In literature, a hero is usually a character with noble qualities such as courage, selflessness, and resilience. They undertake extraordinary journeys or challenges to overcome adversity and achieve a higher moral purpose. They can inspire readers and serve as a symbol of hope and the triumph of good over evil within the story.
How well do you know your literary heros? How many questions can you answer?
Ready to check your answers? Look here.
Don Quixote is a Spanish novel by Miguel de Cervantes, originally published in two parts, in 1605 and 1615. Considered a founding work of Western literature, it is often labelled as the first modern novel and one of the greatest works ever written. It is also one of the most-translated books in the world and one of the best-selling novels of all time.
The title character, Don Quixote, is driven by a strong sense of idealism and the chivalric code of knights-errant from medieval romances. He believes in justice, honour, and the protection of the helpless, making him a true literary hero.
In 1955, artist Pablo Picasso made a sketch of the Spanish literary hero for the French weekly journal Les Lettres Françaises in celebration of the 350th anniversary of the publication of the first part of the novel Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes.
Complete this jigsaw puzzle to reveal the sketch which is very different from Picasso’s other works. Go here, or just click the image. Come back here and post your time in a comment if you like. How fast will you be?
The Scarlet Pimpernel, published in 1905, is the first novel in a series of historical fiction by Baroness Orczy. It was written after her stage play of the same title enjoyed a long run in London, having opened in 1903. It is credited with popularizing the concept of a hero with a secret identity and a double life.
The protagonist, Sir Percy Blakeney, appears to be a foppish and clueless English aristocrat, but in reality, he is a clever and daring rescuer of French aristocrats during the Reign of Terror in the French Revolution. This dual identity theme has since become a popular trope in literature, particularly in the superhero genre. The Scarlet Pimpernel is considered one of the earliest examples of this literary motif and has had a lasting influence on subsequent works in various mediums.
The Scarlet Pimpernel (1934 London films adaptation) starring Merle Oberon and Leslie Howard
Watch in full here.
The Scarlet Pumpernickel cartoon short was released by Warner Bros on 4 March 1950 featuring Daffy Duck. In a story within a story, Daffy Duck despairs of being typecast in comedic roles and pitches a script to Warner Bros’ chief called ‘The Scarlet Pumpernickel’, which he wrote under the name “Daffy Dumas Duck”. There really isn’t much of a connection with the Baroness Orczy novel, but it’s classic Looney Tunes and so much fun to watch.
The Scarlet Pumpernickel is a 1950 Warner Bros. Looney Tunes theatrical cartoon short, directed by Chuck Jones and written by Michael Maltese.
Watch (most of) it here.
How well do you know your heroes in literature? You can check your answers here.
How many questions did you answer? Let me know by leaving a comment.
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