In order for a person to fit the descriptions of a hero, they must obtain courage, selflessness, and humility. Luis Velasco, Alexander Selkirk, and Chuck Noland obtain courage and humility, but lack selflessness. Their traits make them well intentioned people, but they do not fit all the criterion required of a hero, therefore are not considered heroes.
A crucial trait a hero must obtain is courage, the ability to overcome a frightening task. In “The Story of a Shipwrecked Sailor”, Luis Velasco is floating on a raft in the middle of the ocean, completely clueless of where he is or if anyone will ever find him. Rather than completely freaking out over this terrible situation, the first thing he does is check his belongings to see his chances of survival at sea. After confirming his isolation at sea, Velasco states, “Uncertain as to what
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Rather than letting the situation control his emotions, Velasco manages to stay calm and think logically about what he needs to do next in order to survive. Similarly, in “The Story of Alexander Selkirk”, Alexander Selkirk is placed in a situation in which basic human needs such as food and shelter are not easy to find. Unlike Velasco though, he chooses to part ways with his ship, therefore he is more prepared to live in isolation than Velasco. This makes his inventory more plentiful. His determination to leave his “disagreeable commander” (1) can be considered courage, as he chooses to be dropped off at an isolated area that he is unfamiliar with. This idea of venturing into unknown territory is a courageous act, therefore Alexander Selkirk does show courage, although it is in a different form than that of Velasco. In “Castaway”, Chuck Noland survives severe trauma after experiencing a plane crash and being put on an island alone, having to fend for himself. He did not prepare for this situation, unlike Selkirk, therefore having a less plentiful inventory. In addition to this, his life at home was
(Pg 26). McCandless left his car full of supplies and went across the country, which would have taken a lot of courage. McCandless was also noble for doing what he did because he never doubted himself
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.
Imagine if you were born into a country filled with poverty, fear, anxiety, despair and sorrow. The pain and suffering you would go through every day was so violent that you and your family had given up on all measures of hope. Every day you would fear persecution and you couldn’t even feel safe in the comfort of your own home. But what if there was a sliver of hope of escaping this drama occurring in your homeland by leaving by boat. All this drama gone in a flash, wouldn’t you want to try?
While that is correct, a “true hero” possesses many qualities that prove they are more than just a character who saves others from danger. These qualities exemplify the power, wisdom, and courage that
This quote connects to the theme “The effect of the wilderness on American imagination and Life on the road” in that it explains how others had the same mindset as Chris McCandless did, they are willing to die in the wilderness all alone and this is important because Chris McCandless actions have inspired many people to do the same as he has done, he inspired them to go out and make something out of themselves and find their
He had the courage to give up every bit of money he had by getting “A pathetic little stack of ones and fives and twenties- and put a match on it”( Krakauer 29). No normal person would undergo this process but McCandless did which shows the courage he has in trusting the wilderness. Not only did he give up his possessions but he did infact have the courage to take on a new name he had given himself. “No longer would he answer to Chris McCandless; he was now Alexander Supertramp, master of his own destiny”( Krakauer 23).
Throughout history there has been a constant, man’s desire to experience new things. Two men that come to mind are Chris McCandless and Henry David Thoreau. Both men shared a similar reason for traveling into the wild. The differences in their journey’s that led to McCandless’s death and Thoreau’s success is the preparation and approach to the journey’s. Even though Chris failed on his journey he still was very much like Thoreau wanting to leave society in search for enlightenment.
One example of a hero was Beowulf, he was generous, strong, loyal, brave, and honorable till the end. So, as Sir Gawain shared many of these qualities, it is concluded that the ones they do share, are the qualities that a hero must possess. A hero could be many things, however he has some specific qualities. First comes bravery, because a hero must not be cowardly. Second is loyalty, heros must never stab partners in the back, or abandon them when things are difficult.
These traits are shown by Genghis Khan, Choi Yuna, my brother, and Odysseus. The fact that Odysseus and heroes in the modern age share the same traits proves how important they are for being a hero. In addition, every hero should be able to protect others out of kindness and for a cause they believe in. Without heroes, society would continue to make the same mistakes. As role models, they push society in the right direction and assist people in decision
Although some of Christopher McCandless' decisions portray him as an anti-hero, his personality and determination demonstrate the qualities of a tragic hero, one who makes mistakes but still tries to follow his beliefs and ideals. Christopher McCandless is often described as a sociopath, and although he did hurt those around him, he was aware of what he had done and was beginning to reconcile with the idea of returning to society. McCandless had walked away from his parents and the life they had built for him. His father comments upon this, saying how he didn’t know how “‘a kid with so much compassion could cause his parents so much pain’” (104).
Chris McCandless on the other hand, was a man that ought adventure and wanted to travel. He seeked thrills and wanted to prove man could win against nature. However, he was seen as an outcast as most believe he was stupid for burning his money and going into the Stampede Trail illprepared. In this comparison essay, I will be comparing these two men from two different time
Merriam Webster dictionary defines a “hero” as a person admired for achievements and noble qualities. Dictionary.com states that a “hero” is a person noted for courageous acts or nobility of character. Benny Bernstein considers a “hero” to be a powerful figure who is respected and makes decisions not only for his benefit but also for others. According to all three definitions, Sir Ernest Shackleton, was most definitely a hero. “Although tortured by worry, he remained outwardly unperturbed.”
He had a great idea to venture out on his own and test his skills and courage by living in the wild. His story is inspiring because it demonstrates that a person can take control of their life and create their own path. He was willing to leave behind the comforts of society, including his family and material possessions, in order to find himself in the remote locations of the Alaskan wilderness. McCandless ventured deep into the Alaskan wilderness. He was inspired by stories of adventurers and was determined to define himself on his own terms.
Heroism is a very debatable topic in this day and age, I often find myself thinking, what truly does make a hero? I believe that in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Caesar himself displays the most hero-like qualities, above all the other characters. I understand that that seems like a very bold statement to make, so to prove it, I’ll have to answer the question I asked from before, what makes a hero? In my opinion, there are three distinct qualities that make up a true hero.
A Mystery of Heroism, Is Fred Collins a Hero? Not every act is heroic and not every person is a hero. There is a set of criterion that needs to be met by a person to be a hero or an act to be heroic. A hero must be noble, selfless, shameless, and compassionate. For an act to be heroic, the person must be aware of the danger and think before acting.