All heroes show some special qualities but it’s the determination that makes them a true
As humans, we tend to idolize people from all over the world for their remarkable qualities, bravery, actions, skills, leadership or ways of life. These people are often referred to as heroes, whether it is a leader, Superman, or a local community hero, they all share something in common, and it’s not a cape. What makes each of these people heroes? Their extraordinary character traits set them apart from their less noteworthy peers. While there is a myriad of traits that heroes possess, the most significant ones are their bravery, their willingness to ask for help, and their strength to always do what is honorable.
What makes someone a hero? Most people would say someone who saves the day or has super powers or even characters in books are heroes. Antigone is a young woman in the play Antigone by Sophocles, Antigone is considered a hero by many for giving up her life for her brother and going against the law in 44 B.C. While Terry Malloy is considered a hero in the movie On the Waterfront for also going against rules. Malloy would be considered a rough kid who got into a bad situation with a group of mugs while working on the dock, not only does he save the day for himself but for others that are working on the docks as well. Antigone and Terry both go against rules for what they believe is right and become heroes.
A hero is a person admired for his qualities or deeds. These individuals have impacted others by performing extraordinary acts. Every hero has left a legacy that has affected many lives in a positive way. When thinking of heroism, Louis Zamperini comes to mind for his courageous and selfless actions.
“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” (Joseph Campbell). Heroes dedicate their lives to contribute to the general welfare of society. Most of the time, the obstacle seems to big for them to handle, but they overcome it in the end. A hero can be anyone in the world.
Heros’ come in many shapes and forms. Tall, short, small, big, anyone can be a hero, they just have to put in the effort. Though anyone can be a good hero, a great hero is somebody who inspires others, makes a difference, and is selfless. First and foremost, a great hero must be someone who inspires others. Ida B. Wells is an example of a true hero.
To be considered a hero a person must do a courageous act or multiple acts for the purpose of helping another. In the story “Anthem” by Ayn Rand our main character, Equality 7-2521 would be considered a hero because of his actions and the journey he goes on. In the story he wants to bring the people his invention the light bulb. Even though they reject it he still takes a huge risk to try and change the city for the better. Another example would be by the end of the book equality has figured out the true evil of the earth and he seeks to bring it down.
When asked to describe a hero, Mickey Mantle, famous baseball player for the New York Yankees, Said “Heroes are people who are all good with no bad in them” This quote shows that a hero is someone who always does the right thing and has good intentions. What a hero should look like now is someone who is loyal and brave. In Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey, Odysseus proves that he is a hero when he went to save his men on “Circe’s Island.” and defeated the cyclops in “The Cave of the Cyclops.”
There are many traits that heroes can demonstrate in stories. The two stories The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, and “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell both have heros in them. Connell’s story portrays a hero named Rainsford, who crosses a mysterious island where humans are hunted for fun, and he himself has to run for his life. Twain’s book follows a young boy named Huck, who has run away from his father, and his older friend Jim, who is a runaway slave. Jim is more of a hero because he is more self-sacrificing, unafraid of negative consequences, and more determined.
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.
Every past and modern culture over the course of history, has its hero’s. A hero is a person or figure that others look up to and use as forms of protection. Many cherish the hero’s, they make up who we are today. The Anglo-Saxon hero, Beowulf, and the postmodern hero/hero’s, the soldiers, both show the traits of bravery, selflessness, and loyalty. To have the trait of bravery you have to have lots of confidence in yourself and have courage.
Heroes put others before themselves and will do anything to ensure that thing’s safety. Many people have either risked their lives or have loss their lives due to trying to save others. An example of this would be the man in the red bandana or Welles Crowther. Crowther was working in the twin towers as planes were crashing into them. Crowther could have ran away from the other people when the planes hit, but he chose not to spare himself, but to save others and sacrifice his own life.
Heroism is defined as the qualities of being a hero and its synonyms are: bravery, daring, courage, boldness, gallantry, fearlessness, and valor. Philip Zimbardo said in his article, “We need a Hero”, that since heroism is a social concept, it could be explained, taught, and molded though education and practice. Zimbardo believes that heroism is a universal attribute to human nature rather than being exclusive to few special individuals. (#25) With this idea, heroism can’t be limited to only those heroes like Hercules, Odysseus, Superman, and the traditional heroes that save the day.
This shows how she isn’t willing to conform and be so respectful of what people think. Hero however is very conforming so it shows the difference in just how they go about certain
“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to preserve and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles. ”- Christopher Reeves. This represents how in life a regular person can turn into a hero just being able to find strength within themselves and “endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” The author is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
