The Epic Of Heroism, By Dante Alighieri And Antigone By...

Ambreka Chappell Mr. Haberstroh ENGL 271-2494 10/10/14 Word Count: 1239 Why does it so often seem that heroes are merely depicted as all powerful, omnipotent, masculine beings? When did such a broad term become so clichà © and vague? Through analyzing a range of Greek epic poems and plays, I have realized that not all heroes are god-like or mighty: heroes can have fears, complicated adversities that only a true hero would ever overcome. With heroism, one should be morally in-tact, filled with courage and the will to do what is right. While each epic poem features its’ own heroic figure, they each possess different traits and attributes that truly form the quality of their character and heroic image: The Iliad by Homer focuses on the physical aspects of heroism, whereas The Inferno by Dante Alighieri and Antigone by Sophocles are merely based on the true depths of heroism. He is bold, he is brave†¦yet he is ferocious. He is the classic epic hero, Achilles, of The Iliad. Achilles exemplifies many great characteristics as the ideal hero, however, he certainly has deep character flaws which prevent him from exhibiting a more pure, heroic figure. As the offspring of a goddess, Achilles possesses impeccable super human strength, typically titled as a semi-God. His bravery, ruthlessness, and technique were all shown on the battlefield, where no other Greek warrior would ever compare. He was stronger, faster, and merely invincible. As a leader of the Greek army and protector of his