Summary:
Explores the "idea of heroism" in selected texts from war literature. (Text references: "The Red Badge Of Courage" by Stephen Crane, "Regeneration" by Pat Barker and "Journey's End" by R.C. Sheriff)
The idea of heroism is constantly evolving with time. The traditional idea of heroism, is derived from ancient Greek influences such as the two major epic poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey. The mythological figure of heroism is endowed with great strength and ability, and of divine descent. He brings honour and acclaim, and is admired for his courage. This is the Homeric ideal that The Red Badge of Courage and Journey's End approaches. There is the predominant emphasis on the physical, courage and masculinity, in the ideal of a heroic person in these two texts. However heroism redefined in the modern context has extended its definition beyond the distinctly physical terms with the obvious absence of the intellect and morals, and is exemplified by Sassoon in Regeneration.
According to the Britannica-Webster dictionary, heroism refers to.....
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