Hero Comparison Essay Odysseus vs Gandhi - 1619 Words

Hero Comparison Essay K A K 16/12/2011 A hero, a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability (Merriam-Webster). There are two types of heroes, epic heroes and modern heroes. Odysseus, one of the most famous epic heroes ever, will be compared to Mahatma Gandhi, a modern day hero, to see if there really is a large gap separating the two types. However, one thing is certain, modern heroes can be identical to epic heroes if they are larger than life, embody the ideals of their culture, embark on a perilous journey, and possess super-human, prominent characteristics. Epic heroes are always larger than life; however, modern day heroes can achieve amazing feats too. Odysseus, an epic hero,†¦show more content†¦Lastly, when Circà © didn’t warned Odysseus Odysseus that he has to lose six men in order not to get sucked into Charybdis, a whirlpool, Odysseus may have never returned (Applebee, 930-931). Gandhi has gone on a long journey too, the journey to give his country independence. Gandhi began to think of ways for his voice to be heard, but not to hurt anyone. He immediately had followers that joined him in his passive protests. Gandhi’s protests didn’t always go as planned. In fact, he was imprisoned on numerous occasions, including the years 1922, 1930, 1933, and 1942. Just because he was in jail didn’t mean he would stop fighting for his rights. One of Gandhi’s most famous protests was the Salt March from March 12 to April 5, 1930. Gandhi and thousands of Indians marched 400 kilometers to produce thei r own salt. This was a major statement because any money spent on salt that was bought in India went to Britain. After his march, thousands of people were jailed, but were later freed when Gandhi and Lord Irwin negotiated a deal. Finally in 1947, India declared independence from Britain (Myhero)(Thenagain). Both Gandhi and Odysseus embarked on long, perilous journeys, proving to us once again that a modern day hero can have similar experiences with an epic hero. One trait Odysseus shared with Gandhi is leadership. Odysseus shows his leadership skills countless times in â€Å"The Odyssey†. One of the times it was most apparent was when he saved his men

The Psychology of Video Games The Pros of Video Games

The Psychology of Video Games: The Pros of Playing Video Games What is a game? Video games have been accused of being overly violent and harmful to the overall health of children. However, video games have been proven to be beneficial through researched studies. Although many adults oppose video games, they have cognitive, educational, social, and other benefits. To better understand the benefits, the background and history of video games should be understood. Therefore what is a game? A game is an interaction that requires players to struggle towards a goal through conflict. Games are not about how violent they are, it is about the struggle they produce (Espejo 1). About 68% of households play computer or video games. The average age of†¦show more content†¦Also mental issues such as depression and stress can be relieved by playing video games (7 Health 1). Dr. Daphen Maurer from Ontarios McMaster University found that video games may also improve players vision. A fast pac ed game requires more attention and trains the eyes to view more sharply. The University of Washington also made a game titled Snow World, in which players throw snowballs at targets. The patients that played the game showed they used less pain medication then those who did not play the games (2). Also games such as Angry Birds, can help improve ones mood, help relaxation, and ward off anxiety (Video Games 1). However, video games do not just have health benefits; they can also have cognitive benefits. Cognitive is the process of knowing, perceiving, remembering, or pertaining to the mental processes of perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning. As a result of this, video games can help with problem solving and logical skills (The Pros 1). ...such play actually may strengthen a range of cognitive skills such as spatial navigation, reasoning, memory, and perception... (Video Games 1). In the year 2008, the University of Washington held a three week competition with a video game cal led Foldit, a game where players model the make-up of proteins. After the three weeks, the top-scoring players could identify a structure for a monkey virus related to AIDS. TheShow MoreRelatedVideo Games : Can It Cause Violence?1379 Words   |  6 PagesVictor Chau Professor Myers ENGL-1301 Video Games: Can it cause violence? Any action against violent video games should be met with more research and that any banning of violent video games should come under more significant scrutiny. For sometime, many people consider violent video games to be the cause of violent behavior in the younger generations. However there are also people who would refute such claims that violent video games are the causes of tragedies, and would point to another reasonRead MoreThe Negative Effects Of Video Games794 Words   |  4 Pagesimproved, video games have been enhanced together with the latest technology. Now, video games have become one of the most iconic hobbies and free time activities for teen agers from simple smartphone games to high-graphic console or pc games. However, some people tend to claim that video games are harmful to teenagers and cause them behave violent and aggressive. Also, some opinionated radicals state that video games are related to youth violence. While some people think that video games have negativeRead MoreVideo Games And Health Effect On The Human Mind And Body1641 Words   |  7 PagesVideo Games and Health Introduction Due to the evolution of video gaming in today’s technological culture, many people, specifically the media and parents have questioned the positive impact of video gaming. People believed that gaming will only encourage addiction, lead to social isolation and result in physical and psychological complications such as obesity and developing a violent and aggressive behaviour. 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There are lots of kind of games, some of them have adventures on it and others can make you scared. Companies are the ones that produces these games in a great number. Nowadays most of them have tons of people working on a game to make sure that they produce an incredible product so kids can enjoy a good experience. You may think that only kids buy this things, but a surprising number of adults buy video games and this

Jackie Robinson s Impact On History And The World

Cendra Rodriguez Mrs. Nash English Honors-4 May 15, 2015 Jackie Robinson Do you know anyone who has impacted history and the world by playing an everyday sport? This person is Jackie Robinson. Robinson changed baseball history by being the first African American baseball player who helped future generations of African Americans to do the same in all sports. As a tribute to her husband, Rachel Islum created a foundation to help kids with scholarships and mentoring (Jackie Robinson). Robinson was born on January 31,1919 in Cairo, Georgia. As a child Robinson was raised by his mother, Mallie Robinson. He grew up in a single parent household with his four other brothers and sisters. Robinson faced prejudice people everyday, being the only African American on the block. These prejudice people only strengthened and prepared him for later (Jackie Robinson). Robinson attended John Muir High School and Pasadena Junior College for his education. At Pasadena Junior College he was an excellent athlete who played football, basketball, baseball, and tra ck (Jackie Robinson). He continued his education at the University of California in Los Angeles. Here he became the first student at the University to letter in four sports (Jackie Robinson). Robinson was forced to leave this school due to financial issues (Robinson, Jackie). After Robinson left this school he moved to Hawaii, where he played Rodriguez 2 semi-professional football for the Honolulu Bears. He did not finish out theShow MoreRelatedJackie Robinson Broke Baseball s Color Barrier1197 Words   |  5 PagesJackie Robinson During the 1940 s, the African Americans were segregated from the Whites in America. White people in America had a lot more advantages or opportunities. Up until when Jackie Robinson potentially brought the two races together, many signs of hatred were shown on the African Americans. They had separate schools, restaurants, and transportation systems. 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Othello William Shakespeare Tragedy Essay Example For Students

Othello William Shakespeare Tragedy Essay Othello as a Tragic Hero William Shakespeare’s famous tragedy â€Å"Othello, the Moor of Venice† (c. 1604, as reprinted in Laurence Perrine and Thomas R. Arp, Literature: Structure Sound and Sense, 6th ed. 1060-1148) is arguably one of the finest, if not the finest, tragedies in the literary history of Western civilization. This paper discusses Othello as a â€Å"tragic hero† and compares him to the great Aristotle’s concept of what a â€Å"tragic hero† actually is. First, we need to understand the characteristics of a so-called â€Å"tragic hero† as defined by the Greek critic, Aristotle. He indicates that a tragic hero must have these characteristics: (1) Be a nobleman, prince, or person of high estate; (2) Have a tragic flaw, and a weakness in judgment; and (3) Fall from high to low estate. (Hubele). Using the Aristotle criteria, we can easily classify Othello, the Moor, as a tragic hero. At the time, it was common practice for the Italian city-states to have a foreigner, with proven military capabilities, serving as the head of their Army. Othello, an African Moor of noble birth, is just such a character and held the highest ranking military position as Governor-General of Cyprus. The city of Cyprus was a city-state in the great state of Venice. His title alone, Governor-General, exudes an air of nobility, confidence, and strength. It defines someone who is held in tremendously high esteem by the people of Venice. During Act 1, Scene 3, the Duke and a few Senators are discussing issues around a table when Othello enters the room. It’s clear that Othello is held in high esteem when, as he enters, one of the senators states ? Here comes Barbantio and the valiant Moor? (47). Othello’s confidence in himself, another of his positive attributes, is clearly portrayed as he defends himself and his recent marriage to Desdemona, the daughter of the Venetian Senator Barbantio. In his defense, he associates himself with one of the ? great ones? of the world. He also demonstrates confidence in himself and his actions when Barbantio, Desdemona’s outraged father, accuses the Moor of witchcraft. His stature, that of a tall, dark, African Moor, combined with his personal magnetism, assist him in gaining the respect and allegiance of the Venetian people and its senators. The respect of the people is brought forth in Act 1, Scene 2, when Montano, the Governor of Cyprus, is awaiting the arrival of Othello’s ship, following a strong storm at sea, and remarks he has â€Å"served him’ and the man commands/ Like a full soldier† (35-36). He also refers to him as the â€Å"brave Othello† (38). Othello is also held in awe by his men, the soldiers, and throughout the play is referred to as a â€Å"captain†, a term carried over from Roman times which depicts a commander of a company of men, or a so called â€Å"soldiers? soldier†. He is a proven leader of men and known for his military knowledge and skills. His soldierly ways are a result of serving in some form of military capacity since the early age of seven. Dignity, courage, a strong belief in religion, self control and sound jud~ment are a few of Othello’s other positive attributes portrayed in the play. The writer, A. C. Bradley characterizes him as a â€Å"truly admirable character, of heroic stature, exemplary self control, and wonderfiil imagination†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Mehl, Dieter, Shakespeare’s Tragedies: An Introduction, page 66). His confidence in himself and his courage are clearly evident when Othello makes a stand before Barbantio, Roderigo and Iago, when following the drawing of their swords, Othello, as opposed to withdrawing in the face of danger taunts â€Å"Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them† (59-60). Shakespeare continues to portray Othello as a well respected nobleman throughout his play, from beginning to end. Shakespeare also shows a soft side when he displays Othello’s love and confidence in his wife Desdemona. In Act 1 Scene 3, Othello entrusts his wife to the care of another gentleman and his wife as he must go off to war in Cyprus. The entrusted man and his wife happen to be his good friend lago and his wife Emila. Othello displays his trust and confidence in both his wife and his ensign when he remarks to Iago â€Å"to his conveyance I assign my wife† (286). As you move through the play, Shakespeare intriguingly begins to show Othello’s faults and negative character traits, which eventually lead to his destruction.   How has Baz Luhrman used film techniques to create a visually exciting film?   EssayBradley, A. C. , Shakespearean Tragedy, 3rd edition, New York, St. Martin Press, 1992], page 397). It’s plain to see his love for Desdemona is very strong and he doesn’t lose faith in himself and his love so easily. However, later so strong becomes his jealousy that it leads him astray from his previous positive traits of confidence in himself, calm demeanor in stressfbl times and his abilities to make sound judgements. In one of his last speeches to Desdemona in Act 3, Scene 3, Othello chides himself for becoming angry with his wife and following her departure remarks to himself â€Å"Excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul / but I do love thee! And whom I love thee not, / Chaos is come again† (90-91). His statement proves Iago’s plan is working and Othello’s’ trust in him will not falter. Othello is clearly emanating pangs of jealousy here, he is hurt and his suffering is evident. He once held himself among the â€Å"great ones† (273) yet now his love is destroyed and is cursed by a â€Å"destiny unshunnable† (275). The turning point in the play is here and the end will proceed swiftly from this point. The end nears as Othello’s portrait of himself is weakened. †¦the final Othello is not a pretty sight to watch†¦ Consider his whimpering, his refusal to be himself, his uncontrolled screaming. † (Kirschbaum, Leo, â€Å"The Modern Othello†, (reprinted in English Literary History II, ( pages 283-296). He now sees himself as a man deceived, by both Desdemona and Cassio, a man full of jealousy, and a man whose honor is now in question. Even as the final climatic murder takes place Othello deceives himself by telling himself it is his duty to kill her, it is not an act of revenge. His mythology in killing her is â€Å"†¦she must die, else she’ll betray more men† (Act 5, Scene 2, line 6). â€Å"The murder of Desdemona acts out the final destruction in Othello himself of all the ordering powers of love, of trust, of the bond between human beings†. (Bloom, Harold, Modern Critical Views, William Shakespeare The Tragedies, New York, Chelsea House Publishers, c1985], page 85). Obviously Othello portrays the characteristics of a ? hero? as defined by Aristotle. He clearly was a man of nobility, of noble character and held in a very high estate. He began in this illustrious play by displaying all those positive traits which man continues to search for in order to fulfill a long and happy life. They included the ability to sincerely love and trust his fellow man/woman, his innocence, his religious background, his self control, sound judgment and confidence in his inner self as a human being. All these traits quickly came crashing down because of character flaws in other people such as deceit, fraud, seffishness, hatred and a deep desire for revenge. Following Othello’s trust for his good friend Iago he clearly demonstrated flaws in the forms of bad judgments, jealousy, loss of self control and his lack of self confidence in himself All this eventually led to the murder of the wife he continued to love through the end and his own eventual self inflicted death. His fllll from high to low estate is clearly visible. Shakespeare depicted all these events in a rather short, deep, highly emotional, passionate, intense play. Sheakspeare’s ability to develop such deep emotional characterizations remains unparalleled in modern world.