Romeo And Juliet Hero's Journey Essay

Through a hero’s journey, the ideals and character traits that help them achieve success ultimately grow stronger as they have increasing faith in these values. Within Romeo and Juliet, Romeo is dramatically impacted by his failure to win Rosaline’s heart. However, meeting Juliet is a major success for him as he regains his confidence and is more faithful in his thoughts and beliefs. Throughout the play, it is known that Romeo has strong feelings regarding love. Because he has had success in these area with Juliet, he is more confident and is more likely to show his affection. This idea is present when Romeo goes to Juliet’s balcony. She tries to tell him to leave, to protect him from her family but he claims, “But [she] love me, let them find me

After he is successful in blinding Polyphemus, he begins to insult him and even yells, “If any man on the face of the earth should ask you/who blinded you, shamed you so--say Odysseus,/raider of cities, he gouged out your eye,/Laertes’ son who makes his home in Ithaca!” (Homer, Book 9, 559-562). When Odysseus tells Polyphemus to tell “any man on the face of the earth” that he blinded him, he is expressing his need to have a reputation. The defeat of Polyphemus is positive reinforcement for Odysseus, encouraging him to continue boasting about his achievements. Throughout the journey to save her family, Alani has experienced success through being open-minded and brave. Through her kindness, she gains assistance from Vince, the shark and Hector, the turtle. As a result of her success with these values, Alani is taking more risks because she knows what she is capable of. Through the stories of Romeo, Odysseus, and Alani, it is clear that people utilize that values that have brought them success in the past. Whether it be love, kleos, or bravery, this idea is present in many different stories and plays, as well as everyday