The Hero’s Journey in Modern Film
This essay about the hero’s narrative structure in modern film explores how this timeless framework, known as the monomyth, remains a fundamental storytelling tool in cinema. It describes how characters like Tony Stark from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and T’Challa from “Black Panther” use this structure to undergo personal growth and tackle broader societal issues. The essay also highlights the adaptation of the hero’s narrative to include female protagonists in films such as “Wonder Woman” and “Moana,” reflecting contemporary themes of inclusivity and empowerment. Through various examples, it illustrates the hero’s narrative’s adaptability across genres, reinforcing its role in enhancing film storytelling and connecting with audiences on both a personal and a universal level.
In William Shakespeare’s political drama “Julius Caesar,” Brutus is often heralded as the quintessential tragic hero, overshadowed by his inner conflicts and moral dilemmas. However, a closer examination of the play reveals that Cassius, the mastermind behind the conspiracy against Caesar, exhibits many characteristics that are quintessentially tragic in their own right. This perspective allows us to explore the depths of Cassius’s motivations, his pivotal role in the narrative, and the elements that align him with the classical definition of a tragic hero.
Cassius is not the typical tragic hero cloaked in nobility and flawed by a singular, catastrophic hubris. Instead, his complexity is woven through his jealousy, strategic manipulation, and deep-seated resentment towards Caesar. From the onset, it is Cassius’s persuasive rhetoric that ignites the conspiracy, demonstrating his influence and leadership. His eloquence and deep understanding of human psychology enable him to convince Brutus to join the plot, appealing to Brutus’s sense of honor and the welfare of Rome. Cassius says, “Men at some time are masters of their fates. The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings.” This line not only underscores his manipulation skills but also his profound awareness of personal agency and ambition.
Furthermore, Cassius’s tragic flaw—his envy of Caesar—drives the plot forward. He confesses to Brutus how he saved Caesar from drowning and how Caesar has become a godlike figure, while he remains a mere mortal. Cassius’s internal conflict between his recognition of Caesar’s weaknesses and the public’s deification of Caesar lays the groundwork for his tragic downfall. His actions stem from a personal vendetta as much as from political motives, blending the personal with the political, a hallmark of many tragedies.
Cassius’s role in “Julius Caesar” also aligns with Aristotle’s concept of hamartia, or tragic flaw. His astuteness and manipulative nature, while initially serving him well, ultimately lead to his undoing. The turning point comes with his decision to allow Antony to speak at Caesar’s funeral, a strategic error advised against by Brutus. Antony’s speech, which cleverly sways public opinion against the conspirators, marks the beginning of Cassius’s downfall. It is a poignant irony that Cassius, a character so skilled in manipulation, fails to foresee the consequences of Antony’s oratory. This miscalculation is compounded by further strategic errors, culminating in his premature suicide at the Battle of Philippi, based on the mistaken belief that Brutus’s forces have been defeated.
The culmination of Cassius’s tragic arc is steeped in irony and misfortune—key ingredients of a tragic narrative. His death is marked by a tragic recognition of misinterpretation and defeat, reflective of his earlier inability to accurately read the political landscape post-Caesar’s assassination. Cassius dies believing he has lost everything, a poignant end for a character whose initial motives were driven by a desire to restore the Republic and free it from what he perceived as a tyrannical rule.
Cassius’s journey in “Julius Caesar” is a compelling argument for his place as a tragic hero. His profound influence on the play’s events, combined with his personal flaws and ultimate demise, encapsulate the essence of tragedy. He is a hero not because he is faultless, but because he is fundamentally human—driven by complex, often contradictory impulses that lead to his downfall. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the complexities of human motivation in the face of political turmoil.
By reassessing Cassius from the perspective of a tragic hero, Shakespeare’s rich character development and his understanding of human nature become even more evident. This viewpoint enhances our comprehension of “Julius Caesar” not only as a historical drama but also as a timeless investigation of the political and psychological conflicts that push people to take extreme, frequently disastrous actions. Even with all of his imperfections and zeal, Cassius stands out as a symbol of the catastrophic potential that each of us possesses.
The Hero's Journey in Modern Film. (2024, Apr 29). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/the-heros-journey-in-modern-film/
