Comparison Of Heroism In 'The Grapes Of Wrath By John Steinbeck'

Heroism is different to each person, to someone it might be to look impressive, or act above the ordinary and to another it might be having amazing strength or courage in dangerous situations, every culture has its individual ideas of what the ideal hero should be, but for most parts the general definition of a hero is universal therefore difficult to elude. In both the grapes of wrath by John Steinbeck and Mr. smith goes to Washington by Frank Capra there is a similarity in their ideology of a hero because both heroes were Bold, Selfless and Morally just. To begin with, both the movie and the book explained and emphasized on the importance of being bold. In The grapes of the wrath Tom showcased his boldness through bravery

In The grapes of wrath Tom is moved to protect his extended family. For example Tom’s second departure while he was saying goodbye to his mother he said, “ Whenever they’s a fight so hungry people can eat, I’ll be there. Whenever they’s a cop beatin’ up a guy, I’ll be there…. and when our folks eat the stuff they raise an’ live in the houses—why I’ll be there.” (419) this is tom dropping his Naïve self absorbed attitude and carrying on a bigger mantle of a protector, devoting his time to always be there when the need arises for his people. In comparison Mr. Smith goes to Washington, Smith decides that he was not going to seat back and say or do nothing rather he was going to fight for “the lost cause” the same lost cause that Payne told him were the only causes worth fighting for and even dying for like his father clayton smith has done. Smith challenges the senate one more time saying “ you think I’m licked. You all think I’m licked. Well I’m not licked! And I’m going to stay right here and fight for this lost cause, even if this room gets gilled with lies and like these, and the Taylors and all their armies come marching into this place! Somebody’ll listen to me… Somebody…” This act is seen as an act of selflessness because Payne and Taylor plans to use the land for their own benefit while smith plans to use it to

Smith goes to Washington suggests that their creators ideas of the ideal hero is built on bravery, morality and selflessness which amongst others are traits of a true