Hope In Literature

I-1. Vaccaro 3 Quotes: Hope is an exceptionally common theme in literary works for several reasons. The theme of hope directly addresses one of the foremost characteristics of human experiences: anxiety about the uncertainty of the future. Furthermore, many literary works have plot events spurred on by characters that pursue something they want. Hope of attaining a goal is thus a central part of almost any traditionally structured novel or play. Holding onto hope when confronting seemingly impossible odds is another important theme in many texts; hope in these cases may be closely related to faith in human nature, faith in oneself, or religious or spiritual

Hope presents itself as the countermeasure to one of life 's most deadly challenges, fear and anxiety. In literature, hope is often at catalyst that initiates the plot; the hope for a better future often drives the protagonist into some kind of action. The presence of hope within an impossible situation is also what allows a story 's hero to ultimately succeed. This shows how the worldview of an individual profoundly influences that person 's actions in ways that are both extensive and unimaginable (Moll)

Comment: Hope is one of the most important traits for a literary character to have. In many cases, it is the possession of hope that separates the hero from the villain, and the reason why the hero triumphs while the villain fails. Hope is not a mere sentiment; it is the driving force behind all meaningful actions. Without some kind of hope, no one could accomplish anything.

Source: Moll, Ellen. "hope." McClinton-Temple, Jennifer, ed. Encyclopedia of Themes in Literature.. New York: Infobase Publishing, 2011. Bloom 's Literature. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 12 May 2016. I-2.

Source: Grace, Dominick. "Hope in The Lord of the Rings." McClinton-Temple, Jennifer ed. Encyclopedia of Themes in Literature. New York: Infobase Publishing, 2011.Bloom 's Literature. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 12 May 2016.

II-2. Vacccaro 6
Quotes: "But the heroic qualities Frodo does possess, though of less dramatic proportions than those of high-mimetic heroes, are sufficient to the task given him. Despite his fear, he has an unwavering commitment to the quest once he has undertaken it. He is selfless in his love for his companions. He is able to feel pity for even the tormented Gollum and the fallen Saruman, and he is willing to accomplish by sacrifice what he cannot hope to accomplish by strength. Most important, he is capable of carrying on when there is no hope."