BA 7

In this reading we are presented with a new kind of hero. Although I strongly believed after the first three canto's that Dante was not a hero and was a coward, I am seeing a growth as a person in him. I do believe that the new mold of a hero to note is Virgil. We can also consider the people who have died for love to be heroic. Most notably is the love of Francesca. She is able to tell her story although it hurts her to do so. She can admit the wrongs of their relationship and the greatness of their love. "But one particular moment alone it was defeated us: the longed-for smile, it said, was kissed by that most noble lover: at this, this one, who now will never leave my side, kissed my mouth trembling." (118, 43). The lovers believed in their love and were willing to commit a sin to have it. In the previous books we have read we were presented with hero's that stood up for what they believed in, here the lovers did the same.

Dante

Dante seems to be a hero in the making who gains faith and courage as he continues on his journey. In the first line of Canto I, he says, “I found myself” right after saying he was on “our life’s journey” (I.1). This tells us that he will be relating his own personal experiences to those of everyone in general. Like other heroes, Dante sets forth on a journey – but we don’t get a detailed character description, reasons why he is going, or what sin he has committed. This adds to the point that he is embarking on a journey which everyone can relate to- it doesn’t matter who you are or what you’ve done or haven’t done. Although he tries, we see that he cannot go on this journey alone, and must have someone to literally guide him. Dante first doubts himself, saying “I am no Aeneas or Paul: Not I nor others think me of such worth” (II.26). Then, while on the journey, he is terrified. After crossing the river in Canto III, he fainted after there was an earthquake and says, “I shudder and sweat recalling it now” (III.109-10). However, we still see a change in Dante throughout this time. For example, the “old” Dante (that is described to us in the beginning of Canto I, would have ran in the opposite direction after reading the words at the gates of hell and hearing the cries of suffering. Since Dante’s character is still growing at this time, some of his characteristics are unlike our usual heroes who are brave and courageous. However, we see Dante growing and becoming braver within just the first few cantos.

BA#7

I believe that Dante is a hero, who is introduced from the start (the first person narrative). He is a character that has his own sins (his fear), and enters Hell with an attempt to overcome this. With Virgil as a guide to his overcoming of this, he is taken on a journey off of life's normal path. Because of his bravery to enter, he demonstrates heroic abilities, and can be seen as one. He is the third person ever to enter Hell and leave it alive. This is why I think that he is a hero, his bravery and strength.

BA #7

Dante first appears on 1.1

Dante takes spiritual journey through Hell after being fearful from the three beasts, he recieved a guide, Virgil.

Dante is similar to Odysseus in a way, because he has a guide to help him get through the difficult things he must go through.

I believe Dante is a hero because although he has a guide to help him through Hell, he is being brave to go along with Virgil to learn of the different circles of Hell. Virgil teaches him not to be fearful and with that, Dante has been able to journey through Hell and even talk with some of the souls within the circles, "I would willingly speak with those who move along together..." (5.65-66). He was willing to speak to the souls instead of being timid and afraid. He has learned to overcome his fear of the journey to learn of the sins and of the souls who are there.

BA # 7

1.Vigil first appears in Canto I line 47

2. Virgil is described as a wise poet and Dante’s guide through hell pg 7.

3. Virgil and Viswamithra are similar because they bring guidance and wisdom to guide the main characters. They also encourage them to overcome fear.

4. Virgil is a hero because he is honest, doesn't like punishment, and is very brave.

Virgil

Virgil first appears on page 5, Canto I, line 51. He is known for writing the Aeneid and is greatly admired by Dante. In this story Virgil is a soul that lives in the outer layer of hell, and acts as Dante's guide as they travel through the layers of hell. Virgil makes sure that Dante is able to travel through these layers without conflicts from hells inhabitance. Virgil is closly related to Lakshmana. They both accompany the main character on a journey and are vital to the main characters completion of there journey. I would say that Virgil is a hero because he can be depended on and he is admired by Dante. In the reading Dante expresses his likeing for Vigil by saying, "Your book in patient study avail me, Master! You are my guide and author, whose verses teach, the graceful style whose model has done me honor"(7.65). Not only is Virgil admired, but he is also dependable. He is always there at Dantes side.

BA# 6 Indra

1) The god Indra is frist introduced on page 19.

2) Indra is described as the "great Indra" who's body is "studded with a thousand eyes" (19). He also described as "the highest god among gods" (19).

3) Indra can be compared to both Gilgamesh and Odysseus, they all have brought hardships upon themsevels due to beautiful women. Gilgamesh rejected a goddess's courtship and in sulted her, and Odysseus let the nymphs delay his journey home. Indra, on the other hand, fell for the beauty of another man's wife, Ahalya. He "was convinced that he alone was worthy of claiming her hand" (19). Indra failed to get over Ahalya after she was wed and tricked her into bed; he "assumed the sage's form... and made love to Ahalya" (20). It was when he was caught that he was crused to be covered with "a thousand female marks" (20). His sexual desire for what wasn't his ended up causing him a great many years of hardships.

4) Indra is the opposite of a hero. He is arrogant and unable to control himself. He puts his own desires before others and uses his power to trick innocent Ahalya into bed. A hero wouldn't have assumed he was the only one worthy of such a beauty, he would have left Ahalya to be happy with her husband, and wouldn't have tricked her into sex.

BA #6 Post #2

The King can be characterized as a hero. Although he has a very small role in the beginning of this story, he should be acknowledged. Many people look upon family members as hero's for how they were raised and all that was done for them. Here we are presented with a king who is loved and has ruled his land fairly. "The King was always accessible, and fulfilled his duties as the ruler of Kosala without grudging the hours spent in public service" (pg 1). He can be admired for having the strength to let go of both his sons Rama and Lakshmana. Knowing that they were in for a long journey with Viswamithra he still allowed them to go. As most people know it takes a lot out of a parent to let their children grow up and leave the nest. "Every human being, when the time comes, has to depart and seek his fulfillment in his own way."

BA #6 Viswamithra

Since the obvious Rama has been taken...

1) Viswamithra (5)

2) This character is profoundly wise and well respected by the people of Kosala, including King Dasaratha. Viswamithra's astuteness can be derived by the conversation he has with the king about how Rama must leave to become matured. In anticipation for Dasaratha to impart Rama, Viswamithra says "A seed that sprouts at the foot of its parent tree remains stunted until it is transplanted." (9). Not only does he show great wisdom, but he posesses the ability to meditate so that he could become impervious to heat, cold, hunger, fatigue, and decrepitude (1, 13)

3) I believe that Viswamithra is similar in character to Mentor in The Odyssey because that is the role he plays for Rama. Viswamithra encourages and trains Rama because it is his duty to do so, just as it is Rama's duty to protect Viswamithra. Before V. and R. defeat Thataka, V. told the king, "Yes, I will look after both, though their mission will be to look after me" (10).

4) Viswamithra is not a hero because in the context of "Ramayana", his duty is to be the seeker of Rama. His purpose is to create an environment for Rama to grow as a character until he reaches fulfillment.

BA #6 Thataka

1) Thataka first seen on page 11

2) Thataka was born a demigod with two sons named Mareecha and Subahu, who after trying to avenge their husband/father’s death buy killing a saint are cursed and turned into demons. Thataka presides over a barren land and kills those who tread on it.

3) This character reminds me of Humbaba from Gilgamesh. Though Humbaba is a guardian of a forest and was not once a god he still is watching over a lot of land and kills those who come into the forest just like Thataka does with those who enter her desert, “…this my kingdom, I have crushed out the minutest womb of life and you have been sent down so that I may not remain hungry.” (12). Also, surprisingly they are both killed by the hero(es) in the epic.

4) This character is defiantly NOT a hero. First, she is a god turned demon who eats people who walk through her land and second, she is killed by page 13 by Rama the main character and hero of this Epic as it would seem.

BA # 6

From the Ramayana, in the text we read, I chose Rama as Hero thus far. Rama, in the encounter with Thataka in the desert wasteland. Once hearing about this evil that has desolated once fertile land with her hatred from Viswamithra, he prepares himself to go and slay the beast. Without hesitation Rama prepares himself for battle "Touching the bow on his shoulder, Rama asked Where can she be found" (12), and before he knew it he was thrust into battle with the beast, not before showing the moral capacity to question weather it be right. So unlike Gilgamesh who would slaughter first, ask questions later, Rama shows a bit of compassion as well as showing that he is a great warrior in this episode with Thataka. After the beast is slain, we are told of Rama's life mission, "destroying evil and demonry"(13) What we have seen so far from Rama, is that he is a multi-dimensional character and there will be much growth and development on his part, under the guidance of Viswamithra he shall blossom into an even greater hero.