Stephan hinojos Ms.Stanton Honors English H-2 12/8/11 “Heroes take journeys, confront dragons, and discover the treasure of their true selves.” In the stories, The Odyssey, and The Alchemist, Santiago and Odysseus both travel on epic journeys. On their journeys to their own personal treasures they both confront many mythical, and earthly obstacles, either saving themselves, or other people. These obstacles gave both characters heroic characteristics. Some more meaningful than the others, but other people also had benefits of their actions. Although both characters, Santiago from The Alchemist, and Odysseus from The Odyssey, had heroic characteristics along their epic journeys, Odysseus stands out as the superior hero.
Compare and Contrast #2: Athens and the Maya The Greek state of Athens and the American civilization of the Maya are possibly two of the most well-known and renowned societies of the Classical and Postclassical eras. The Athenians and the Mayans are generally viewed to be extremely different, but both can be clearly compared on the footing of their interactions with humans and the environment, interactions with cultures, and social structures. An example of such is their religion, both polytheistic and representative of their surroundings, but while the Mayan set of Gods existed to explain why the world is the way it is, the Athenian Gods had human-like traits and helped better their understanding of themselves and human nature all together. Any two civilizations in any given time period are going to be very different, but the Athenians and Mayans are especially distinct because of the vast environmental differences and influences, however both share common factors that are essential in any given successful society. In the Classical and Postclassical era, both Athens and the Maya showed distinct interactions between their members of society and the environment in the form of trade, patterns of settlement, and disease.
After reading various texts, I have become deliberate with different heroes that share similar characteristics which made them well-known. In the period that Homer was well-known for his work, heroes were known to be Homeric Heroes; for example, Odysseus from The Odyssey is an epic hero from the Homeric Period. The heroes known to today’s children are known as modern day heroes; for example, Spiderman is a favorite modern epic hero. Although the stories told, are completely different, these two male heroic models share a few of the same traits, which is known as a distinguishing feature in each character (dictionary.com), that helped them receive their heroic stand such as strength, sharp intellect, and confidence. With the similarities, however, do come the differences; two traits they do not both resemble is thirst for glory and nobility.
Kyle Bogdan 9/11/12 Gilgamesh Response Paper In “The Epic of Gilgamesh”, there have been many quotes from the text that have raised questions and have made me reconsider what I thought of this epic. One major question that I couldn’t completely resolve was whether the relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu was platonic or homoerotic. While the text seems to explain the relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu is platonic, I think their relationship was homoerotic. In this epic, the poet made it clear that there was a strong bond between Gilgamesh and Enkidu. While Gilgamesh and Enkidu were physically equivalent, Gilgamesh was civilized and clouded by arrogance.
It was his mother, Ninsun, who foretold of their friendship. However, I believe that it was a test of strength that brought them close. Gilgamesh knew no equal, or had been tested to his full extent. What better companion than a man who is to be your equal. The friendship between Enkidu and Gilgamesh, I believe, brought more good to the city of Uruk than the death of Gilgamesh would have.
Gilgamesh (The Epic of Gilgamesh) and Rama (Ramayana) had two incredibly similar journeys. For instance, it was able to be seen that they have similarities in their characters, which included pride and determination. Also, it was impossible to miss all of the interactions they had with the gods and how much they helped the two men. The only real differences in the two journeys were the conclusions that the men faced. Thus, I came to the conclusion: Gilgamesh and Rama’s pride, determination and godly contributions helped to influence their journeys, but the results of their quests differed greatly.
Arthur Miller’s The Crucible is a timeless tragedy, depicting historical figures but concerning the modern world as well. John Proctor, the protagonist, though fitting several of the characteristics of the Aristotelian tragic hero, is actually a much more complex tragic hero. The primary differences between John Proctor and the classic tragic hero are obvious, such as the lack of noble birth, his not being in a position of leadership, and the inevitability of his fate. These differences are necessary, as Arthur Miller attempts to convince his audience that his protagonist is an everyman and is worth sympathizing for. In Arthur Miller’s more complex world, a more complex tragic hero is needed.
Hursh Patel IH851 09/30/2013 The Epic of Gilgamesh Gilgamesh, the powerful two thirds God king of Uruk was considered to be a great king in the beginning of this epic. Even though Gilgamesh’s people often complained about him. This womanizing infamous man, lived however he felt deemed. Treated and talked to Gods and Goddesses how he wanted. Yet close to the end of Table XI, Gilgamesh seems to feel emotions one wouldn’t believe he was capable of.
There were many similarities between The Odyssey and Gilgamesh. On of which was that both Odysseus and Gilgamesh traveled long distances both on land and sea to reach their destination. Both characters also ran into gods, both good and bad, and had to deal them either peacefully or violently.
In the epic poem the Odyssey, Homer describes Odysseus as an epic hero. Unless Odysseus is able to think of other’s misfortunes with little regard to his own, then he is not considered a hero in my opinion. But, he is also able to show many ways in which he is heroic. He is somewhat of a hero. My opinion is supported by Odysseus’ actions, his qualities, and the decisions he makes.