Mauricio Ramirez Professor Angel Aquino Introduction to Literature July 28, 2014 Tarzan of the apes Readers Response Among fictional literary characters there are many that inspire heroism and bravery. Currently you would most often find fictional heroes within the pages of the rapidly-increasing in popularity form of literary work known as comic books. Some of the early comic book heroes to appear were featured in what is called pulp magazine. Therefore, pulp magazines could be said to be the precursors of the comic book genre. “Pulps”, as they were usually called, first made their appearance in 1886 and, at first, focused more on grim and grounded stories. Years later they …show more content…
This book brings up a question to my mind, how different would a child that went through what Tarzan went be from an average human child born in a relatively normal and all-human society. Although Tarzan’s father did go through having to survive in that jungle dangerously filled with animals, he was already a full-grown man so the change was mostly seen in habits and not in his behavior as a whole. On the other hand, Tarzan grew up a wild-child in the jungle, therefore the changes in him were carried much further. He hunted, he ate and he behaved like an ape, fully embracing the animal side of human nature. However, it is quite noticeable that human reasoning can overcome pretty much any obstacle, for in many instances Tarzan showed himself capable of reaching conclusions and making choices that would seem impossible for a man with no formal guiding to make. One of such instances is when a native African tribe members kills Tarzan’s mother by spearing her through the chest. Consequently, Tarzan is driven to a mad wild rage and sets out to find his mother’s killer and avenge her death. I believe that this reaction is still mostly animalistic in nature. There is in all of us a wild sense of rage and vengeance that kicks in whenever we are terribly wronged. In Tarzan this aspect was greatly nurtured by his ape mother, which is only natural. We, however, are taught to overlook these impulses because they are deemed unacceptable by society. Nevertheless, we see these impulses in our everyday lives, when someone just snaps and beats a person into a bloody pulp. That is our inner animal being let out. On the other hand, this almost always ends up in big consequences for that person. This is not the case with Tarzan, in his environment the only rule that applies is kill or be killed. Right after catching up with his mother’s killer and subduing him, he kills
In the book Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls, Jay lives near monkeys that will make him rich if he catches them. The book took place in the Cherokee Ozarks of Oklahoma in the 19th century. The protagonist of the book is Jay Berry, a 14-year-old boy who is very arrogant but changes as the book ends. The monkeys are obviously the antagonist of the novel. The monkeys are extremely intelligent creatures, especially Jumbo, the smart leader of the pack. The conflict of the story is man vs. nature. In the novel the Summer of the Monkeys, the importance of overcoming fears through its development of the plot and theme.
Again, this theory of nature and nurture is coming into play. Tarzan being orphaned at a young age due to his parents death, left him vulnerable in the jungle of Africa, until a female ape adopts him as her own. He is then socialized as an ape and brought up in all the manly customs of an ape. Alternatively, Tarzan is the product of two white parents and has superior blood running through his veins as displayed by his cousin Mr. William C. Clayton (226). Tarzan fantasizes the balance of Tarzans nature and nurture. His manly control over the primal sexual desires captivated American culture (233). The harmony between Tarzans two components of identity was the epitome of ideological masculinity and became a model for men in the following century.
There were many heroes in the literature that has been read. Many have been courageous and showed their character through tough times. Through these tough times they were forced to make important decisions and this is where you get the real idea of who is deserved to be called a hero. The most influential though of all these was Huckleberry Finn. Through the innocence of childhood he is able to break through the societal pressures that are brought on him and do right.
Every generation has its own heroes that display, what they believe to be, ideal characteristics. While each is different in their own way, many of these role models share similar qualities. Most tend to have courage, strength, compassion, or another respected trait, but this is not necessarily why they win the adoration of their followers.
The Iliad, the Odyssey, Beowulf, and Hamlet are classical stories that are still relatable and debatable to read and discuss. Though some of the stories are intertwined or continue off one another, the character and stories are distinctive. The stories contain different hero development and progression among them. All the stories contain an idea or concept of a hero that may not necessarily have to do with gaining power or control like modern superheroes. Power and control are referred to having to be the ruler and having the ability to do what you'd like. The modern heroes selflessness of a human on duty or even volunteering, and that person’s willingness to put their own lives on the line for the lives of absolute strangers, is specifically the quality that redefines the modern hero and separates them from heroes in the past.
Everyone has their own perception on what defines a hero; some may argue that they exhibit characteristics such as honesty or courage, while others may think that heroes have special power. Our society may have changed the values in which we associate heroes with, but one thing seems to have never changed: the main character of the book turns out as the hero. In my analyst, Holden Caulfield, the protagonist in The Catcher in the Rye, is put on trial as we see through our own eyes how Caulfield can not be considered a hero in modern society. In modern society, we would consider a hero as a role model, and someone who we would want to emulate.
According to google.com a hero is someone who “is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievments, or noble equalities.” (google.com). For example, superman , superman is an all time american classic modern hero who is admired for his courage and for saving earth multiple times from super villains. Another example of a hero is Beowulf. Beowulf was created around 1000 AD and was known far and wide throughout the lands for his selflessness,bravery, and courage .
Each hero is a resemblance of their culture 's values and time period. Beowulf is a perfect figure to represent the warring and bloodthirsty era of the Anglo-Saxon whcich did not believe in life after death and had to live a life worth talking about for many years after death. On the other hand, Lincoln is a wonderful example of a modern day hero. He preached about God many of times in his debates within the government and even his Second Inaugural Address. The belief in God led him towards a more humble lifestyle in order to live a happier afterlife in Heaven. Heroes can be very identical on the surface, but what separates them is the civilization 's value and honor
A true modern hero is able to set aside fear and act on the matter at hand, which signifies the quality of courage. Being Courageous can set you apart from others, because you are willing to carry out actions that are beneficial for the greater good. Any one can say they are going to do something, but when the claim is backed with actions they truly display courage. Beowulf is the epitome of being courageous. He voluntarily
For instance, Beowulf displays a daring hero while he tells Hrothgar he has no plan against the demon Grendel, ‘What is your plan?’ ‘The best plan...No plan.’ ‘You are the bravest man I have ever met...If anyone can kill grendel it is you,’(Nye 33). In this quote, the mighty hero Beowulf, represents the qualities of a hero, bravery, because he comes up with a plan while he is fighting grendel. He doesn’t need to plan out a cunning because he uses the strength and light of his hands. In addition, Beowulf announces to his men bravely, ‘Wait ...for me for two days and two nights… and do not risk your lives in coming to look for me,’ (Nye 64-65). In this passage, Beowulf, recklessly jumps in the fen. He tells his men only to wait for him for two days and two nights. Beowulf is a brave hero because he puts himself before his men and risks his life for everyone. To sum it all up, Beowulf’s heroism is represented while he was a young warrior with his reckless
George Washington. Aragorn. Beowulf. Captain America. Martin Luther. Han Solo. Wright Brothers. History, books, and movies are full of these types of characters. Whether they led our country to victory or saved a galaxy far far away, these people can be defined as heroes. A hero could be defined as someone who is cunning, shows justice and mercy, and has the courage to take on many challenges. In J. R. R. Tolkien’s renowned book The Hobbit, he fills the pages with many heroes. There is Thorin, King under the mountain, who has come to reclaim his home. There is Bard, a bowman, who kills the chiefest and greatest dragon Smaug. There are the mighty eagles, who rescue the dwarves, Bilbo, and Gandalf moments before their death. And there is also
“A hero is just someone who stays brave a little longer” (Pinterest). Beowulf was one of the very first superheroes and can be argued as one of the greatest. There are many parts of the poem to prove Beowulf is a superhero that people wish were alive today. Beowulf has three major qualities that make him a superhero, strength, courage, and willing to travel to help anyone when they need it.
In the poem Beowulf, there is a great example of what a hero is about in this time. Beowulf is the great warrior of the Geats and he will do anything necessary to keep peace and to make a better life for his people. That is why he is described as, "The mildest of men and the gentlest, kindest to his people, and most eager for fame" (Norton, 68). Beowulf leads the Geats for fifty years of happiness and prosperity and in turn, made a name for himself that will be remembered for centuries to come.
Almost everyone in the world has a favorite children story or cartoon thar he or she used to read or watch. When i was child I used to watch Tarzan cartoon every night before i go to sleep. Sometimes my parents would read me Tarzan's story when they had free time. There are many social science themes in Tarzan's story which are friendship, love, enemy, and braveness.
When I think of a hero I immediately think of someone who is strong, intelligent, handsome, and daring. Upon closer examination, many different qualities than these become apparent. Courage, honesty, bravery, selflessness, and the will to try are just a few of the overlooked qualities of a hero. The definition of heroism changes with the context and time. Heroes of the past are not necessarily heroes of present time and vise versa.