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Definition of hero
The definition of a hero
The definition of a hero
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More handpicked essays just for you.
Definition of hero
The definition of a hero
The definition of a hero
Don’t take our word for it - see why 10 million students trust us with their essay needs.
In present time, however, rules have changed. Heroes don’t have to be knights protecting their kingdom anymore. They can be activists, entertainers, authors, entrepreneurs, etc. It doesn’t matter their career, if they were to incorporate helping others it can show a great deal of heroism. Beowulf and Maya Angelou are both examples of heroes.
A famous actor Christopher Reeve once said, “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to preserve and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” Being heroic does not always mean you’re special or well known. Since a hero shows determination, it drives them to help others and go beyond what’s expected of them. Heroes are people who go beyond expectations.
There are many types of hero, fictional, historical, and modern day. Odysseus was a historical hero, who saved his home of Ithaca. He had so many heroic traits, such as, bravery, courage, caring, loyalty, determination, and so much more. Fictional, modern day and other historical heroes have many of these traits as well. Therefore, the word hero has not changed.
The definition of heroism changes with the context, time, and point of view. The archetype of heroism is defined as someone who is strong, intelligent, brave, and daring. A hero usually has some type of supernatural power that helps them combat a malicious villain or force. Heroes of the past are not essentially heroes of the present, and vice versa. Upon closer and more personal consideration, many more qualities of what makes a hero become evident.
American actor Christopher Reeve once quoted, "A hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles" (Brainy Quote). Not only did he play a hero as Superman, he truly became one in his personal life. After becoming a quadriplegic Reeve became a spokesperson for people with spinal cord injuries. A hero is a person one admires because of the qualities and selfless actions they exemplify to overcome adversity and inspire others. Heroism is apparent in literature, history, and in our own life.
Throughout time, the meaning of the word “hero” has changed throughout the world. Everyone has their own perspective of what qualities and characteristics “heroes” should have. In today’s modern world, we hear the word “hero” used constantly in tabloids, on the news, or in plain conversation. What exactly is a hero? Who, or what, can be classified as heroic?
When talking about heroism you have to define what hero really is. So what is a hero? Is it risking your life in order to save others or is it saving yourself? Is being a hero simply saving someone? One definition of heroism is doing something that risks something to yourself voluntarily without expecting something in return.
The word “Hero” has many different labels. In “ Heroes Versus Sociopaths” Andrea Kuszewski explains what she thinks the word “hero” means to her. In the article she also talks about sociopaths and what they mean to her. Towards the end of her article she starts to compare and contrast heroes and sociopaths so you can have a better understanding. She quoted, “ They are people who possess extraordinary traits of altruism - selfless concern for the well-being of others - even at the expense of their own existence”, talking about heroes.
Heroes in our society are revered and respected as Joseph Campbell reminds us: “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself” (Joseph Campbell). Heroes exist in all societies and throughout history. Maybe they are not always on the news or from the movies, but their words and their actions never fail to resonate across their feats. A hero gives of himself and dedicates himself to causes which better others and their society unlike individuals who are self serving, greedy, and cruel.
The Revolution of Heroism In modern times, people toss around the word hero, but the idea of heroism through the centuries has never perished. What is exactly as a hero? A hero is not someone that can fly or has super strength. A hero maybe someone who is fighting for their people, to someone that crushes fear, or to an average person that sacrifices themselfs for people in need. Overtime, the evolution of a hero has changed drastically.
Although the word “hero” has transcended time, the definition has not. When modern-day humans go into reading about Greek heroes, expecting them to resemble our current ones, they are unpleasantly surprised to find selfish people who sometimes indiscriminately murder in the name of honor. In comparison, we value the firefighter that puts their life on the line to save others, the person standing up to the bully with pacifism rather than fists, and those that learn to forgive and forget instead of spending their entire lives seeking revenge on those that have wronged them. Thus, Achilles would not be considered a modern-day hero like he was in ancient Greece, because whilst they valued glory, brutal strength, and revenge, today we value selflessness,
However, heroism can take place in our everyday lives by simple brave actions. A hero has many noble qualities such as courage, humility, patience, being selfless and caring. They will put other people before themselves and make sure others are content. Heros are also intelligent and like to think ahead to plan on a good result.
During the late medieval period in Europe, authors used a writing style that reflects the gothic architecture and created horror stories that are still taught to students throughout the world. One author is Edgar Allen Poe. Poe wrote many gothic literatures such as “The Black Cat” and “The Masque of the Red Death”. In each story, there are characteristics that distinguish gothic literature. “The Black Cat” and “The Masque of the Red Death”, both written by Edgar Allen Poe, are examples of gothic horror literature because they include characteristics such as highly charged emotional states, unexplainable occurrences, and isolated locations.
Question: The role of heroism has evolved over time. What is the role of heroism? The definition of heroism has changed over the years. In early ages, a hero is defined as somebody that is willing to die for someone or something, but in modern times, it is thought unnecessary to do so.
society's beliefs, regulations, and restrictions. There are heroes for both men and women of all ages. Every society has their own heroes, whether they are heroes because of their wealth, political career, war triumphs, athletic achievements or social leads. Benjamin Disraeli once said: “To believe in the heroic makes heroes”. Any individual can turn into a hero by saving someone in danger, giving up his or her life so someone else could live.