The American Hero :: essays research papers

The American HeroFor numerous years the American Hero has filled the silver screen and childlike screened television sets, along with shelves of countless bookstores. Audiences love to see the protagonist mortify great odds, defeat the forces of evil, and save the beautiful girl at the rifle second. The character of the American Hero however, is not a new idea. jam Cooper, in the 1800s, created the archetype of the American Hero. Natty Bumpo, also called Deerslayer, embodied some an(prenominal) qualities of the great American Hero. Modern day poor boyes are simply pastime the example set by Coopers creation.Two qualities that many heroes possess are bravery and honesty. In the excerpt Deerslayer Escapes, Natty Bumpo exhibits these cardinal traits when he returns to accept his penalty for killing a great Huron warrior. His punishment for killing is death. Knowing this and still returning to the tribe shows tremendous bravery. later Deerslayer returns, Cooper writes the r eaction of the tribe. The leader, Rivenoak, describes Natty of being brave and honest, by saying, Paleface, you are honest. We shall treat you as a brave. Natty Bumpo speaks of his own honesty when he refuses to take their compromise for death. The solution is against what Deerslayer believes in so he doesnt go along with the plan.Heroes are also expected to stick to their beliefs, heedless of consequences. After killing the Hurons best warrior, the Hurons offer Natty a solution. He must marry the widow of the fallen warrior. The reason is because in that respect is no one to hunt or provide for the family. Deerslayer doesnt sense providing for the family, but refuses to marry the widow, who is old enough to be his mother. He responds with this As for feeding the children, I would do that cheerfully, could it be done without discredit.The stereotypical hero is usually skilled with a weapon. Natty is in pioneer times, so there isnt much choice in weaponry. Besides his hoagy that he kills deer with, there isnt much that Deerslayer can do. When cladding the tribe, waiting on his sentence, Le Panther, the Huron leader, throws a tomahawk at Natty. With his immobile thinking he grabs the tomahawk before it even gets to him. He throws it rearwards at Panther.