Essay on slaying dragons

Submitted By airsports3
Words: 591
Pages: 3
Open Document
WRT-101
October 15th, 2013
Essay II
Dragon Slayers and the American Dream
I believe that Dragon Slayers argues that we have a societal obligation to look past stereotypes. Anyone can be successful no matter what their background or social class is.
In James Tuslow Adams’ quote about the American dream he states “each man and each woman shall be…recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position.” I interpret this to mean we should see people for what they are now and what they overcame not what unfortunate circumstances they were subject to by birth or past ancestral history.
When Walker was at the Christmas party engaged in the conversation with a man, he refused to be pitied by being associated with white cruelty toward his ancestors. Associating African Americans with slavery and oppression by whites instead of other aspects of their culture is stereotyping. This relates to the part of the quote telling us to recognize people for what they are instead of pitying them. Just the act of pitying them can be a bigger insult than anything. It means that when you look at them you don’t see them now for who they are. You’re looking at a stereotyped version of them.
Walker also explained how he became his own stereotype when he was in college and wrote about all the “anger and pain” his people had to go through because of whites. He realized he had become his own stereotype because he looked at African Americans as victims instead of heroes as many people still do such as the man at the party. This relates to the above quote in the same way, but also applies to recognizing one’s self for who they are and not where they were born.
When he was younger, Walker explained to McPherson how he lived in the ghetto in poor economic conditions. He went on about how one brother got shot and the other is in and out of jail. Despite the harsh living conditions Walker went through, he soon realized that he could not resort to blaming others for what he went through all his life and wanting people to pity him. He wanted to find out more
Show More

Related Documents: Essay on slaying dragons

Beowulf critical essay

even when in a deathly situation encountering the monsters that he is slaying. He is a great leader to his men, and he risks his life many times in order to provide a better future and life for others. Beowulf is an ideal Germanic hero, because through his physical superhuman strength he had fought many battles, when it seemed that the odds were against him. He was able to use his strength to overcome the monsters that he was slaying. In his battle with Grendel, he decided not to take his sword or shield…

Words 605 - Pages 3

Buried Giant Vs Beowulf Analysis

warrior of the text, drives the English people towards their dreams of a better future through a respect for tradition, rather than for selfish desires. On the other hand, Warrior Beowulf concerns himself with the present- for example, the action of the dragon burning down his house is a direct offense. Ishiguro’s book responds…

Words 1120 - Pages 5

Epic Of Beowulf Essay: The Grendel's Of Today

The Grendel’s of Today While people may not be Germanic warriors boasting and going around slaying monsters, it does not mean people are not facing their own monsters. People today face psychological, financial, and/or personal problems. Which to some it may be worse than ripping monsters apart and slaying dragons. Everyone has their own demons and fears that need to be confronted since that is the only way of resolving them. Since each person has different conflicts and fears in a way…

Words 1099 - Pages 5

Christian Themes In Beowulf

Old English literature. The poem follows a brave man named Beowulf who undergoes treacherous trials in order to become a hero. Throughout the story, Beowulf comes face to face with three powerful creature whom he must defeat. First he begins with slaying Grendel who spent his time feasting upon the Danes. Then Beowulf must face Grendel’s mourning mother who is out for revenge for her dead son This poem has many interesting aspects incorporated within the storyline. One aspect that the poem quickly…

Words 588 - Pages 3

Why Is Therandil Honoring The Knight's Code?

In the book Dealing with Dragons by Patricia Wrede, Prince Therandil is not honoring the knight’s code. These three reasons show that he is not honoring the knight’s code. First, he doesn’t want to save Cimorene immediately, because it would look better if he defeated a dragon who already defeated many knights. Secondly, he is hesitant about saving Keredwel because everyone expects him to save Cimorene. Lastly, he is not honoring the code because he lies, when the jinn asks him to keep his secret…

Words 520 - Pages 3

Loyalty In Beowulf

Beowulf is not only a follower of Higlac and Hrothgar; he is a leader of the warriors of Geatland, and as a leader it was Beowulf’s duty to generously reward and care for his people. An Anglo Saxon leader took responsibility for his men and would justly reward them for their services. Before challenging Grendel’s merciless mother, Beowulf must insure the care of his men in the event that he does not return from the battle. Guaranteeing the safety of his men signifies that Beowulf is a committed leader…

Words 475 - Pages 2

Who Is Bilbo A Hero

-”The Hobbit” is a book written by J.R.R. Tolkien. It details the adventures of a hobbit who, along with a fellowship of dwarves, end up slaying a dragon and becoming heroes. -I probably should have mentioned what exactly a hobbit is. Hobbits are small people who enjoy a life of luxury and food. Bilbo, however, overcomes this stereotype when he leaves on his quest. -The message of the Hobbit is slightly unclear, at least to me. Perhaps Tolkien is attempting to sway others to try new things? Bilbo…

Words 239 - Pages 1

Bigger Hero Essay

“Who is the greater warrior - Achilles or Beowulf?” Both Achilles and Beowulf are considered heroes in one way or another. Achilles is the main character in Homer’s book Iliad and Beowulf is the main character in Anglo-Saxon’s story Beowulf. In this essay I’m going to compare the heroes Achilles and Beowulf to show who’s the bigger hero. I personally think Beowulf was a bigger hero. Three characteristics to an epic hero is: courage, fate of nations, and supernatural being. Both Achilles and Beowulf…

Words 536 - Pages 3

Heroism In The Epic Poem 'Beowulf'

He’s proved himself in many battles from being prince to king. Another deed he’s committed was slaying the dragon, even though his men left him, he still attempted the battle. He killed the dragon with the help of Wiglaf, dying a noble warrior and epic…

Words 638 - Pages 3

Greek Dragon Research Paper

are a dragon! Fly above the clouds and devour midgets in your way. Dragons, the fire breathing flying serpents and giant wings. Although the serpents are only myth, here are some interesting things about them. The word Dragon comes from Old French and has Latin draconem meaning huge serpent and Greek drakon or drakontons meaning serpent or giant sea fish. The dragons have changed over time as new things pop up and the cultures grow. There has been quite a difference in dragons since…

Words 1240 - Pages 5