This week my story unit was the Voyages of Sinbad. Obviously, as the title would suggest, Sinbad
is the main character in this story unit.
The next common and logical assumption is that Sinbad is automatically
the hero of this story unit. My perception of Sinbad is somewhat on the
fence. The tales he tells are extremely
far fetched and in a fantasy world they are without a doubt compelling. The
obstacles he repeatedly encounters and ultimately overcomes are also highly
challenging situations to get out of.
Therefore, in the neutral terminology Sinbad would be considered a
hero.
However, the tales are so far fetched that one must wonder how true they
would really be considered. In these
stories he escapes death time and time again, without fail. He never saves anyone else; he is always the
lone survivor with no one to refute his stories of successful in the face of
danger. Wouldn’t a true hero make some
sort of effort to save the others who faced the same perils as them? In my opinion a true hero wouldn’t boast so
proudly the tales of being a lone survivor; instead they would mourn for those
who they were unable to save.
 |
| Female Heroes Image from WorldPress |
My definition of a hero is someone who not only overcomes obstacles for
themselves, but for others. A hero
should also effectively be a savior.
Someone who can aid others in their time of need and can assist in the
rescue of their companions. Of course
heroes also have a sense of higher morals, higher responsibility, and over all
feel compelled to answer to a higher calling.
The natural assumption in reading the Voyages of Sinbad is that because
Sinbad is the protagonist that he is automatically a hero. I don’t mean to say he’s a bad guy or label
him as a villain, but by my definition and personal opinion? Sinbad wouldn’t quite measure up to the
definition of a hero.
No comments:
Post a Comment