As we continue to study 19th century Britain/American literature, we are starting to get a clear picture of how some of the authors depict "heroes." In one reading, "The life and adventures of Joaquin Murieta, the Celebrated bandit," we struggle to find the obvious hero characteristics that are seen throughout the other stories. At first, I did not think Joaquin had any hero characteristics. I had the thought that if someone was beaten and witnessed his significant other getting raped, they would fight that battle with kindness and not stoop to their level. I felt the best way to respond was to get up, dust yourself off and keep doing what you're doing--give them no satisfaction of seeing you down.
As I started to discuss the story with my group members, they strongly believed that he had some characteristics of a hero. The determination it takes to take matters into his own hands and threaten the people who he was threatened by doesn't exactly show how a modern day hero would act, but in this setting, others found that to be inspiring. They found that showing no fear and not letting them win was inspiring. I find it interesting that others can see characteristics that i did not originally see and think of that completely changed my mind on what I thought a hero was. I definitely see some of the hero characteristics that my peers were talking about. Instead of giving in and thinking that he was less than, he decided to stand up for himself and not take anything from anyone.
Speaking of "heros," the conversation/presentation on Robin Hood was interesting because of the different perspectives of different classes had of him. The fact that both sides of the spectrum, the rich and poor, used him for different reasons. The British used him as an example to showcase the weakness in their justice system and that they needed to build British nationalism among the nation. The lower class enjoyed telling stories and embracing Robin Hood and what he stood for. Robin Hood is the epitome of what it means to be the opponent of the establishment (Seal, Graham). It makes you think about what you depict as a hero. What characteristics do we value in the ideal hero? We grow up thinking that the ideal hero is strong, tough and has super power heroes. The idea of what a hero is, is evolving and changing. It comes back to the different perspectives of others that I encountered through my group members. People see and admire different values and beliefs and that in tale, changes peoples heroes.
According to "Outlaw Heroes in Mything and History," by Graham Sea, it tells us that the concept of an outlaw hero is something that has been around as Roman Empires stood. Some people view the Gladiator of that time as heroes and something to value. Those heroes themselves had heroes of their own.
I must agree with you here. Many of Joaquin's heroic characteristics, that are described in our course packet, are primarily physical attributes. Long black hair, silvery voice, piercing eyes; all things that come to mind when we think of a typical romantic hero. From an American standpoint, it's tough to see Joaquin as a heroic figure. Namely a thief and bandit, our American society views his accomplishments in a darker setting. However, from a Mexican vantage, Joaquin is a national figure to be admired and respected. When Joaquin came to California to work honestly in the mines, and earn his income, he was representing his country. When American men saw his success' they were quick to step in and shut it down, after all California was their land now, why should a Mexican share our spoils? This American mentality against Joaquin turned a man in to a brute, paralleling the same societal influences that Frederick Douglass endured. This transformation is the core of the story, and the reason why I refer to Joaquin as a hero, maybe not through American eyes, but through a Mexican perspective.
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