But within the novel, The Kite Runner can be focused in a very thematic and dramatic way with the character Amir. He becomes a hero after finding what truly matters in the world and suffers a great deal of pain both mentally and physically to obtain the goodness in which he was longing for. What separates an ordinary every day person from that of a hero can be called that of a selfless nature. This sense of a selfless nature can be seen in a great deal throughout the novel in Amir. While this selfless sense can be though of by some as not enough to make him the heroic character as I am setting him out to be, it is not only this characteristic itself, but rather the actions of sleeplessness in its entirety throughout the novel.
In old English poetry, the hero is usually more of a fictional character with strengths unknown to man. The hero would fall under two categories epic then later romantic. We see this in both “Beowulf” and “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”. Beowulf is an ideal epic hero of the eighteenth century. In this time and culture, a hero would be defined as a person who is strong and courageous whereas six centuries later, a romantic hero named Sir Gawain, is measured against a moral and Christian ideal of chivalry.
23). After hearing of Grendel, Beowulf feels it is his duty to “sail across the sea to Hrothgar, Now when help was Smith 2 needed” (115-116. 23). Beowulf travels to the land of the Danes and stays with his men in the hall, waiting for Grendel to attack. After killing one Geat, Grendel tries to attack Beowulf but is “instantly seized himself” (430.
As of a result of that he did the steps of an hero which are to separate from their familiar surroundings, accomplish a difficult task, and return home with what they learn and to use it. In part one of Beowulf, it says “In all, and led them down to their boats; He knew the sea would point the prow straight to that Danish shore” (lines 122-124). This is the first stage that Beowulf went through, which was to separate from familiar surroundings. Then he completes the second stage in part one of Beowulf that explains “Snapped, muscle and bone split and broke. The battle was over, Beowulf had been granted new glory: Grendel escaped, But wounded as he was could flee to his den, its miserable hole at the bottom of the marsh.
Beowulf Analysis The epic poem of Beowulf was written in a time period where the people believed in heroic warriors, and beastly creatures. It was written in an era of English literature when it was noted as being honorable and heroic to die fighting for one’s name or country. Literature during this era usually contained the protagonist as heroically larger than life, often the source and subject of legend or a national hero. For example in Beowulf, he is stated as being the greatest king to ever rule for his heroic triumphs. It’s as if it were written in order to gain pride in their country and its warriors amongst the rest.
Beowulf comes to Heorot to get rid of Grendel who attacks every night. Heorot is the meeting place for all of the Danish people. It has two functions, the first is it serves as a seat of government and it is also the residence for the thanes. The hall is a place of celebration, taking oaths and praising the king. If the mood in the hall were joyous all people associated with the hall would be joyous.
After many brave warriors fall to Grendel, Beowulf is the next one chosen to fight this plague. Both of them are caught in a tremendous battle where Beowulf comes out victorious. Centuries later a novel written by John Gardner was published telling the story from Grendel’s point of view. In both pieces of literature Beowulf and Grendel are described as two different mythological icons who share a world. The epic poem and novel are contrasted by how the authors use of different characteristics, different point of views and how the theme of
A hero can be a role model for people and be loved by everyone. A hero's abilities must be employed for a good cause, usually the protection of the weak. Ray Bradbury’s novel entitled Fahrenheit 451 (1953) challenges the reader to rethink what it means to be a hero: even though Montag promotes and continues his thoughts and freewill and to make people to remember the past. Sometimes Montag behaves irrationally and even commits murder to achieve his goal. Unconventional hero through the character Guy Montag with following events Montage’s act very unorthodox.
Beowulf is portrayed as the hero, not only in Beowulf but in Grendel’s recounting as well. Grendel, on the other hand, feels like he is the hero, even though he is seen as a monster. Beowulf comes to save the Danes from Grendel’s wrath, he is known as the man who has the “strength of thirty thanes" (Chapter 10) and also "hearth-companions of King Hygilac" (Chapter 11). Even though Beowulf is viewed as the hero, Grendel feels like he should not be seen as a monster, that is, until after his visit with the dragon. He sees himself as a human, or something like a human, and wants to be a part of their world.
And you will be able to put them into one of two categories, or perhaps both. All the same, a story must have a hero to be able to have a conflict. There are some points where you might not even think of the character as a hero, or they might stick out in your mind as a very heroic person. And most often, heros in literature meet or accomplish some noble task, be it doing the right thing when ever possible, of saving the lives of the innocent depending on which type of hero is in the novel. Nick sought to better himself and learn from the things that he had seen and watched, he was also a very honest person.