The Cain Tradition Essays

Heroism, tends to be difficult to define and remarkably ambiguous in literary works. In the Odyssey, however, Homer clearly defines a hero as a humble, determined, and loyal individual; thus, according to Homer, it is not enough to claim to be a hero, but it is also important to exhibit those qualities that Homer values as heroism. Odysseus, despite claiming heroism, upholds these traits inconsistently, as seen in his taunting of Polyphemus. In contrast, Telemachus, Odysseus’ overlooked son, dramatically

During the Medieval times chivalry was one of the most important characteristics a knight could display. Chivalry was viewed as a moral obligation that involved bravery, honor, respect, and gallantry. Knights were expected to uphold this code or face social consequences for any infractions, with punishments ranging from humiliation to termination of their knighthood. “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” presents the struggles knights faced with honoring the chivalrous code at all times. Sir Gawain,

Throughout the text of Beowulf, the Anglo-Saxons translated their beliefs when they passed this epic tale generation to generation. Loyalty existed as one of the strongest beliefs of the Anglo-Saxons. They believed that loyalty to the authority would lead normal people to greatness and rewards. Another belief expressed in Beowulf was the establishment of the epic hero. These heroes could do more than regular men could, as they defined themselves as strong, loyal, and well known people. While honoring

Beowulf is an incredible piece of literature that holds much importance in the literary genre. However, it's lack of importance placed on it 's female characters has caused controversy. Although the poem was composed in England it is set in Scandinavia. Beowulf is set in a world where honor, bravery and loyalty is of much importance as it highlights the values of the pre-Anglo Saxon culture. The role of women in Beowulf, reflects that of Anglo Saxon society which predominately is based around peacemaking

Will Kushinada-hime and Persephone find a way to be able to live a peaceful life with their families without having to worry about the dangers villains cast upon them? In The Legend of Yamata-no Orochi, Kushinada-hime, the daughter of an elderly couple was to be sacrificed to the monster Yamata-no Orochi. The monster has already devoured Kushinada-hime’s eight other siblings and her parents are determined to save their only remaining child. A man named Susano-o comes to their village and sees them

mother, the swamp hag whose never actually given a name, just like Grendel, had sorrows and inner demons of her own. "Grendel's mother/ monstrous hell-bride, brooded on her wrongs./ She had been forced down into fearful waters,/ the cold depths, after Cain had killed/ his father's son, felled his own/ brother with a sword." (Beowulf, 1258-1263) She had been cursed to be an outcast, too. Nevertheless, Grendel's mother is considered one of the most vengeful characters in the book even though her ulterior

In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the call is answered by the hero when Camelot's honor is taken by the Green Knight. In the hero's journey, the hero faces the call when something has been taken or lost that destabilizes the hero's home. Early in part one, The Green Knight offers his challenge when no one takes up the challenge, he “ And now the Round Table’s game and its feasting are done, thrown down at the sound of one man’s Words-and you sit there shaking-at words!”. (313-315) This laughter

Questions of Honor: Beowulf Beowulf’s honor and integrity can be questioned throughout the entirety of the epic poem, Beowulf. Whether or not his actions are inspired by his own pompous arrogance or confidence, one can argue that he is a hero nonetheless. Evidence and experience prove that Beowulf is more of a fearless hero than an excessively prideful man, and his hubris is more than justified due to the formidable duties he is able to execute. Throughout the poem, Beowulf expresses his intense

“Mathinna” is a contemporary dance piece that held a captivating performance through the dance style of aboriginal culture. This dance was choreographed by Stephan Page and performed by the Bangarra Dance Theatre. The story line of “Mathinna” was about a young girl who went from her aboriginal culture to a western colonial society in 1833. Mathina (Elma Kris) was six when she captured the hearts of Governor Sir John Franklin (Sidney Salter), an Artic explorer, and his wife, Lady Jane Franklin (Yolande

Jamaica Kincaid depicts an instructional survival guiding theme in “Girl,” about a mother giving essential advice to the daughter about very critical life issues. The advice consists of how to do many domestic acts such as Antiguan dishes, being a respectable young lady and many small suggestions to not have a ruined reputation amongst the society the young girl is living in. Throughout the short story uses symbolism to emphasize the theme entirely so the girl learns to behave and be pure in front

Children have an unparalleled view of the world, one that is very innocent and magical. Unfortunately, as children grow up they often lose this wonder. However, some adults do keep some aspects of their childhood wonder and happiness. Throughout the film Mary Poppins, as directed by Robert Stevenson, there is a noticeable difference between the adults that preserved their sense of wonder and those who have lost it. Through the development of the characters, Bert and Mr. Banks, Stevenson illuminates

Facts and Fiction: A Manipulation of Language in Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood English is a fascinating and riveting language. Subtle nuances and adjustments can easily change the understanding of a literary work—a technique many authors employ in order to evoke a desired response from their readers. This method is used especially in In Cold Blood by Truman Capote, a literary work which details a true event about the murders of four members of the Clutter family in the small community of Holcomb

Conformity is a powerful and influential behavior that can drastically affect a society’s circumstances. The morality and wellbeing of the individuals’ in a society are shaped by the everyday traditions and customs of that culture. Shirley Jackson, an award-winning author for her works in horror and mystery, unveils the perturbing effect of conformity on a society and its people in her short story “The Lottery.” In her thought-provoking story, a village situated in a warm area of England prepares

A tradition is an important set of beliefs being circulated from one generation to another or even the act of it being inherited through one’s acts, thoughts and behaviour. There are importances towards the idea of practicing one’s traditions; throughout the novel, Things Fall Apart, the author Chinua Achebe, uses the Ibo culture as a way of depicting their traditions. Traditions are also a major part of my life because it shows special significances towards origins of the past. Holidays mean

“Each day I wait for you.” (Schnabel) is the heart-wrenching, lump-in-the-throat moment that had us all grasping onto our seats which resonated with an intensity that defined the shades of the film as it began to wrap up. These emotionally riveting moments are portrayed through several instances throughout the movie and it overshadows his pitiful character in the book. Buaby’s inspiring endurance which formulates sympathy is quickly extinguished and Bauby’s personality tunes itself on a spectrum

Itzhak Stern It is really hard to find anything about Itzhak from the time before 1938 where he meets Schindler for the first time, because that’s what has had the most meaning in his life. Itzhak was born in Austria, on January 25th, year 1901, nineteenhundredandone. He meets Oskar Schindler in November 1938. Itzhak Stern, bright, proud, and determined, brings out the moral side of Schindler, and Stern’s attitude toward Schindler reflects Schindler’s change throughout the film. Stern recognizes

Kate Chopin’s The Awakening is a piece of fiction written in the nineteenth century. The protagonist Edna is a controversial character, Edna rebels against many nineteenth - century traditions, but her close friend Adele was a perfect example in terms of a role of a woman, mother and wife at that time. Chopin uses contrast characters to highlight the difference between Adele and Edna. Although they are both married women in the nineteenth century, they also exhibit many different views about what

Figurative Language Demonstrated by the Idea of Choice in “The Road Not Taken” Choice can be defined as making a decision when faced with two or more possibilities. Robert Frost composed “The Road Not Taken” for a friend, Edward Thomas, intending for the poem to be a joke. Although Frost had opposite intentions, many critics in the modern day interpret the poem as a complex writing about making meaningful decisions and choices. “The Road Not Taken” was created in 1916 and originally titled “Two

The Danger of Blind Tradition When it comes to tradition, nearly everyone has some tradition that he or she follows in one form or another. Whether it be a tradition of how to spend the holidays with family, the tradition of passing on a family name, or even religious traditions, nearly everyone will participate in at least some tradition during his or her lifetime. However, if not carefully understood, these traditions may become blindly followed for no good reason. Traditions may even become obsolete

violence from Japan has been affecting many lives which include women and children. The leprosy villages in Japan has been isolated from everyone else having them to survive on their own. Their are many characters that dealt with adversity, their tradition, and loneliness but Sachi and Matsu are the only ones that experienced those. The garden that Matsu and Sachi both have describes what type of personality they have. In other words, both of them have different gardens one is beautiful and full of