Marissa Mechling Mrs. Kehl Western Classics Literary Analysis 1 Due: 22 March 2012 Odysseus: Epic Hero or Not? What is a hero you may ask? Merriam-Webster states that a hero is a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability; an illustrious warrior; a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities; one who shows great courage; the principal male character in a literary or dramatic work; the central figure in an event‚ period‚ or
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Gilgamesh: The First Epic Hero Throughout literature there are many heroes. However‚ the Epic of Gilgamesh was the first written epic‚ making Gilgamesh the first recorded epic hero. Gilgamesh possesses many qualities traditionally associated with epic heroes‚ and fits the mold perfectly. These five qualities are that the hero is born under unusual circumstances‚ he or she leave their family to live with someone else‚ an event occurs that leads to an adventure or quest‚ the hero has divine or supernatural
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In the beginning of Life of Pi‚ the author opens up with a detailed description of the sloth‚ the different types‚ the speed‚ and the wittiness. It survives by being slow and because of its slowness; it allows algae to grow on its body that acts like a camouflage with the surrounding moss and foliage. The book starts out in first person with the main character‚ Piscine Patel‚ talking about his name which means "pool" in numerous languages. He found it weird that his parents named him Piscine but
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Hook sentence: Reason or Belief. A choice people have to choose and whatever the decision‚ must believe is‚ the right one. In the case of ‘Life of Pi’‚ reason and belief both play an important role in Pi’s struggle to survive but‚ reason outdoes/ over ruled belief on numerous occasions. .
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The Qualities of an Epic Hero The epic poem Beowulf is the earliest surviving masterpiece of English literature. The poem spins a tale of the adventures of Beowulf‚ a Scandinavian warrior of approximately the seventh century. Beowulf is described as the epitome of an epic hero who fights for his people and vanquishes evil with his extraordinary abilities in order to bring peace and justice to others. An epic hero is often characterized by a specific set of traits or qualities that he or she possesses
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Odysseus: Nothing But an Epic Hero Odysseus‚ man of exceptional wit‚ bravery‚ and intelligence‚ epic hero The Odyssey written by Homer‚ is nothing short of extraordinary. He fearlessly leads his remaining men home to Ithaca‚ doing everything in his power to get them back alive and well. While this is undoubtedly a noble deed‚ Odysseus slips up more than he does any good‚ therefore making it unfit to call him a hero. A hero is someone who is compassionate‚ selfless‚ and wise. He is selfish‚ disloyal
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A true epic hero has many very defining characteristics. Usually you will find this hero to be the alpha male. ’ With an almost super hero personality‚ epic heroes are extremely above an average human being. This character must be of noble birth‚ and as a result‚ this gives them great respect and many resources. There is a deep reverence for the gods and this helps the hero through tough times. An epic hero is bravery than the other characters. They are willing to take bigger risks and reap greater
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Odysseus As An Epic Hero In the story of the Odyssey‚ Odysseus was put through many ordeals through which we see his moral and physical characteristics. After evaluating such characteristics we can see that Odysseus is a great epic hero. We can see that not only is he superior to most mortal men‚ he also shares many of the same desires‚ therefore fulfilling all the technical requirements of a "hero". Odysseus has insight about his own fate and destiny‚ but lives intertwined with the Olympic Gods
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9/22/04 Beowulf: An Epic Hero According to Abrams‚ the heroic poem is "a long verse narrative on a serious subject‚ told in an elevated style‚ and centered on a heroic or quasi-divine figure on whose actions depends the fate of a tribe‚ a nation‚ or the human race." Beowulf fits Abrams’ description of an epic‚ exhibiting all of the characteristics listed throughout the book‚ thus defining Beowulf as a hero and making the book an epic through it’s elevated style‚ the focus of a hero‚ and a quasi-divine
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Life of Pi‚ written by Yann Martel is one of Canada"’"s most acclaimed books. It tells the story of sixteen-year-old Pi Patel"’"s journey while he discovers religion and his own determination and strength. This book is highly recommended for many reasons including the insightful views expressed on religion and life‚ the interesting facts on zoology‚ and the author"’"s unique talent in making something that at first glance seemed totally unrealistic become reality humour inserted along the way
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