Each person’s belief on the definition of a hero differs. When someone thinks of the term “hero,” generally the image of a fictitious superhero pops into their mind. However, the definition of a hero claims that it is a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. The need for success is not mentioned once in the definition of a hero, so it should not determine whether a person is viewed as a hero or not. I believe that an individual does not have to succeed in a given endeavor to be considered a hero because the characteristics of humility, sympathy, and selflessness are what are important to have. The definition of a hero is subjective, yet in the article “A Hero in Our Midst,” the protagonist…show more content… Despite this, they should still be recognized as heroes by society. In this case, the story revolves around Rolf Carlé, a reporter who attempted to rescue a thirteen-year-old girl, Azucena Lily, from a devastating avalanche. Carlé tried his best to rescue Azucena, but failed as she died three days later. According to the short story, “And of Clay are we Created” by Isabel Allende, she writes, “During those first hours Rolf Carlé exhausted all the resources of his ingenuity to rescue her... The girl could not move, she barely could breathe, but she did not seem desperate, as if an ancestral resignation allowed her to accept her fate. The reporter, on the other hand, was determined to snatch her from death” (7). Even when all odds seemed to be against her, Carlé persisted and was determined to aid her until she could be rescued. While in the end he was unsuccessful in his attempt to save her, he could still be deemed as a hero because of his concern and sympathy to continuously assist her needs and comfort her during the three days she was stuck. A second example can be found in the same story where she…show more content… A hero would have the ability to willingly make personal sacrifices for the benefit of others without the intention of gaining recognition or reward. This correlates to Jason Thomas, who desired no recognition from his goal of saving any survivors from the terrorist attack. As well as Rolf Carlé, who did not succeed in his attempt to save the young girl, yet was selfless and showed sympathy towards her. While their endeavors cannot be compared to the fictional acts of superheroes, these individuals are just as qualified to be considered as heroes because of their genuine concern for humanity as a whole. Success should not determine the definition of a hero, but rather the actions a person has
