Characteristics of a hero in literature
Antihero definition literature.
Hero definition oxford
This post is based on the following chapter in the Encyclopedia of Heroism Studies:
- Allison, S. T. (2023). Home and the Hero’s Journey. In S. T. Allison, J. K. Beggan, and G. R. Goethals (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Heroism Studies.
New York: Springer.
By Scott T. Allison
Joseph Campbell’s (1949) concept of the mythic hero’s journey starts and ends at home.
Villain definition literatureIn the beginning, home represents the safe, familiar, and ordinary world where the hero lives in apparent ease and comfort. Unaware of their need for growth, heroes embark on a challenging journey that pushes them to realize their full potential.
This journey transforms the hero, who then returns home with a new perspective and offers a boon or gift that brings positive transformative change to their community.
There’s No Place Like Home
The hero’s journey consists of three key stages: Departure, Initiation, and Return.
One of the most iconic films of the 20th century, The Wizard of Oz, tells