How Is Spartacus A Hero

There is no one clear definition of what it means to be a hero. Heroes can range from warriors to parents to friends and even children. Stanley Kubrick’s 1960 Spartacus’ title character is an example of a hero in the form of a warrior who fights against oppression in the Roman Empire. However, at the beginning of the film, Spartacus is not a hero. He is far from it. He is just one, amongst a multitude of slaves, who called Romans their masters. Heroes are not born heroes. They are born from people who rise up to meet the challenge laid before them when there is great need. By analyzing key scenes as well the dialogue, costumes, and cinematography we can see how Spartacus transforms from a common slave into a liberator and leader of the people

This is understandable given what one of the other gladiators had previously told him; “Gladiators don't make friends, if we were matched in the arena together, I’ll have to kill you (Spartacus, 19 min.).” After that, Spartacus had pretty much accepted that he was to live and die as a slave. However, Draba’s compassion stirred something within Spartacus. All Draba had to do was kill Spartacus, and he would live to see another day. Instead, he chose to try and kill the Roman who was forcing him to do so. While Draba’s actions were important factors leading up to Spartacus’ revolt, his sacrifice was not the

It is here that we can see Spartacus a full fledged hero. He is chosen as the leader of the escaped gladiators. But Spartacus decides that it is time that the slaves know what freedom. He and his followers liberate slaves from their masters as they make their way across southern Italy. Once freed, the slaves can go wherever they choose, but they choose to follow Spartacus and his quest to take the slaves of Rome back to their homes. His followers grow to an impressive one hundred thousand freed slaves (Solomon: 53). How does one man garner so much support from so many people? What made Spartacus a hero for these people, is how he treats