Heroic Essay: The Meaning Of A Hero
Marcus Fukutomi
5/1/14
LA, P.7
Heroic essay
The Meaning of a Hero “True heroism consists in being superior to the ills of life, in whatever shape they may challenge us to combat.” – Napoleon Bonaparte. Not all heroes are defined by their costume or super powers. We encounter heroism in all forms and all ages on a daily basis. The only characteristic that defines heroes is their choice to act on the right thing for the betterment of the greater good, which comes to be known as sacrifice or selflessness.
This very notion of sacrifice presents itself in both fictional and real life heroism. Take Percy Jackson, a fictional character from The Lightning Thief for example. He went on a dangerous quest and risked his life to save his mother. …show more content…
However, the characteristic of heroism does not change between fictional and non-fictional situation. Take Walter Ehlers, a real life hero for example. He served in the army during WW II. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for risking his life to protect his squad. He single handedly took out two machine gun nests and seven enemy soldiers. Ehlers also risked his life drawing enemy fire so his men could escape; he took a sniper bullet through his side, which went through his rib and backpack during the process. Walter Ehlers chose to risk himself for the lives of many so that the nation can enjoy the freedom that so many heroes have fought and given their lives to protect. Walter acted on a decision of self-sacrifice to protect his …show more content…
Tyler Doohan is an example of such. Tyler Doohan, an 8-year-old who rescued six relatives from a fire including two younger children. But he died trying to save his disabled grandfather. Even though his aunt was holding him back, he broke free from her grip and went back into the blazing fire just so he could save his grandfather. He even called 911 right away when he saw the fire, he did everything he could do to make sure everyone was okay and ended up dying trying to save everyone. Tyler did not need a cape or super power to do what he did. All it took was his courage to make the choice that he thought was worth his life. So what is the meaning of hero? Walter Ehlers and Tyler Doohan symbolize the meaning of hero. Their courage to choose and act selflessly for the betterment of the greater good surround us every day and everywhere; from the firefighters, to the soldiers, to the scientists and to those who work tirelessly behind the scene making that very same decision to dedicate their life to the greater good, live and breath the meaning of a
5/1/14
LA, P.7
Heroic essay
The Meaning of a Hero “True heroism consists in being superior to the ills of life, in whatever shape they may challenge us to combat.” – Napoleon Bonaparte. Not all heroes are defined by their costume or super powers. We encounter heroism in all forms and all ages on a daily basis. The only characteristic that defines heroes is their choice to act on the right thing for the betterment of the greater good, which comes to be known as sacrifice or selflessness.
This very notion of sacrifice presents itself in both fictional and real life heroism. Take Percy Jackson, a fictional character from The Lightning Thief for example. He went on a dangerous quest and risked his life to save his mother. …show more content…
However, the characteristic of heroism does not change between fictional and non-fictional situation. Take Walter Ehlers, a real life hero for example. He served in the army during WW II. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for risking his life to protect his squad. He single handedly took out two machine gun nests and seven enemy soldiers. Ehlers also risked his life drawing enemy fire so his men could escape; he took a sniper bullet through his side, which went through his rib and backpack during the process. Walter Ehlers chose to risk himself for the lives of many so that the nation can enjoy the freedom that so many heroes have fought and given their lives to protect. Walter acted on a decision of self-sacrifice to protect his …show more content…
Tyler Doohan is an example of such. Tyler Doohan, an 8-year-old who rescued six relatives from a fire including two younger children. But he died trying to save his disabled grandfather. Even though his aunt was holding him back, he broke free from her grip and went back into the blazing fire just so he could save his grandfather. He even called 911 right away when he saw the fire, he did everything he could do to make sure everyone was okay and ended up dying trying to save everyone. Tyler did not need a cape or super power to do what he did. All it took was his courage to make the choice that he thought was worth his life. So what is the meaning of hero? Walter Ehlers and Tyler Doohan symbolize the meaning of hero. Their courage to choose and act selflessly for the betterment of the greater good surround us every day and everywhere; from the firefighters, to the soldiers, to the scientists and to those who work tirelessly behind the scene making that very same decision to dedicate their life to the greater good, live and breath the meaning of a