This lack of self-centeredness is observed through the actions of Hector throughout the entire epic and his compassion for others is prominent in his notion of Greek justice. When Hector firsts steps into the plot of the Iliad, we witness his passion to fight and protect his city. In fact, Hector calls out his brother for not fighting. If Paris had not taken Helen as his prize, then this war may have never occurred. In book three, after Paris’ responds to Hector’s criticisms, Paris offers to prove himself in a fight with Menelaus in order to settle the war.
Certainly he is in search of fame. Though this is true it must not discount his brave actions. He gains his fame truthfully by doing battle with menaces to society. He does not lie or manipulate to achieve fame, he uses what is rightfully his, his bravery. Beowulf's bravery differs from that of King Arthur's for several reasons.
Everyone must learn to control this pride, and if they cannot, learn to accept the consequences. The ability to maintain pride without being arrogant puts some individuals above the masses. Throughout his epic poem, The Odyssey, Homer's use of plot events and conflict emphasizes that while a small amount of pride is helps one to succeed, excess pride leads to arrogance, destroying even the best people. Throughout the plot of Homer's epic, several men make challenges to Odysseus due to their excessive pride and arrogance, pushing them towards their demise. Each of these men makes an ill-advised challenge to Odysseus because of their arrogance and comes out physically or emotionally damaged.
Furthermore, Odysseus can be said to be a hero, but he is not truly portraying god-like qualities. Odysseus is full of arrogance in the Odyssey. For example, his arrogance is shown once Odysseus and his men get past the Cyclops, he taunts him and makes sure that the Cyclops knows Odysseus’s name. He was very cocky and he was full of himself at this time. Another example is when Odysseus brags about his skills and shows true arrogance at this time.
Manuela Romero Belalcázar Foil Characters in Hamlet Hamlet is one of the most famous and influential characters throughout literature. Hamlet is unique due to his meditative and enigmatic nature. Throughout Hamlet, the contrast that foil characters provide, allows many of Hamlet’s distinct characteristics to become visible. Shakespeare displays the difference between Hamlet’s actions and those of Laertes’ and Fortinbrass’. Even in similar circumstances, Hamlet has a different approach than the other two foil characters to his father’s death.
Glory, or kleos, is a recurring theme in Homeric epics. We see many instances of the heros value for glory, and the story focuses largely on the obstacles our hero must overcome to attain it. The parallels and contrasts of the stories serve to highlight the main points Homer had in mind in his understanding of what kleos in fact is. In both cases, our heroes are all unaware of whether or not their kin is alive. Agamemnon does not know where Orestes is and vice versa, and analogously, Odysseus does not know where Telemachus is, and vice versa.
It recalls great speeches that stir the soul and drive men to fight for a cause they may not fully understand and give their all for but it hides and shuns the men who are willing to fight the darkest part of war. The dirty, unconventional part that “civilized” men aren’t willing to take part in. He fought the war that few dared because he believed in it; Bill Quantrill finally found something that was worth it to him. Shaped by his environment and specific events in his life, he committed himself to a side and stuck to it with every breath he had in him. He found a cause to fight and give his all for and that is a commendable and rare thing.
However, when he reached his city, he had his usual pride, having seen his city of Uruk in all of its grandeur. One of the factors in the quests of Rama and Gilgamesh was the amount of pride in themselves and their accomplishments. Rama’s pride is shown best in the situation when he killed Ravana and thought Ravana’s back was turned as the Brahmasthra struck. He was upset at the thought, which shows that he is too proud to kill someone in such a manner. Gilgamesh’s pride would urge him to continue his impossible quest even though beings such as the Man-Scorpions would tell him how
Through these battles, Beowulf’s strength, humbleness and courageousness is revealed. These are characteristics that are crucial in defining an epic hero. However, every epic hero has a tragic flaw. Beowulf’s tragic flaw is his pride. His tragic flaw is evident throughout the novel thinking he can win them all.
According to Aristotle, in order to be a suitable tragic hero, the character must be true to life and identifiable with the audience. Creon, though a king, retains the sense of realism and the audience can still relate to his situation throughout the story. Creon maintains consistency to life owing to his imperfections. The Athenian king, despite the public’s opinions, refuses to wavier his verdict of Antigone’s death sentence because “If I permit my own family to rebel, How shall I earn the world’s obedience?” (3.30-3.31). In this sense, Creon is best associated to any person who has felt the need to hold onto his reputation and other’s expectations in spite of what others may say.