Epic Hero In Beowulf - 1134 Words

What is a hero? The technical, dictionary definition of a hero according to the EOD (English Oxford Dictionary) is â€Å"a person who is admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, and noble qualities† (â€Å"Hero†). While this seems like a fairly reasonable definition, do all heroes possess all of these qualities? During the medieval times, stories were told of knights and of fierce warriors who all became heroes for defeating beasts, going on grand adventures, and fighting for love. But were they really heroes according to the definition? Figures such as knights, kings, and warriors often were courageous and made great accomplishments. However, in many cases they lacked what even many modern-day heroes do: nobility. â€Å"Beowulf†, an epic†¦show more content†¦While these men aren’t your typical â€Å"everyday heroes† they still have some heroic qualities like courage and persistence. However, like Beowulf, they are still lacking some as well. The knight himself (the one who is telling the story of the cousins) was described in the general prologue as â€Å"a worthy man... [who] loved chivalry, truth, honour, freedom, and all courtesy† and was â€Å"a truly perfect, gentle knight† (2-3). Along with possessing these noble qualities, he had also fough t many battles. The description Chaucer made for the knight was that of a true hero. However, the knight’s characters were not quite as noble as he was. Arcita and Palamon, sworn brothers who almost died together in battle, were not given very good descriptions, but based on their actions and interactions with each other, neither had very much honor. When they both fell in love with Emily, the Duke’s (Theseus’) sister-in-law, they argued over who would have her. However, neither man was in the position to be hers anyways because they were both jailed for life. But when Arcita was released yet banished, he couldn’t help but disguise himself and return to Athens so he could continue watching her. However, Palamon too was dishonorable by escaping from prison. When Palamon revealed himself to Arcita after seeing him in the woods, they stillShow MoreRelatedThe Epic Of Beowulf As An Epic Hero1519 Words   |  7 Pagesaway following a journey, you have most lik ely read an epic. An epic by definition is â€Å"a long poem, typically one derived from ancient oral tradition, narrating the deeds and adventures of heroic or legendary figures or the history of a nation†. Every epic has a main character that undergoes the same archetypal journey as all other heroes, an epic hero. There are specific qualities one must have to be considered an epic hero. Each epic hero possesses superhuman strength, displays a strong sense ofRead MoreThe Epic Of Beowulf As An Epic Hero711 Words   |  3 Pagesthan the writer. These â€Å"epic heros† are protagonists that fulfill their potential of greatness through using their bravery, strength and humility for good. The near ancient tale of Beowulf is a classic example of an epic story that contains an epic hero. In this tale Hrothgar, the king of the Danes, has been terrorized by a beast known as Grendel. This beast has been murdering the king’s people and no one has come close to stopping this killer. A Geat warrior named Beowulf hears of the King’s predicamentRead MoreBeowulf : An Epic Hero930 Words   |  4 Pages The story of Beowulf shows its reader many characteristics of why this Anglo-Saxon poem is an epic. First of all, Beowulf is a warrior of epic renown by the time he formally introduces himself in the poem. Next, Beowulf is the warrior that many strive to be in life. In addition, Beowulf finds himself tackling many quests that involve dangerous beasts, or as he might call them, demons. The next quality shown by Beowulf is his bravery and honor. The reader is able to easily identify this characteristicRead MoreBeowulf, The Epic Hero1373 Words   |  6 Pages 2015 Beowulf, The Epic Hero In Anglo Saxon times, Beowulf is considered a well known epic hero. â€Å"Epic heroes are literary characters from ancient mythology and other stories, which were written down in the form of long, narrative epic poems. The hero is the main character, or protagonist of the poem†(Epic Hero: Definition, Characteristics Examples.). The epic hero usually battles for accomplishments to a set of tasks to complete important goals. Beowulf is described as an epic hero becauseRead MoreThe Epic Hero Of Beowulf866 Words   |  4 PagesAn epic hero is someone who is of great importance, they have supernatural abilities, have some form of connection with the Gods, and accomplish great deeds. In Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, Beowulf is the epic hero in his tale and he is considered great by those who know of his life. There are two versions of his story which portrays him in a certain way. The video version does not do its best to portray him as an epic hero but instead show that he is a liar, a womanizer, and a coward. TheRead MoreBeowulf : An Epic Hero894 Words   |  4 Pages The character of Beowulf demonstrates several characteristics that make a great epic hero. Throughout his lifetime he displayed several characteristics such as honor, bravery, physical superiority, leadership, and glory. These characteristics all formed how the Anglo-Saxons believed one should live their life. Along with the valorous deeds that Beowulf accomplished he is considered to be a prime example of an epic hero. Beowulf would have even been considered a model human to the Anglo-SaxonsRead MoreBeowulf : An Epic Hero978 Words   |  4 Pages Beowulf is a character that exudes the qualities of an epic hero. Throughout this epic, Beowulf is seen as a hero to many and a major threat to the evils he encounters. The values of the Anglo-Saxons, who would have read and admired this poem, included loyalty, bravery, and honor. Beowulf’s character exemplifies all of these qualities to the highest degree. The values and traditions of the original composers of this story cause Beowulf’s character to be the perfect example of an Anglo-SaxonRead MoreBeowulf: an Epic Hero983 Words   |  4 PagesGauvain British Literature Beowulf Essay 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 its elevatedRead MoreBeowulf, the Epic Hero1431 Words   |  6 PagesBeowulf, the Epic Hero There have been many grand stories about great warriors, and champions; those about epic heroes however, are the truly exceptional tales. One such tale, over a thousand years old, stands out from all the rest: Beowulf, the tale of a great warrior, on his quest to achieve eternal glory, defeating great opponents. Throughout the whole story, Beowulf demonstrates most –if not all- of the qualities that an archetypal hero possesses. He embodies the highest ideals of his cultureRead MoreBeowulf : The Epic Hero960 Words   |  4 PagesPotter, and Beowulf all have in common? They all demonstrate the qualities of epic heroes. Beowulf represents several characteristics of an epic hero and demonstrates the values of the Anglo-Saxons. He is the main character of his story, he has a main goal, he travels and fights with a group of people, and he accomplishes many valorous deeds; the values of the Anglo-Saxons are also shown through the actions of Beowulf, such as courage, loyalty, an d fame. For example, when Beowulf heard a cry

Martin Luther King, Jr. Making Racial Justice a Reality

Dream. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream. A dream of freedom, of complete brother hood, the true American dream, the dream of full equality. King was one of historys most influential leaders of racial justice. King organized marches, speeches, and much more to motivate the Africans of America to fight for their rights. His political philosophy and strong beliefs helped lead our nation to the racial justice we have today. Dreams King speaks of the American dream in almost every speech. This American dream is a dream of total equality, a society in which whites and blacks could live side by side, work together, fight together, and attend school together. His most famous speech was the speech about this dream. The I Have a Dream†¦show more content†¦Thousands of people everyday ask themselves about the question of racism and social injustice. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the greatest leaders in racial equality. (227 God) When King speaks he reaches his entire audience, in a way that motivates without violence. In the excerpt above from the speech Our God is Marching On! which was delivered on March 25, 1965, you can see how King uses true life experiences to reach his followers. (227 God) This speech ended a long march which King lead. Thousands of people began this mighty walk to prove to white Americans that the black American was ready for their well-deserved rights. King explains ho w all these people went through hell to get here today and they are not going to turn around. We aint goin let nobody turn us around states King (227 God) The Civil Rights Act of 1964 gave blacks part of their rights, but according to King these rights are worthless without the right to vote. Â…without the vote it was dignity without strength. (227 God) In this march King believes that an entire community was into motion, dealing with brutality and death across the land. This sad, yet shinning march became a major moment in the conscience of man. (228 God) There never was a moment in American history moreShow MoreRelatedMartin Luther Kings I Have A Dream Speech1538 Words   |  7 Pages Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy is one that is hard to forget due to the impact he had on thousands of African-American individuals and American society as a whole. Martin Luther King Jr. was a pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, however, King is best known for his contributions to the civil rights movement as an activist. One of his most renown works would be his â€Å"I Have A Dream† speech. During a dark period in America, people of colour were still being oppressed and held at a lowerRead MoreRhetorical Analysis Of I Have A Dream Speech1181 Words   |  5 Pages Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. became a civil rights activist shortly after attaining his doctorate in theology from Boston University. He later went on to deliver one of the finest speeches in United States history on August 28, 1963 entitled â€Å"I Have a Dream.† Over 200,000 people arrived to hear King deliver this speech. King uses a number of rhetorical devices to accentuate his point such as metaphors, antitheses, as well as anaphora’s. In addressing the nation Dr. Martin Luther King Jr effectivelyRead MoreRhetorical Analysis of Dr. Martin Luther Kings I Have a Dream Speech994 Words   |  4 Pages On August 28th, 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered a speech to more than 200,000 people during the March on Washington. Kings speech was one of the most influential during the era of the Civil Rights Movement and is to this day recognized as a masterpiece due to its effect on the audience as well as for its eloquence and language. Many components went into this passionate speech that portrayed Kings hopes for racial equality and a brighter future made the speech as moving as it was. ItRead MoreA Homemade Education By Malcolm X And Letter From Birmingham Jail By Martin Luther King Jr.1796 Words   |  8 Pagesexemplified through the works of Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr. and Maya Angelou who are defying social norms by revolting against racial inj ustice and educational inequality. Based on the texts, â€Å"Graduation† by Maya Angelou, â€Å"A Homemade Education† by Malcolm X and â€Å"Letter from Birmingham Jail† by Martin Luther King Jr., it is clear that the writers/ narrators show a great deal of persistence. Malcolm X learns how to read using a dictionary, Martin Luther King manages to deliver a persuasive speechRead MoreEssay on Critical Analysis of Martin Luther King, Jr.s Speech1674 Words   |  7 PagesAnalysis of Martin Luther King, Jr.s Speech Introduction In this critical analysis I am going to look at Martin Luther King, Jr and the I have a dream speech. Martin Luther King, Jr is very distinguished due to the many outstanding achievements he accomplished throughout his life. He was an American clergyman and he accomplished the Nobel Prize for one of the principal leaders of the American civil rights movement. Kings defiance to segregation and racial discriminationRead MoreArgumentative Synthesis Letter from Birmingham Jail1535 Words   |  7 Pagesand segregation. In a case such as this one, many would seek refuge from the government, but to little surprise, cries for refuge went unanswered. Making matters worse was the fact that the Government allowed segregation to continue due to legal documents in many southern states. Acceptable forms of oppression were separated into four categories: racial segregation; voter suppression, in southern states; denial of economic opportunity; private acts of violence aimed at African Americans. At this timeRead MoreMartin Luther King, Jr.s Speech, I have a Dream, Led to Change in Civil Rights1732 Words   |  7 PagesMartin Luther King, Jr.’s â€Å"I Have a Dream† speech on August 28, 1963 led the way for a much needed change in America’s Civil Rights Era. Martin’s life brought about much needed change to allow black people to have equal opportunities. Martin Luther King, Jr. came from a long line of Southern Baptist Preachers. His father and grandfather’s influence led the way for him to also become a Baptist preacher. The man he was came from his strong convictions in the word of God. This gave him the courage andRead MoreMartin Luther King Fought for Freedom, Equality, and Justice554 Words   |  2 Pagesequality, justice three simple words that’s what they seem to us but what about to those who had to fight to obtain their freedom? To them having Freedom, Equality, and Justice meant having a future, not living in fear, and pursuing their dreams. Many African-Americans formerly enslaved believed that after the civil war they would be treated like equal citizens. The results they got wasn’t what they expected, instead many people used ignorance, racism, and self-interest to spread racial divisionRead MoreMartin Luther King s I Have A Dream Speech961 Words   |  4 PagesMartin Luther King Jr.’s Historic à ¢â‚¬Å"I Have a Dream† Speech Dr. Martin Luther King’s â€Å"I Have a Dream† speech was written and delivered on August 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and remains one of the most historically influential and world-changing speeches of all time. Fifty-two years later, this speech is considered to be one of the best persuasive speeches ever delivered. Dr. King is not only attempting to persuade his audience to understand the plight of minorities in the UnitedRead MoreRhetorical Analysis of Martin Luther Kings I Have A Dream Speech852 Words   |  4 PagesDream is a mesmerizing speech by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It was delivered to the thousands of Americans on August 28, 1963, during the March on Washington. Aimed at the entire nation, King’s main purpose in this speech was to convince his audience to demand racial justice towards the mistreated African Americans and to stand up together for the rights afforded to African American under the Constitution. To further convey t his purpose more effectively, King cleverly makes use of the rhetorical

Research Paper Puerto Rico Free Essays

Juan David Vivas Professor Holt ENC – 1102 Honors English Final Research Paper La ficcion y la realidad en Seva â€Å"Seva: History of the first U. S. invasion of the island of Puerto Rico that took place in May 1898,† is a story written by Dr. We will write a custom essay sample on Research Paper Puerto Rico or any similar topic only for you Order Now Luis Lopez Nieves that defies the boundaries of truth and fiction. This story was published on December 23, 1983 in the supplement of the newspaper â€Å"Red Clarity†. A story that was able to leave a legacy behind. This legacy created an atmosphere of questions and answers among the people in the island. The devastation that puertorricans felt over the words they were reading were caused by a simple proofreading error, arose much confusion where people were desperate for answers, and the perfection of how Seva was written made it impossible to be questioned. Before I continue on informing about this dreadful story, it is important that I state several historical facts in order to accept the authors full credentials and obtain a better grasp of the story. Luis Lopez Nieves was born on January 17, 1950 in Washington, DC, from Puerto Rican parents. As early as seven years old he moved to the capital of Puerto Rico and at fifteen years of age began his studies at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras campus. The most luxurious university to study at that time. During his second year he was in Greenwich Village, an artistic and bohemian neighborhood of New York (Ciudsv. com/Datos). At twenty years of age he returned to the University of Puerto Rico and in 1973 graduated with a degree in general studies with concentrations in Comparative Literature and Hispanic Studies. Then he moved to the University of New York at Stony Brook, where he began his Master’s degree in Hispanic Studies with a grant from the Ford Foundation. In 1980 he received a doctorate in Philosophy specializing in Comparative Literature and sets a precedent by being the first student to deliver a novel as a doctoral thesis: The Prince Alexander excessive happiness. Lopez Nieves is the author of the novels The Silence of Galileo, published in June 2009 and The heart of Voltaire, published in December 2005 (Ciudsv. om/Datos). This writer is also known for his excellent work as a storyteller with his books of short stories entitled The real death of Juan Ponce de Leon, published in April 2000, Writing for Rafa, published in 1987 and Seva. The week this story was published, the people of Puerto Rico were shocked to learn that the first U. S. invasion of Puerto Rico did not occur July 25, 1898 by the town of Guanica but that it happened on May 5th on the coast of the village that no longer exists called Seva (Ciudsv. com/Datos). That day, the 2,000 troops of General Nelson Miles was ambushed by 721 patriotic â€Å"savaenos† that resisted the American attack on the island and finally defeated the troops of General Miles. Actually it was not a historic victory but a great literary epic written by Luis Lopez Nieves (Ciudsv. com/Libros). A clarification that seemed to be absent on the published story of Seva in the newspaper Clarity caused much controversy in Puerto Rico since people were misled to believe the events occurred were true. The reaction was strong but confused. A harrowing mixture of joy, anger and pain. Joy because finally the old hated myth was destroyed of the alleged docility of puertorricans, their supine alleged delivery to the conquerors. At last, after many years of historical ignorance, puertorricans began to learn a few episodes of their true and heroic epic. Anger because such a vile act as the slaughter of Seva, and the total eradication of the people by the invaders, with good reason (Ciudsv. com/Libros). Pain because the people more courageous than ever, heroic even Lares, lay murdered, buried and forgotten under the planes, buildings and nuclear missiles of the naval base at Roosevelt Roads. After the Seva news, reports were confirmed that in Naguabo, Ceiba, Guayanilla, Rio Piedras, San Sebastian and several committees were organized within hours. The first committee was intended to find Don Ignacio Martinez, the only survivor of the slaughter of Seva: â€Å"My life has changed forever because last January 17 after 14 months of searching disheartened, I finally found the child-without-ear-left: Don Ignacio Martinez. When the Slaughter of Seva was 9 years old (and not 7 as I had estimated) and now has 92, but looks much younger. (Seva, 45)   Another committee was organized to dig in the Roosevelt Roads naval base at any cost until they found the remains of Seva, â€Å"The People Martyr†. In addition to the committees, a prominent psychologist met with the governor of Puerto Rico, Carlos Romero Barcelo, and demanded an investigation to give the whereabouts of Dr. Victor Cabanas. The Governor, given the facts, he was obliged to study the events. This reaction from readers and patriots is admirable, but there was a problem: Seva is a story, the result of a deep dissatisfaction with Luis Lopez Nieves history of Puerto Rico (Ciudsv. om/Datos). The newspaper Clarity, stunned by the events caused by the story he was obliged to publish an apology: â€Å"The text Seva: History of the first U. S. invasion of the island of Puerto Rico took place in May 1898, published in the last edition of In Red, is a story. The same has caused shock and alarm in parts of the country because it suggests a major historical discovery. While some read the text as a story, it seems that most of our readers thought it was a sensational historical article, the product of a thorough investigation and risky. But this is a story and nothing else but a story that became the product of imagination and the combination of literary resources of its author, Luis Lopez Nieves. † The immense controversy that caused Seva took the complete simplicity of just â€Å"another† column in the newspaper to have immediate government intervention to find answers. It rose over the whole story that threatens to take folkloric proportions. In sectors of intellectual, artistic, and academic independence of the country there was another issue this week. At parties, businesses, libraries and homes continually arose gatherings and discussions on the Slaughter of Seva. Attitudes towards the story begin in the euphoria (â€Å"Seva is a rallying cry,† says Ferdinand Quintana, Guayanilla musician). Several crosses appeared in front of the Roosevelt Roads naval base with the inscription: â€Å"Seva Lives! â€Å"(Seviv. com/criticas). The â€Å"Capitolio News Agency† (The white house of Puerto Rico) assigned the reporter Jennifer Wolfe to travel immediately to Washington with the intention of interviewing Peggy Ann Miles, the granddaughter of General Nelson Miles that received Dr. Victor Cabins with â€Å"biscuits, tea and very polite words†, a person that does not exist (Ciudsv. om/Datos). The poet Jose Manuel Torres Santiago confirmed that following the clarification of the magazine Clarity to the effect that Seva was a story, many in Guayanilla and San Sebastian protested and refused to believe it was said then that Seva Editorial reality and fiction. Many refused to believe that Seva was a story and chose to stay with the vers ion of Luis Lopez Nieves. A prominent nationalist claims to know a veterinarian who, in turn, had an uncle who spoke of Seva. â€Å"Its Ceiba,† the vet told his uncle. â€Å"No,† he replied, â€Å"I do not speak of Ceiba but of Seva†. This nationalist seemed very concerned and said that Seva is a reality. He resists, moreover, to believe that Don Ignacio Martinez is a fictitious entity created by Luis Lopez Nieves (Seva, p. 58). Fortunately, in the same way that people were wrong or did not understand the satire of Lopez Nieves, there were people who understood. A famous guayanillense wrote the following note with the real meaning of the story: â€Å"Seva is for me a reality of all Puerto Ricans, regardless of political positions, that could happen or has happened in our town that is still suffering the same symptoms of the past. But as long as men determined as Seva, Puerto Rico will have a firm hope, of all Puerto Ricans who believe in the values that the country means for everyone. Although they do not deserve to have benefits and come to mourn for what they have not earned or deserved. But we are all too ‘Ay Bendito’ that we forgive him. † (January 9, 1984, Jose Eugenio Rivera Castagnet) The elaborate and well detailed of the context in Seva presented the story so well that it was extremely difficult to determine fact from fiction. For the first time an author was able to take a story that was not true but because of historical events, it seemed as if it had happened exactly as stated (Seviv. com/critocas). This work is extraordinary. This paper published by Luis Lopez Nieves is a hit. It is an invitation to delve into the history of Puerto Rico, for Seva is not far from the truth. Among the readers of Clarity are probably the most sophisticated, better informed and more critical of the island: professors and university students, boxes on the left, lawyers, labor leaders, and professionals (Ciudsv. om/Libros). The author wanted to share with the people the truth that good fiction reveals: the truth about puertorricans. That is, it looks like people get an immediate sense of patriotism to see how a town was erased from history. Puerto Rican’s know the abuses that the American people rushed against Puerto Rico, the problem is that they forget or are given a blind eye when they give their coupons, housing a nd entertainment, among other things. They think that to swim against the current is comprehensive and to swim along is demeaning and insulting for the soul and freedom. So they are undecided and have a lifestyle like if nothing is happening around them (Ciudsv. com/Datos). We find reality hard to believe and accept. The fiction on the other hand can easily be taken as true. How else can one explain that a publicity stunt by the author of Seva: The True Story of the American invasion in 1898 has caused such a stir, mostly clarifications and explanations from the area called the country’s intelligence? Works Cited Lopez Nieves, Luis. Seva: Historia de la primera invasion norteamericana de la isla de Puerto Rico ocurrida en mayo de 1898. ra ed. Bogota, Colombia: Editorial Norma 2006 â€Å"Puerto Rico: Cementerio de la acrobacia†, revista Borinquen Grafico â€Å"? Seva Vive? â€Å". Site Oficial De Seva Vive. N. p. , n. d. Web. 25 June 2012. http://www. sevavive. com/la-critica-y-los-medios â€Å"Datos Personales Y BiogrA? ficos – Luis Lopez Nieves – Ciudad Seva. † Datos Personales Y BiogrA? ficos. N. p. , n. d. Web. 25 June 2012. http://ciudadseva. com/datos/index. htm. Seva – Luis Lopez Nieves. † Seva. N. p. , n. d. Web. 25 June 2012. ;http://ciudadseva. com/libros/seva. htm;. How to cite Research Paper Puerto Rico, Essays