Is Marcus A Hero

Is Marcus A Hero? What is a hero? Is a hero someone with superpowers? Or is a hero someone who does extra ordinary deeds? According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a hero is “a man admired for his achievements and qualities” (337). I believe that Centurion Marcus Flavius Aquila, the main character in The Eagle of The Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff, is a hero. Marcus demonstrates that he is a hero by expressing courage, intelligence, and mercy. Courage is “the ability to conquer fear or despair” (The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 166). Marcus first shows his courage when he has his leg surgery. After the chariot battle, Marcus is severely injured and needs surgery. The field surgeon does a terrible job. Months later, the wound is infected and Marcus is in excruciating pain. A more experienced surgeon has to go in and clean out the wound. Marcus is scared to death about the second surgery, but his remaining courage helps him through it. Secondly, he has courage when he enters into the dark temple. Marcus catches a glimpse of the eagle during The Feast

One example of this mercy is when Marcus spares Esca in the arena. Thumbs down from the crowd means Esca will die; thumbs up guarantees he will live. Marcus puts his thumb up and thinks to himself, “Thumbs up! Thumbs up, you fools!” (Sutcliff 47). At this moment, his uncle puts his thumb up, along with the rest of the crowd. This shows Marcus’s determination to save Esca. Marcus saves Esca in a different way by freeing him from the shackles of slavery. At the start of their journey, Marcus gives Esca his papers of freedom. He views Esca as a friend, not as a slave. Another example of Marcus’s mercy is when Marcus does not kill the chieftain’s brother in the watchtower. Marcus has the power to kill the chieftain’s brother and two other tribesmen, but he decides to spare them due to the fact that they showed him kindness at their