Heroism in Literature & Literary Theory

Heroism: Etymology/Term, Meanings and Concept

Etymology and the Term “Heroism”

The concept of heroism is rooted in the ancient Greek “hērōs” (ἥρως), signifying a warrior-protector often possessing demi-god status. The term has transcended its mythological origins to encompass acts demonstrating remarkable valor and selflessness in service of others or a greater cause.

Key Attributes of Heroism

• Unwavering Courage: Heroes exhibit an extraordinary capacity to face danger, adversity, or uncertainty without succumbing to fear.
• Altruism and Sacrifice: The well-being and safety of others are prioritized above personal concerns, reflected in acts of self-sacrifice.
• Principled Actions: Heroism aligns with deeply held values and ethical standards, such as justice, compassion, and upholding societal ideals.
• Purpose-Driven: Heroes often feel compelled by a higher calling or a strong sense of duty that transcends personal gain.
• Inspirational Effect: Heroic acts serve as potent catalysts for admiration and emulation, encouraging others to rise above their limitations.

Heroism: Definition of a Theoretical Term

Heroism is a theoretical construct characterized by actions that prioritize the needs of others or a broader cause above one’s own well-being. These actions typically demonstrate exceptional courage, self-sacrifice, and adherence to a strong moral code. Perceptions of heroism are context-dependent, shaped by cultural norms and the prevailing values of a society.

Heroism: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Key Theorists and Their Seminal Works on Heroism

• Thomas Carlyle: In his influential work On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and the Heroic in History (1841), Carlyle articulated the “Great Man Theory.” This perspective posits that historical change is primarily driven by extraordinary individuals or “heroes,” characterized by unique personal qualities like intellect and charisma.
• Joseph Campbell: Exploring the concept of the monomyth in The Hero with a Thousand Faces (1949), Campbell theorized the existence of a universal narrative structure underlying countless heroic tales across cultures. This “Hero’s Journey” often features archetypal stages of departure, initiation, and return.
• Philip Zimbardo: Zimbardo’s controversial Stanford Prison Experiment and subsequent writings, such as The Lucifer Effect (2007), analyzed situational influences that can trigger both heroic and morally abhorrent behavior in ordinary individuals. He highlighted the power of social roles, authority, and deindividuation in shaping actions.
• Franco & Zimbardo: In The Banality of Heroism (2006), they challenged the assumption that heroism necessitates grand gestures. They stressed the importance of everyday defiance of societal pressures and adherence to personal ethics as equally compelling manifestations of heroism.

Heroism: Major Characteristics

• Courage: The steadfast determination to confront danger, adversity, or uncertainty without yielding to fear. Heroes exemplify a willingness to act in the face of risk or challenge.
• Selflessness and Sacrifice: Placing the needs, well-being, and safety of others above personal concerns. Heroic acts often involve elements of self-sacrifice for the greater good.
• Strong Moral Principles: Heroes operate within a framework of deeply held ethical ideals such as justice, compassion, and integrity. Their actions reflect a commitment to upholding fundamental values.
• Purpose-Driven Focus: A sense of duty or a compelling calling to protect others or create positive change. Heroes are often motivated by a higher purpose extending beyond personal gain.
• Inspirational Influence: Heroic actions foster admiration and inspire others to act courageously and aspire to rise above their limitations.

Important Considerations

• Heroism and Imperfection: Heroes, like all people, may experience fear and self-doubt. Overcoming these internal challenges forms a core element of the hero’s determination.
• The Spectrum of Heroism: Heroism exists on a spectrum. It spans grand acts of self-sacrifice in high-stakes situations and manifests in small but impactful gestures of resilience, everyday kindness, and principled behavior.

Heroism: Relevance in Literary Theories

• Archetypal Criticism (Mythic Criticism): Building on Jungian thought and Joseph Campbell’s work, this approach studies recurring characters, symbols, and narrative patterns across vast numbers of literary works. Think of the familiar heroic archetype — the valiant warrior, the noble savior — and the “Hero’s Journey” structure common to both ancient myths and modern storytelling.
• Structuralism: Here, focus shifts to the underlying structures that shape meaning in the text. Heroic characters can be studied in relation to their opposites (villains, anti-heroes) and the power struggles between forces such as good versus evil. Heroism may highlight societal values or anxieties present in a work’s cultural context.
• Reader-Response Criticism: This theory centers on the reader’s individual interpretation and reaction to a text. How readers perceive or define a character’s actions – heroic, foolish, morally ambiguous – shapes their understanding of the story’s theme or message.
• Feminist Criticism: Examines gender roles, and how the traditional trope of the male hero (and damsel in distress) often perpetuates or challenges gendered power dynamics. More modern depictions of heroism might portray female heroes, flawed heroes, or redefine what actions warrant heroic status.
• Postcolonial Criticism: Focuses on analyzing literature produced by or about colonized cultures. In such a lens, a protagonist resisting oppressive regimes may be interpreted as heroic. Conversely, heroes upheld by colonizers might be critically re-examined to reveal complexities, biases, and problematic narratives.

Additional Notes

• Complexity of Heroism: Literature frequently depicts “flawed heroes” to complicate the traditional heroic ideal and provide a more nuanced exploration of human motivations.
• Evolving Representations: Notions of what constitutes heroism can reflect the shifting values and concerns of the societal context in which the literary work was produced.

Heroism: Application in Critiques

Literary Work	Perspective on Heroism	Focus of Critique
Beowulf	Archetypal/Structuralist	Analyze Beowulf as the embodiment of the classic hero archetype while exploring the narrative’s portrayal of good vs. evil.
To Kill a Mockingbird	Reader-Response	Explore how readers may grapple with Atticus Finch’s complex actions and question whether he can be considered a traditional hero.
Things Fall Apart	Postcolonial / Feminist	Critique Okonkwo’s actions through a postcolonial lens; is he resisting oppression or reinforcing its toxic masculinity? Consider alternative definitions of heroism found in female characters.
The Hunger Games	Feminist / Reader-Response	Analyze Katniss Everdeen’s acts of defiance as both protecting her family and subverting patriarchal systems. How do readers engage with her survival instincts vs. heroic ideals?

Heroism: Relevant Terms

Term	Definition	Notes
Agency	The capacity of an individual to make choices and exert influence over their life and environment.	Explores how heroic acts often demonstrate free will and defy imposed limitations.
Role Model	A person whose actions and character inspires others to emulate positive behavior.	Examines how heroes can create influential social templates for idealized conduct.
Protagonist	The central character driving the main conflict of a narrative.	Heroes are often, but not always, the protagonist of a given story or myth.
Martyr	A person who endures great suffering or dies in defense of their beliefs or a cause.	Raises questions about how self-sacrifice defines a hero and distinguishes them from mere victims.
Idealism	The pursuit of noble or morally elevated principles, prioritizing these over realistic constraints.	Considers the aspirational aspects of heroism and whether true idealism can exist.
Transgression	The act of violating established norms or boundaries.	Heroic acts may sometimes require disregarding rules to achieve a higher purpose.
Moral Ambiguity	Situations or characters lacking clear distinctions between right and wrong.	Complicates traditional black-and-white understandings of “hero vs. villain.”
Self-Actualization	Reaching one’s full potential by acting courageously, ethically, and in accordance with deeply held values.	Aligns with humanistic psychology; heroism can be a path to self-fulfillment.
Social Justice	Fairness and equal rights for all within society.	Frames heroism as active contributions to social improvement and dismantling unjust systems.
Dissent	Expressing opposition to the status quo or dominant authority.	Examines how heroic acts may involve social protest and agitating for change.

Heroism: Suggested Readings

1. Campbell, Joseph. The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Princeton University Press, 2008.
2. Coelho, Paulo. The Alchemist. HarperOne, 1993.
3. Greene, Robert. Mastery. Penguin Books, 2012.
4. Homer. The Iliad. Translated by Robert Fagles, Penguin Classics, 1998.
5. King, Martin Luther Jr. Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story. Beacon Press, 2010.
6. Nietzsche, Friedrich. Thus Spoke Zarathustra. Translated by Walter Kaufmann, Vintage Books, 1995.
7. Pressfield, Steven. The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles. Black Irish Entertainment, 2012.
8. Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Scholastic, 1998.
9. Tolkien, J.R.R. The Lord of the Rings. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2004.
10. Zimbardo, Philip. The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil. Random House, 2007.