Modern Day Hero Research Paper

350 Words1 Page
bulb-icon

Recommended: Definition of a hero

There are many qualities of a historical hero, and these qualities are both alike and different from those of a modern hero.The qualities of a modern day hero are much more diverse than the strict definition of a historical hero. In Prentice Hall Literature: Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes,a singular definition of a hero are, mercy, fairness, and honesty (Kinsella 491). This unspecific type of hero has a very strict definition because it is such an archetype that some novels depend on. To get even more particular on the subject, the qualities of a hero from history are recognized as courage,born into noble birth, mercy to those who oppose him, loyalty, being revered by their followers, great physical strength, and being larger-than-life (Kinsella

Show More
Related

  • Compare And Contrast Beowulf And Katniss Everdeen

    1184 Words  | 3 Pages

    Varying from time, location and person, what it takes to be considered a hero has remained for the most part unanimous and throughout time has been represented in multiple ways. Most present in dated writing, a hero 's image and pride make up a big portion of most heroes. Their heroes aren’t so humble and they aspire to keep their title of "hero". On the contrary, most heroes in literature today are quite modest and don 't expect to be viewed as or considered heroes (more often than not they themselves do not classify with being heroes). As is the case for Beowulf and Katniss Everdeen, both different and yet also similar in terms of action, motives and thought (their personality being what really separates the two). Perhaps the biggest part of how a hero is treated and acts depends on what their society is like. Throughout time, the overall qualities of a hero have remained very similar. What has changed, is

    Read More

  • Essays on Heroes in Cyrano De Bergerac

    597 Words  | 2 Pages

    Every generation has its own heroes that display, what they believe to be, ideal characteristics. While each is different in their own way, many of these role models share similar qualities. Most tend to have courage, strength, compassion, or another respected trait, but this is not necessarily why they win the adoration of their followers.

    Read More

  • Examples Of Holden Caulfield A Hero

    927 Words  | 2 Pages

    Everyone has their own perception on what defines a hero; some may argue that they exhibit characteristics such as honesty or courage, while others may think that heroes have special power. Our society may have changed the values in which we associate heroes with, but one thing seems to have never changed: the main character of the book turns out as the hero. In my analyst, Holden Caulfield, the protagonist in The Catcher in the Rye, is put on trial as we see through our own eyes how Caulfield can not be considered a hero in modern society. In modern society, we would consider a hero as a role model, and someone who we would want to emulate.

    Read More

  • What is a Hero?- Enrique’s Journey

    643 Words  | 2 Pages

    Has one ever wondered what a true hero might be? The dictionary definition describes a hero as a person who is typically a man that is idolized for special qualities or things he might have done. Is this all completely true? Can anyone truly be a hero without any of this? A true hero is defined by his/her ability to break laws when need be, not have all the knowledge in the world but is able to apply what has been learnt when needed, and noticing differences in different cultures and accepting them.

    Read More

  • Compare And Contrast Abraham Lincoln And Beowulf

    1022 Words  | 3 Pages

    Each hero is a resemblance of their culture 's values and time period. Beowulf is a perfect figure to represent the warring and bloodthirsty era of the Anglo-Saxon whcich did not believe in life after death and had to live a life worth talking about for many years after death. On the other hand, Lincoln is a wonderful example of a modern day hero. He preached about God many of times in his debates within the government and even his Second Inaugural Address. The belief in God led him towards a more humble lifestyle in order to live a happier afterlife in Heaven. Heroes can be very identical on the surface, but what separates them is the civilization 's value and honor

    Read More

  • Odysseus, A Hero

    1125 Words  | 3 Pages

    A well known example of such a person is Odysseus from Homer's "Odyssey". Odysseus is idolized for his few heroic deeds during the Trojan War and his journey home to Ithaca. He is often thought of as a hero, but, as he is human and therefore subject to human weakness and fault, is not a true hero although some of his deeds were heroic. Odysseus also possessed the necessary qualities and skills needed for him to succeed. This is perhaps the key to understanding why he was classified as a hero in the first place.

    Read More

  • Modern Heroes: Dante Vs. Beowulf

    977 Words  | 2 Pages

    One must have larger-than-life qualities that exceed those of regular humans. Beowulf did exactly that, his most important traits as a modern hero included bravery, loyalty, honor, and the willingness to risk his life for the greater good. Beowulf displayed great courage by eliminating Grendel and his mother. Also, Beowulf died after he succeeded in killing the dragon and the people mourned his death. Dante’s character in The Inferno is not by definition a modern hero because throughout his journey into hell he displayed weakness, he was scared,

    Read More

  • Beowulf And Anglo Saxon Values

    523 Words  | 2 Pages

    When comparing modern heroes to classical ones, there is an important aspect to take note of, irregular abilities. In epics, such as Beowulf, the main character and hero of the story has abilities that no normal man possesses, which is similar to the heroes of today. The figures we label as modern heroes can be alien (Wonder-Woman), geniuses (Batman), or even contain special powers (Spider-Man). Within the story Beowulf, it is noted that a warrior fights for justice for the kingdom and city and they try their hardest to bring honor to whomever/whatever they are fighting for. Similarly once the leader of a warrior dies, the warrior will do his best to bring honor and avenge his leader. This is seen in Beowulf whenever Wiglaf promises to protect the throne like Beowulf had done and even calls anyone disloyal to Beowulf a coward, as they left him alone to fight a dragon. This is also quite similar to modern heroes, for example, when Robin decides to take over as Batman when Gotham believed he was dead. He decided to avenge Batman and honor him in the best way he could, bringing justice to Gotham and fighting the villains just as his mentor

    Read More

  • A Hero in the Epic of Gilgamesh and The Novel Monkey

    1842 Words  | 4 Pages

    When asking people about what characteristics they think of when they think of a hero the most common answers would be doing good deeds and not allowing evil to flourish. This is what we have been made to believe. One of the first images that come to mind when the word hero is mentioned is a superhero. An image of Batman or Superman is likely, one who is good natured and conquers evil as it appears. Just doing good deeds or not committing evil sins is not enough. First you would have to distinguish the difference between an evil and a good action. The line between good and evil is so thin that specific attributes and certain actions are constantly being exchanged back and forth. We cannot decide as a society what is good and what is evil. A modern day example would be when the United States made the decision to bomb Japan during World War II. For Americans celebration ensued as it was thought to be a decisive moment of victory. Those who were involved in t...

    Read More

  • Similarities Between Beowulf And Hamlet

    1617 Words  | 4 Pages

    Societies construct heroes that represent and embody the ideals of those who create them and read about them. Their is a stark contrast between the hero in the time of Beowulf and Hamlet’s creation and heroes created in modern times. Current literature, movies, and television portray a different kind of hero from those created in 1000 AD to 1600 AD. A hero is defined as someone who is "admired for achievements and noble qualities"," shows great courage", and in historical texts such as Beowulf and Hamlet is a "legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability" or an "illustrious warrior" (Merriam-Webster). Despite the popular belief that the time for heroes has passed away, based on the needs of society, today's

    Read More

  • Hero Essay: A Hero In Real Life

    710 Words  | 2 Pages

    An English proverb states, “ A hero is a man who is afraid to run away”. I agree with this proverb, because when you see a hero in a comic book, they have super cool back stories, are not afraid to fight, and stare danger in the face and not blink. They are not afraid of anything. That’s nice to look up to, but they are not real. Our definition of a hero is too much for one man to become, you can do something honorable, heroic, but you will never actually be a hero because it's too much, in real life. Heroes don’t just do it so they can get paid, or respect. What really determines whether someone is a hero is if they choose to do something about it in a bad situation. We have people that do heroic acts, for example, people putting their lives before others. Those people cannot be heroes because they get paid to do it, they are, firefighters, cops, and military, they get paid to help people, so they aren't considered a hero.

    Read More

  • The Odyssey: Archetypes In Homer's Odyssey

    790 Words  | 2 Pages

    According to “The Hero’s Journey”, societies throughout history have lifted up exemplary individuals. There is almost always one individual who is a perfect example. He is the guy that leads others and is looked up to. The greeks valued a character that they could aspire to be. Also from “The Hero’s Journey”, the hero seems to be invincible and incorruptible. The hero is tested, but he always seems to prevail. In real life, this can be seen as a world leader or a famous warrior. As quoted from The Odyssey, “ He fought only to save his life and to bring his shipmates home.”(561). The hero always fights for good causes and for others. You never hear about a hero being selfish or foolish. They are always pure and just, so they are often well known and popular among the

    Read More

  • How Heroes Have Changed

    1291 Words  | 3 Pages

    Over time, the characteristics that define a hero have changed. Different cultures have had an impact on the characteristics that define a hero. The different types of heroes all have differences with one another. There are still some characteristics that have not changed in defining a hero. Bravery and courage are characteristics that have defined all heroes.

    Read More

  • Man On Fire

    849 Words  | 2 Pages

    When I think of an American Hero I immediately think of someone who is strong, intelligent, handsome, and daring. Upon closer examination, many different qualities than these become apparent. Courage, honesty, bravery, selflessness, and the will to try are just a few of the overlooked qualities of an American Hero. The definition of heroism changes with the context and time. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines heroism as "heroic conduct especially as exhibited in fulfilling a high purpose or attaining a noble end; the qualities of a hero". Heroes of the past are not necessarily heroes of present time and vise versa.

    Read More

  • The Definition of a Hero

    562 Words  | 2 Pages

    When I think of a hero I immediately think of someone who is strong, intelligent, handsome, and daring. Upon closer examination, many different qualities than these become apparent. Courage, honesty, bravery, selflessness, and the will to try are just a few of the overlooked qualities of a hero. The definition of heroism changes with the context and time. Heroes of the past are not necessarily heroes of present time and vise versa.

    Read More

More about Modern Day Hero Research Paper

Open Document