Discussion On Whether Superman Is Truly A Hero

When it comes to heroes, it is easy to think that they are noticeable characters. A hero is someone who shows admirable qualities like selflessness, moral integrity, is strong, honest and most of all brave. This image of a hero has been broadcasted for centuries, spanning from Gilgamesh to modern heroes like Harry Potter and Gandalf. Characters like these are very obviously heroes as they possess the qualities that readers and viewers all over the world look to be encapsulated in their novels and on their screens. In Lord Raglan’s opinion, however, the guidelines to being a hero are very strict, this is outlined in his detailed and obnoxious 22-point guide to deciphering whether or not a character is a hero. In the following paragraphs, the question of whether or not Superman, the man of steel, is a hero, in respect to Lord Raglan’s definition.

In Jerry Seigel’s and John Shuster’s book The Chronicles of Superman, Superman is born to his biological parents Lana and Jor-El on the planet Krypton. Soon after Superman’s birth, his home planet begins to self destruct. His parents sent him to earth, in the hopes that he has a chance to live; on arrival, he is adopted into the Kent family. For the majority of his life, Superman goes under the alias of Clark Kent and grows up unaware of his incredible powers until his adopted parents reveal his family history. Into adulthood, Kent becomes a reporter for the Daily Star and falls in love with Lois Lane, a fellow reporter. Throughout the latter part of his life, Superman develops his ability to help people and begins his life of heroics, capturing criminals, solving problems and saving the city of Metropolis.

Superman is a classic definition of a hero. He is the main character in many comic books, novels, television series and movies and has established himself throughout the ages as a strong and brave individual; a truly “super” man. A typical Superman appearance would most likely involve a battle between him and either another hero or a villain. The result from this clash of forces would be a victorious Superman taking off into the sky proclaiming the importance of justice and equality for all. It’s a cute story, and one that leaves the reader or viewer to be under the impression that Superman, though many things, is above all else a classic rendition of a Hero, this is not the case.

In respect to Lord Raglan’s definition of a hero, Superman scores a mere 4 points out of 22. Though he is capable of saving cities and defeating evil, Superman, against Lord Raglan’s The Hero: A Study in Tradition, Myth and Dreams he does not even come close to scoring as high as some other less traditional and popular heroes like Buddha and Czar Nicholas II. Superman’s first flaw in completing the pattern is the fact that his parents are not of royalty nor related. Though Superman’s family does come from a line of important people there is never any mention specifically to royalty in the sense of a King and Queen. It is possible to be convinced therefore that Superman’s parents are not of royal descent and this means that his mother specifically cannot be a royal virgin who is related to her husband. Further examination into the hero pattern uncovers that though Superman does possess miraculous powers, he can by no means be described as omnipresent and a ruler like a God can. Though the fact of his existence is surprising, he does not qualify as a god and furthermore, there was never any attempt to kill him at his birth.

Where Superman does earn a few points is in the events that transpire after his birth. Once his home planet begins to self destruct, Superman’s parents send him to earth where he is adopted by the Kent family and they raise him as their own. In the comic book, Superman for all Seasons by Jeph Loeb, a clear image of how Superman came to live on earth and then the continuation of his life and childhood on the Kent family farm his given in great detail. It is in this series that points 7 and 8, where the hero “. . . he is spirited away, and reared by foster -parents in a far country” is proven. Where this “hero” loses points again is in the fact that we know lots about Superman’s childhood which is once again outlined in the book. Further instances of proof for Superman having qualities that fit into Lord Raglan’s outline of the hero are exceedingly difficult to come by and in fact, in Superman being a victor over evil and prescribing a form of law over the city of Metropolis, is this shown. The last few points on the scale that remain are insignificant and irrelevant to the life of this modern hero. Superman does not marry a princess, nor does he father any children. He never has multiple holy sepulchres and though he does eventually die, it is not on top of a hill.

Lord Raglan’s way of deciding whether or not a character is a hero is a very intricate and detailed process. It requires a reader to analyze every aspect of a characters life to truly determine whether or not they can be professed as a hero. I believe that this is very important, as it allows individuals to become critical thinkers and assume the role of an analyst rather than solely a consumer. Delving into the intricacies of a hero and their life helps to motivate a reader, such as myself, on questioning whether or not a character should be able to assume the title of hero. In the instance of Superman, it is questionable. Though he possesses the many heroes like qualities that are searched for, it is impossible to look past the fact that though Superman fights for justice and equality, he is not just and fair himself. Superman will always have the advantage over the villains because he is not playing on a similar field. When he fights, his capabilities are by far superior and even if he loses he possesses the ability to turn back time to correct his failures. In simple terms, he cheats. Though it is ideally the good that always succeeds in any situation, is there truly any point to being just if we can not be equal? It is because of these qualities of Superman and the fact that he solely completes 4 of Lord Raglans 22 point scale; that I believe Superman, though a superhero, is not a hero at all.