ultimately finding himself aboard a slave ship headed for America, He gives readers a unique view of life as an African during the 1700s. Many themes are explored in Equiano’s tale, but one cannot ignore the most prominent theme of the evil of slavery and the destruction that ensues.
The definition of bravery in the Standard College Dictionary Canadian Edition is, "the quality of mind or spirit enabling one to meet danger or opposition with fearlessness, calmness, and firmness." Bravery is a quality that is shown by many of the characters in the novel The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. The characters are brave in their effort to protect physical well-being, personal values, their reputation and sanity. In the novel the characters exhibit genuine bravery in order to guard the things important to them.
Bravery is the quality of a person who displays courage and fearlessness in the face of danger. Such qualities show splendor and magnificence in a person. Fear and terror sometimes hinder the determination someone can show. Overcoming this fear is what portrays bravery. In Ernest Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms, Frederick Henry shows bravery by freely joining the Italian army, risking his life for some ambulance drivers and swimming to freedom, being shot at the whole way.
The ability to show courage is very important to be a hero. Courage means the ability to do something that you know is difficult or dangerous, and being able to carry on in spite of danger
The concept of heroism has been explored by every author in every generation of writing. The earliest heroes were “self” described heroes that existed within Greek mythology and gained the actual title “Hero” by completing feats that, while they were humanly possible, were only accomplishable by those at peak human form, both physically and mentally. For as long as heroism has been used in literature, and spoken word, they have all had the common theme of humanity. The most prominent heroes were all human, some were “underdog” heroes starting at a disadvantage, some were a manifestation, or reflection, of the average person of the time, and yet others were supposed to represent the peak of humanity. The hero embodies the ideals of the society but is often helpless at the hands of fate.
In the novel The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay, heroism is expressed in many different ways and in different characters. According to the dictionary a hero is defined as “a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deed and noble qualities” (Webster). Forms of Heroism are expressed in ways such as, bravery, determination and intelligence.