Entry 20: Compare Heroes

Review the characteristics of the Romantic heron on p. 168 of your text. How does this type of hero compare with the characters who play major roles in literature and movies today? Do you find evidence of the Romantic hero in the ways that today's prominent public figures (politicians or athletes, for example) are packaged for popular culture? What are the characteristics of people that are considered heroes of our times? Write about the similarities and differences of today's heroes with those of the Romantic period. Which type of hero do you identify with most?

• As said in the previous journal, "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." The characters that play major roles in literature and movies today may be both similar or different to the American Romantic Hero, depending on the setting of the plot and how the movie is going to proceed. I believe that for politicians and athletes, the first characteristic mentioned about the "self" is mainly true. One must know himself or herself in order to lead others and persuade others to follow him or him, and one must know himself or herself the best in order to do best in competitions, etc. However, the "feelings, emotions, and intuitions" part may not be that true. For example, if a politician relies too much on them, other people who have different point of views might go against that certain politician. Today's heroes include characteristics such as knowing the self, having leadership skills, and being rational for a certain degree. I identify the most with today's heroes, and not the American Romantic Hero, because I believe more in rationalism.