Essay- What is a Hero?

My definition of a hero is someone who strives to be the best person that they can be. Not everybody has these huge obstacles to overcome. Not everyone is in a position to make a huge impact in the world or sacrifice themselves for the good of others. These are qualities of a hero but I don't think that just because you have not accomplished these things, that you could not be considered a hero. I think that a hero is defined by how they interact with people and the things that they do. A hero is a person who cares about other people just as much, if not more, than themselves. A hero is also someone who does not go against what they believe in no matter what the consequence is.

There is were many examples of what I would consider to be a hero in the readings, Bible Women. The one that sticks out the most to me would have to be Joseph. I think that Joseph was a hero in the story of Potiphar's wife. He was not a typical hero and he did not defeat evil. He was actually punished for doing good. Potiphar's wife tried to seduce Joseph. Joseph refused because it would have been a sin. Potiphar's wife then told people that Joseph had tried to seduce her. Joseph was sent to prison. He was not rewarded for his acts. Potiphar's wife was the one who committed a wrong and yet she went unpunished.

Being a hero does not exclude you from having bad things happen. It also does not necessarily mean that you will be rewarded either. Being a hero simply means doing what you believe is right no matter what the consequences may be. I believe that everyone can be a hero if they truly want to be. It may not be easy but it is possible for everyone.

 

Joseph running from Potiphar's wife by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld. Wikimedia Commons