Le Guin's Definition Of Heroism

What is a hero? Heroism has been defined in many ways, early contributors to heroism defined it as heroic conduct an individual endured in the hopes of overcoming an obstacle. More recently heroism has been depicted in a new fashion, creating a new sense of what a hero should be. With the façade of superhero movies becoming ever increasingly popular a somewhat newer definition has been placed on heroism. With the popularity of superhero media, the definition of heroism has change to “good guys defeating the bad guys”, but this is not always the case in literary works. Heroes can be classified into two categories classical heroes and superheroes, this allows authors to place an either realistic or not so realistic view on the protagonist as

Le Guin’s novel primarily focusing on her characters super abilities to demonstrate heroism has also intertwined aspects of classical heroism within them. Le Guin has capitalized on the symbolism that follows her characters superhero actions. Isaac Crates mentions in his article on the literary use of superheroes, that “to an extent, this allegorical or symbolic potential of superheroes is continually both conjured and disabled by the structures and conceits of the genre.” (Crates 832) He then continues to state that “the way these genre problems overlay the meaning of their symbolic figures, are beginning to redeem the figure of the superhero even as the critique it.” (Crates 833) Crates emphasizes that due to the minimalistic view of superheroes, deeper symbolistic meanings are being concealed. Le Guin demonstrates this theory through Ged’s interactions with the shadow figure. In relation to the superhero façade Ged is simply battling an evil supernatural entity, thus accentuating the good versus evil aspect linked to super heroism. On a more analytical view it can be noted that the shadow is a concept of Ged’s own self that he continues to battle on his emotional quest to find himself. “He spoke no word, but attacked, and the boat plunged and pitched from his sudden urn lunge. And a pain ran up his arms into his breast, taking away his breath, and icy cold filled him, and he was blinded: yet in his hands that seized the shadow there was nothing-darkness, air.” (Le Guin 89) symmetrically Barometer Rising displays symbolic meanings behind heroic actions. Neil MaCrae demonstrates symbolism during his heroic efforts to save Alec Mackenzie. Initially MaCrae exhibits cowardice as the explosion takes place and falls into shock. “He felt something sting his cheek and heard, as from a great distance, Angus Murray’s voice. Snap out of it! You’re not hurt- come on out of it.”