Outlaw Heroes in Literature - 803 Words

Outlaw Heroes in Literature In The Thematic Paradigm, Robert Ray explains how there are two distinctly different heroes, the outlaw hero and the official hero. The official hero embraces common values and traditional beliefs, while the outlaw has a clear sense of right and wrong but operates above the law (Ray). Ray explains how the role of an outlaw hero has many traits. The attractiveness of the outlaw heros childishness and propensity to whims, tantrums, and emotional decisions derived from Americas cult of childhood, states Ray. (309) Ray also says, To the outlaw heros†¦show more content†¦Immediately after Rick has received the films first star close-up, Casablanca yields its first shot from the point of view of a single individual at nine minutes into the film when Rick observes the Germans attempt to enter. For most of the remainder of the film, Ricks point of view is privileged, and his face and body are centered. This is especially true when he is in the company of Victor Laszlo, who is regularly consigned to the margins of the frame throughout the sequence when Rick first encounters Ilsa and her husband in the cafe. All of this seems natural because the film has so carefully constructed the viewer as a secret sharer in Ricks vision. The innumerable choices that are made in the production of each shot in Casablanca are concealed by our acceptance of Rick as our surrogate. Although few would find reason to object, the film chooses to deprive Laszlo of a flashback, not to mention an As Time Goes By to unite him with Ilsa. Ray points out that this concealing of the necessity for choice also governs the thematic paradigm in Casablanca. The film invites the audience to identify with Rick rather than Laszlo even though official American wartime sentiments are consistently voiced by Laszlo. Rick regularly insists upon unmediated self-interest,I stick my neck out for nobody, Im the only cause Im interested in, a position that Ferrari explicitly identifies with a discredited American tradition: My dear Rick, when will you realizeShow MoreRelatedKing, Arthur, And King Arthur As A Necessary Hero1107 Words   |  5 PagesFaith Wilson Mrs. Burrow British Literature Necessary Heroes â€Å"A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles,† Christopher Reeve. Intriguingly, British culture today defines heroes by past events, people, and legends. Two of the most important fictional or historical heroic figures are King Arthur and Robin Hood. King Arthur is referenced many times in literature but never consistent enough to prove his existence. Yet weRead MoreA Short Story : The Story Of Robin Hood1102 Words   |  5 Pages Robin Hood: a fictional tale, a notorious thief, or a combination of both? 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