Heroes, Anti-Heroes & Zeroes

Summary

This article explores the evolution of characters in literature from pure heroes to anti-heroes and zeroes, reflecting society's shifting values.

Abstract

This article discusses the development of characters in literature over time, starting with unblemished heroes like Beowulf and Sir Gawain. It highlights the shift towards more complex characters during the Renaissance, such as Hamlet, who grappled with internal struggles. The introduction of anti-heroes, like Jay Gatsby and Walter White, is also explored, along with the rise of zeroes, everyday characters navigating life's challenges. The article emphasizes that these characters reflect societal values and aspirations.

Opinions

Pure heroes like Beowulf and Sir Gawain, while noble and courageous, were considered somewhat boring.
The Renaissance brought a shift towards more complex and reflective characters, like Hamlet, who grappled with internal struggles.
Anti-heroes, like Jay Gatsby and Walter White, resonate with readers because they embody the mixed bag of good intentions and questionable choices present in real life.
The rise of zeroes, everyday characters facing life's challenges, reminds readers that heroism can be found in everyday life.
Characters in literature reflect society's values, fears, and aspirations.

The Evolution of Characters in Literature From Beowulf to Breaking Bad, The Tale of the Hero’s Metamorphosis

Photo by Dayvison Tadeu from Pexels

Have you ever read a book and thought, “Goodness gracious, I wish I were as noble as Aragorn!” only to confess, a few chapters later, “Okay, maybe I’m more of a Bilbo on a bad day”? The beauty of literature. It’s like a mirror, but instead of just one face, it morphs to show us a pantheon of fronts, ranging from the saintly hero to the villain you love to hate. And sometimes, a face that looks suspiciously like your neighbor Dave. Let’s dive deep, shall we?

Our literature’s early years gave us pure, brave, unblemished heroes, the type whose sheer goodness could put a disco ball to shame. Think of Beowulf, gallantly risking his life to save the Danes from Grendel. Or Sir Gawain, loyal to King Arthur and brave in the face of the Green Knight. Their resume? Courage, honor, morality, and probably an allergy to lying.

However, weren’t they just a tad… boring? Sure, they were the poster boys for righteousness, but can you imagine going to a pub with Sir Gawain and discussing the latest medieval gossip? Chances are he’d chide you for not practicing your swordplay instead.

Enter the Renaissance. It’s as if literature had a midlife crisis and decided heroes needed a makeover. The result? Characters like Hamlet. Deep, reflective, and man, did that guy have baggage! The question was no longer just about good vs. evil but about the personal internal struggles one faced. Hamlet’s “To be or not to be” gives us a taste of the hero’s vulnerability. Shakespeare gives us the literary therapy we never knew we needed.

Fast forward a few centuries, and boom! Anti-heroes crashed the party. These were the wild cards you’d hesitate to introduce to your parents but secretly admired. Think about it: what’s cooler than a character navigating life’s moral gray areas? Jay Gatsby from The Great Gatsby Chasing the American Dream, or Walter White from Breaking Bad (yeah, literature’s not restricted to the page!) descending into the criminal underworld.

Anti-heroes resonated because, let’s face it, we’re all a mixed bag of good intentions and questionable choices. Have you ever skipped the gym for a pizza night? Congratulations, you’re channeling your inner anti-hero.

Lately, we’ve seen an uprising of a new breed: the Zeroes. The ones with super-speed or billionaire gadgets. These are the everyday Janes and Joes navigating life’s ups and downs. Characters like Eleanor Oliphant from Eleanor Oliphant are Completely Fine showcase that sometimes just making it through the day is heroic enough.

The world of Zeroes reminds us that you don’t need to slay dragons to be necessary. Sometimes, killing your anxiety about that work presentation is a mighty feat.

So, why should you care about the changing face of heroes in literature? Because it’s a testament to society’s shifting values. Our heroes, anti-heroes, and zeroes echo what we cherish, fear, and aspire to be.

If you pick up a book, ask yourself: What does the protagonist tell you about your world? Are they a beacon of hope or a reflection of society’s flaws? Or maybe they’re a bit like your neighbor Dave. And that’s perfectly fine.