Felix Adler describes a hero as someone “who kindles a great light in the world, who sets up blazing torches in the dark streets of life for men to see by”, emphasizing that a hero puts others before themselves, as well as doing everything in their power to contribute to the greater good. An important concept in literary works, heroes place an emphasis on helping others. Often a protagonist, a hero fights to keep the common good, going against evil or the antagonist.
This concept has not faded over time as heroes continue to play an important role in many people’s lives, as insignificant as Spider-man may seem, he spends his time helping others. However, not all literary works must have a character that fits Felix Adler’s definition of a hero. Many works lack a character, even the protagonist, who fits Felix Adler’s description of a hero and therefore may not have a hero.
Although many readers may desire to conclude that each novel must have a hero, literary works including Grendel by John Gardner, King Lear by William Shakespeare and the historic poem Beowulf have no characters that fit Felix Adler’s definition of a hero. A character that “Kindles a great light in the world” one that puts others before themselves, rather, they have more egotistic and narcissistic characters. According to Felix Adler definition of a hero, he insinuates that a hero helps others and contributes to the greater good.
However, the characters in the literary works mentioned above posses egotistic and narcissistic traits that prevent that from fitting the definition of a hero set by Felix Adler. The characters seem more invested in their own wellbeing and legacy to put forth an effort to aid others. A hero “ sets up blazing torches in the dark streets of life for men to see by” there are no heros in the literary works mentioned that take time to help others in ways that would not bring them any wealth or other benefits.
In the novel Grendel, author John Gardner examines heroism through the character Unferth. Gardner gives Unferth the powerful longing to exhibit the qualities of a hero, as Unferth’s strong belief in heroism leads him to tears, “His lips trembled and I was certain he would cry” (Gardner 88). Through Unferth, Gardner examines the irony of heroism as Grendel taunts and criticises Unferth for his belief in heroism, “it must be a terrible burden, though, being a hero- glory reaper, harvester if monsters! ” (84).
Although Gardner portrays Unferth as a hero, he does not fit the description Felix Adler uses to describe a hero. Unferth, although willing to risk his life attempting to kill Grendel, he would rather die than return to the coveted mead hall, “I’ll kill myself, he whispered,” (90) as Grendel threatens not to kill him. Insinuating that Unferth worries about his legacy more than helping the people of Herot. Unferth’s stubborn personality leads Grendel to harm the guards of Herot, “Killed two guards so I wouldn’t be misunderstood”(90).
Which characterizes Unferth as narcissistic rather than someone whom, as Adler would describe, would help men see by setting up lights, as he causes more harm than help in his attempt to kill Grendel. Later in the novel, Wealtheow insinuates that Unferth although believing in heroism, lacks the trustworthiness Wealtheow desires “I thank God. she said, that my wish has been granted, that at last I have found a man whose courage I can trust,” someone whom holds true to the characteristics Felix Adler aspires for in a hero (163) .
Unferth also diminishes Beowulf’s ability to defeat Grendel, “I predict it will go even worse for you tonight” (161) instead of helping him in his quest to defeat Grendel. Gardner then demonstrates Unferth’s flaws through Beowulf’s interpretation of Unferth, “Neither Breca nor you have ever fought such battles, he said. I don’t boast much of that. Nevertheless, I don’t recall hearing any glorious deeds of yours” (162) insinuating that Unferth never takes part in helping Herot.
Correspondingly, in the renowned play King Lear written by William Shakespeare, the character Edmund directly contradicts the characteristics Felix Adler sets for a hero. With Shakespeare’s use of dramatic irony, Edmund appears as though he simply desires to help his dad, appearing as a hero. The other characters praise Edmund for his deeds, “For you, Edmund, whose virtue and obedience doth this instant,” (Shakespeare II. i. 131-132) however, in reality Edmund does nothing but destroy Edgar and his father, as Gloucester later realizes, “If Edgar live, O, bless him!
Now, fellow, fare thee well” (IV. vi. 50-51). Thus Edgar cares about his personal wealth rather than the common good, appearing narcissistic and egotistical. Furthermore, in the historical poem Beowulf, one may presume that Beowulf, due to his victory against Grendel, portrays heroism. The people of Herot praise Beowulf for his bravery, “retelling Beowulf’s bravery as they jogged along,” (Beowulf, 537-538) however, this by no means dictates that Beowulf portrays the necessary characteristics of a hero set by Felix Adler.
Beowulf boasts about his achievements, “You’re Beowulf, are you- the same boastful fool who fought a swimming match with Breca, both of you daring And young and proud, exploring the deepest seas, risking your lives for now reason,” (239-243) attributing a narcissistic feel to his accomplishments. Likewise, Beowulf desires to fight Grendel to gain wealth and power, “Acquired glory and fame greater than his own,” (238-239) as to build a legacy for himself.
Thus, although Beowulf demonstrates some characteristics of a hero, “the strongest of the Geats- greater And stronger than anyone anywhere in the world,” (110-111) Beowulf certainly possess too large an ego for him to truly portray a hero. Felix Adler describes a hero as one who “ sets up blazing torches in the dark streets of life for men to see by” indicating that a true hero, must in fact, take part in aiding others. However, Unferth never takes time to help the citizens of Heorot, but rather spends time attempting suicide, “Crazy with shame that he alone is always spared, and furiously jealous of the dead” (Grendel 90) .
Although Gardner portrays some qualities of a hero in Unferth, he never performs a good deed. Similarly, although Beowulf defeats Grendel saving the citizens of Heorot, as the citizens praise him,“nowhere on earth or under the spreading sky Or between the seas neither south nor north Was there a warrior worthier to rule over men,” (Beowulf 539-542) Beowulf never performs small acts of courtesy, that may aid others. Felix Adler desires a hero to light up streets for men, a small fact, with little reward for the hero.
Beowulf only attempts to help when it benefits him, or when others tell him he should, “My people have said, the wisest most knowing And best of them, that my duty was to go to the Danes” (149-150). Therefore, Beowulf only goes to Herot to find Grendel because his people recommended that he went, and thus does not meet the definition set forth by Felix Adler. Moreover, Edmund in the renowned play King Lear by William Shakespeare never takes part in any deed that benefited the greater good, but rather complicated matters for his brother and father.
Through dramatic Irony Shakespeare portrays Edmund as though he helps his father, “Find out this villain, Edmund; it shall lose thee nothing; do it carefully. And the noble and true-hearted Kent banished! ”(I. ii. 120-121). However, in reality Edmund creates a large problem, as opposed to helping his father. Therefore, since Edmund never does anything to help the greater good, he does not accurately portray the definition set by Felix Adler for a hero. Felix Adler’s definition of a hero necessitates that a hero must hold selfless characteristics and take time to help out their communities and contribute to the greater good.
However, not all novels, poems and plays must have a hero, literary works including the historic poem Beowulf, the play King Lear by William Shakespeare and Grendel by John Gardner have no characteristics that fit the definition set forth by Felix Adler. The characters in these novels, although seemingly portrayed as heroes, hold narcissistic and egotistical personality traits that prevent them from true heroism. Likewise, none of the characters take part in contributing to the greater good, they all only help others if it benefits them. Therefore, none of these books have characters that fit Felix Adler’s definition of a hero.
