Brandon Cutrupi - Critical Lens

Brandon Cutrupi Critical Lens Draft #3

E1H April 4, 2011

Christopher Reeve once proclaimed, "A hero is an individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles." This quote means that everyone has the ability to accomplish their goals, even with opposition standing before them. The true heroes succeed and the others will not. I concur with this quote. Two works of literature that prove this quote valid are King Arthur by an unknown author and The Aeneid by Virgil.

In King Arthur, the protagonist, Arthur, is able to overcome his obstacles and opposition. At the age of fifteen, Arthur becomes King of Britain due to his prowess of pulling a legendary sword out of an anvil. Some of the nobles truly believe in his abilities and swear to "kill anyone who tries to prevent Arthur's reign!" Although some nobles accredit him, many others are still against Arthur's reign. Arthur finds the true strength and courage in his heart to force the nobles to obey him or suffer the consequence of death. Arthur finds within himself the ability to stand up against politically powerful nobles and overcomes the obstacles of his youth.

In The Aeneid, Aeneas, the protagonist, also overcomes incredible obstacles through strength and perseverance. Aeneas' destiny is to found the city of Rome. His homeland, Troy, is attacked by the invading Greek forces. With all hope