Anti-hero: Difference between revisions
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An '''antihero''' is a leading character in a work of fiction whose qualities are the opposite of those traditionally associated with heroes. | |||
While antiheroes have appeared frequently in modern literature, they can also be found in literary works over many centuries. The ancient Greek poet Archilochus makes fun of himself for abandoning his shield. The character of Thersites in ''Troilus and Cressida'' by [[William Shakespeare]] is anti-heroic. The 18th-century novelist [[Henry Fielding]] wrote a satirical novel. ''The Life of Jonathan Wild the Great'', in which a famous criminal is presented ironically as an example of true greatness. | |||
Examples of the antihero in more recent literature include Jim Dixon, the lead character of the novel ''Lucky Jim'' by Kingsley Amis, Jimmy Porter in the play ''Look Back in Anger'' by [[John Osborne]], and Joe Lampton in the novels ''Room at the Top'' and ''Life at the Top'' by [[John Braine]]. | |||
Revision as of 11:16, 21 May 2008
An antihero is a leading character in a work of fiction whose qualities are the opposite of those traditionally associated with heroes.
While antiheroes have appeared frequently in modern literature, they can also be found in literary works over many centuries. The ancient Greek poet Archilochus makes fun of himself for abandoning his shield. The character of Thersites in Troilus and Cressida by William Shakespeare is anti-heroic. The 18th-century novelist Henry Fielding wrote a satirical novel. The Life of Jonathan Wild the Great, in which a famous criminal is presented ironically as an example of true greatness.
Examples of the antihero in more recent literature include Jim Dixon, the lead character of the novel Lucky Jim by Kingsley Amis, Jimmy Porter in the play Look Back in Anger by John Osborne, and Joe Lampton in the novels Room at the Top and Life at the Top by John Braine.