What are your first thoughts when the word hero comes to mind? What really makes someone a hero? Is it the super powers, or maybe the muscle. Personally, when I think hero, my mind goes straight to the cape and tight pants. But what happens when we take our thinking a level deeper? Can we really define what a hero truly is?
In my original multi paragraph I stated that, although Okonkwo had the qualities of a hero, he was not a true hero. I stick by my statement and don't intend on changing my views, though I have completed the novel. Throughout my reading, I was hoping that Okonkwo would prove himself as the hero he is named. When he had taken is own life, he had lost his pride and any heroism he had. That was when I had decided that I was right in my thinking. No hero would commit suicide, even if one had done it as a last resort to an unchanging conflict.
Oxford's dictionary definition of a hero: a person, typically a man, who is admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities
According to the Oxford's Dictionary Okonkwo is a hero. He is admired by his tribe for his great courage when going to war, his achievements of being the best wrestler in Umofia, and his many noble qualities. In my opinion, Okonkwo is far from a hero. Yes he has all the qualities of a perceived hero, but that doesn't make anyone definitely heroic. I believe in the everyday hero, the type of person who doesn't look for gratitude when they do something good. The type of person who will stand up for those who can't do so themselves.
You don't need tight pants, or muscles galore, its what's inside that counts. Heart, hero's have the greatest hearts. You can't be one without that soul within.
I think of a cape and tight pants too!
ReplyDeleteAnyways, what noble qualities do you feel Okonkwo has? I personally feel he is lacking. An example of a noble quality is loyalty. When Okonkwo commits suicide at the end of the novel, he basically leaves his tribe to fend for themselves and fix all of the problems he has created. He shows no loyalty to his village and it's people.
Loyalty is only one example and you probably have others in mind which work out to be true, but I just wanted to put my two cents in. Either way, you do have very strong points and I can see where you are coming from.
Great job Hannah!
I agree that Okonkwo does seem like a hero at first glance, as he is strong and has a lot of determination. But when we look pass these few qualities, it is plain to see that he is not a hero at all. Just like you had mentioned, a hero would never take his own life, even if times get rough. I really like your quote in the end with the tiny font haha! Great post!
ReplyDeleteI like that you opened up with a question, you made your post powerful from the beginning! You also did a great job by throwing in some comedy there as well, I think the same thing when hero comes to mind. I completely agree with your opinion of how as soon as Okonkwo ended his own life he lost all of his admirable qualities. As well as the fact that nobody can be a true hero if they don't have a heart and soul! Good job!
ReplyDeleteYour so right. How can we think Okonkwo is a hero when we see heros like Superman, Spiderman, or Batman in the media? But then when we look at the different types of heros our views of Okonkwo might just change.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that Okonkwo isn't a hero. In my eyes he is just a cruel man and in the end when he committed suicide I thought even less of him because he basically just gave up.
Great post Hannah! (soccer practice tomorrow!)