Entry 17: The American Romantic Hero

Look on pages 168-169 of your text and read about the characteristics of the American Romantic Hero. Then consider figures that are considered heroes (real or fictional) today. How are the two types of hero similar? How are they different? Do you agree with the Romantic definition of a hero? Why or why not? What is your definition of a hero? What characteristics does a hero have?

• First, the American Romantic Hero must consist of certain characteristics to be considered an American Romantic Hero. He or she must understand their "self" perfectly - they have to understand who they really are and the way their brain and mind functions. Also, he or she must have all of the characteristics that a Romantic must have - he or she should value feelings, emotions, and intuitions more than logic and reason. On the other hand, present day heroes are more general in the overall sense; there are no specific traits or characteristic that defines or distinguishes them. Some general idea of present day heroes include one who helps and saves another, one who battles the evil and wins, or one who has accomplished a great achievement. However, I believe that there is no absolute ONE hero - usually things are accomplished when a group of people work together. I do not really believe in the Romantic definition of hero because I am actually already biased into thinking the way most people think about heroes today. My definition of a hero is that this person has done something not for their own benefits, but for the benefits of others, no matter how small the achievement is.