What’s your pleasure? Tortured? Honorable? A man up against all odds?
My choice is…all three!
My daughter is studying Wuthering Heights this semester. Heathcliffe is one of my favourite heroes (anti-hero) …dark, brooding, single-minded in his thirst for revenge. Brought to the Heights as an orphaned gypsy child, the reader never learns Heathcliffe’s true name, but from page one, his nature is clear. He is untouched by anyone and anything - save his beloved Cathy. For centuries women have fallen for Heathcliffe… or, more correctly, the idea of having the affections of a man so devoted that he would willingly sell his soul for despair of lost love. A most hypnotic, unhonourable man.
If we’re looking for an honourable hero, who can go past James Fenimore Cooper’s Hawkeye from The Last of the Mohicans.
"You be strong, you survive... You stay alive, no matter what occurs! I will find you. No matter how long it takes, no matter how far, I will find you. I will find you!"
Oh, for a man who will expend his entire energy making sure that “you” are safe.
A more current hero of a different breed is Casino Royale's James Bond. Steely beyond belief, without fear, dedicated to the woman he loves. Best quote:
Vesper Lynd: If the only thing left of you was your smile and your little finger, you'd still be more of a man than anyone I've ever known.
James Bond: That's because you know what I can do with my little finger...
Hmm…the man does have a big gun.
Then there’s the hero who wins against all odds. Don’t try to keep him down because he has what it takes to succeed and do it with a charisma that brings us to our knees. Meet Emmanuel Kelly!
Oh my word! What a fabulous hero, his singing was wonderful. A true hero. Thank you for showing that clip!
ReplyDeletePS Is it wrong that I want to punch lazy Mel B for not getting off her butt and applauding him??
Scarlet, I'll have to watch it again now coz I didn't notice Scary staying seated. I don't know how anyone in that room *could* have! A true hero, indeed.
ReplyDeleteOh Robbie, I was soooo moved by Emmanuel when I watched it the other night, a very teary moment. And Mel B did apologize for not getting up (from memory) as she's pregnant - but still!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat post btw =)
I hadn't seen that clip of Emmanuel before - thanks for sharing. It's beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a teenager, I *adored* Heathcliff but I find I have less tolerance for him as an adult. The 1940s movie with Laurence Olivier was probably kindest to him - all his brooding obsessiveness without as much of the... dare I say, homicidal tendencies? Lol.
Some fabulous lines though: "He's more myself than I am!"
Last of the Mohicans was fabulous! I watched it a few years ago after a lunch when Anna Campbell and Robbie had practically swooned telling me about it. So glad I did see it!
Daniel Day Lewis was amazing as Nathaniel/Hawkeye.
ReplyDeleteMel, didn't know she was pregnant. Guess I'll forgive her ;)
ReplyDeleteRachel, I had the LO version on tape for *years*! When I think about it now, the part was probably miscast. Maybe Tyrone Power or Victor Mature. A decade later, Marlon Brando. He did play a great bad boy!
ReplyDeleteRobyn
ReplyDeleteI so love all types of heros I don't think I could ever choose just one LOL
Have Fun
Helen
Jane, I'm still in love with Daniel Day Lewis/Hawkeye. Oh to write a hero like him! I was also very partial to his "brother". The best love stories, IMHO, are where emotions are literally life and/or death. And that goes for Cathy and Heathcliffe too, coz she died of a broken heart, silly girl.
ReplyDeleteHey Helen! There's so many fabulous heroes - and in real life as well as fiction. Another of my fave films is A Beautiful Mind. A truly clever movie and Dr Nash was so strong and brave. I can't imagine how, in later years, he managed to confine his hallucinations enough to be able to live with, and continue to love, his amazing wife.
ReplyDeleteI have to confess, Robyn, that I've never read or watched Wuthering Heights. I know -- bad me! I'm not a fan of the uber-tortured hero. I love an honorable hero, though! Daniel Day Lewis' Hawkeye is fabulous, as is Daniel Craig's Bond.
ReplyDeleteNice array of heroes there Robbie! I had a big crush on Heathcliff as a teenager, but now give me Mr Darcy any day. Hmm...or a dark and brooding Rochester. :-)
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen The Last of the Mohicans, but I can see I'm going to have to.