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Key Word Definition: Anti-Hero
Anthony Armendariz
Dr. Bruce
English 307
March 28, 2013
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The word I have chosen to define is anti-hero. Anti-hero is a highly controversial word
that is difficult to define and has no concrete definition. The term anti-hero can be defined in
many ways, varying from unconventional heroes, a protagonist deficient of heroic qualities or
even having the opposite to that of a traditional hero. The word “hero” is often associated with
the realm of good, while the word “villain” is associated with the realm of evil leaving the term
anti-hero in a grey area somewhere in between.
The term anti-hero in its simplest form breaks down to “anti” which means opposite or
not; and “hero.” Now you see where the controversy arises with this word because it means “not
a hero or opposite of a hero,” but isn’t that just a villain?. Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines
a villain as a “character in a story or play who opposes the hero.” This loop hole is also apparent
in the Oxford English Dictionary which defines an anti-hero as “one who is the opposite or
reverse of a hero; a chief character in a poem, play, or story who is totally unlike a conventional
hero.” The one problem I have with this definition is that it is very vague and does not make a
clear distinction of what an anti-hero is. For example, an argument could be made for the
possibility of villains being an anti-hero because they are often chief characters in a story and are
both “opposite and unlike a conventional hero.” OK
Since a satisfactory definition was not found, I referenced The Oxford Dictionary of
Literary Terms which defined anti-hero as “a central character in a dramatic or narrative work
who lacks the qualities of nobility and magnanimity expected of traditional heroes… The antihero should not be confused with the antagonist or the villain. Does it say why?” This definition
was much clearer than the prior, specifying what an anti-hero is and isn’t. I like that this
definition informs the reader that an anti-hero is not an antagonist or villain which was not
clarified in the Oxford English Dictionary. But, there is still one variable open to interpretation
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in this definition and that is defining a hero. Both definitions have the term hero in them and
states an anti-hero is different than a hero, but what exactly is a hero?
It is necessary to know the definition of a hero, in order to further understand the term
anti-hero. As mentioned above (where? I missed it?) the word hero comes from the Greek word
“heros” which means demi-god and was coined in the late 14th century (source?). This is because
many of the protagonists from Greek myths were demigods or half gods and these characters possessed many of
the same qualities we hold true to the popular view of
today’s heroes. So, a typical hero is the knight-in-shining
armor with a boy scout’s honor and integrity. A
traditional hero is a person that stands up for what is right
and puts aside their own personal interest in the interest
of the greater good of the community (need sources for
Figure 1 http://wonderworldcomics.com/batman-andsuperman-dcs-yin-and-yang/
all of this). These are most of the traits an anti-hero does
not possess.
This image depicts a traditional hero (Superman) vs an antihero(batman).
Such as described by Oxford English
Dictionary, a hero is “a man who exhibits extraordinary
bravery, firmness, fortitude, or greatness of soul, in any course of action, or in connection with
any pursuit, work, or enterprise” such as modern day super-hero, Superman who is seen as
possessing all of these qualities. The differences between a traditional hero and anti-hero are like
comparing day and night. For example, batman can be seen as an anti-hero because he is willing
to do whatever it takes to bring justice so long as he doesn’t kill which keeps him from becoming
a villain. Explain—doesn’t superman do the same?
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Anti-heroes are said to have evolved from Lord Bryon’s Byronic hero. Helen Anderson,
short story writer and graduate of Sheffield University, believes the Byronic hero to be a kind of
anti-hero that possesses darker qualities. Dictionaryreference.com notes a Byronic hero as “a
melancholy and rebellious young man, distressed by a terrible wrong he committed.” These
types of characters were commonly used in Gothic fiction such as Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
In Frankenstein, an argument could be made that both Victor Frankenstein and
Frankenstein’s creation are anti-heroes in each of their own regard. Both characters begin
innocent and gradually transform into anti-heroes. Frankenstein begins his young career as a
University student studying science to become a master scientist whose “inquiries were directed
to the metaphysical, or, in its highest sense, the physical secrets of the world” (Frankenstein 45.)
As he embarks on his quest for scientific discovery, Frankenstein isolates himself from the
outside world and re-animates a corpse comprised of more than one body. Granted a scientific
accomplishment of this caliber would deem anyone a hero, but the way Frankenstein deals with
his creation allows for him to be viewed as an anti-hero. In his book article The Woman Science
Fiction Writer and the Non-heroic Male Protagonist, Jim Villani declares “Victor’s obsession
[as] self serving; he seems to have given no thought to its application or usefulness to society.”
This selfish behavior is one trait of an anti-hero and because Frankenstein fails to show any
compassion towards his creation, a murdering monster is unleashed on to society. Can you link
this reading to some of the critics’ ideas, above (e.g., “self-sacrificing,” “melancholy,”
distressed”?)
It’s Frankenstein’s and society’s fault that the creation becomes a killing machine
because everyone rejects the creature when all he longs for is companionship. The creation is
pure of heart, his only flaw being his monstrous physique and appearance. “Everywhere I see
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bliss, from which I alone am irrevocably excluded. I was benevolent and good; misery made me
fiend” (Frankenstein 100.) Every interaction the creation had with society was negative filled
with hatred and violence. Not even Frankenstein, the monster’s creator/father would accept him
and grant him one wish which was for a female companion who he would take to the new world
and never be seen again. When Frankenstein refuses, the creation embarks on a pursuit of justice
that he feels he deserves because of his continual rejection from a world that he had committed
no evils upon. Stephanie Mendoza in her entry on the Theocrit: the Online Journal of
Undergraduate suggests “anti-heroes have little to no sense of ethics or morals, and is just as
likely to murder someone as they are to save them… [and] possess a willingness to do anything
to achieve their goals…” Frankenstein’s creation can be viewed as having the traits listed above.
His lack of ethics or morals can be seen when he easily murders Frankenstein’s younger brother
and frames Justine for the murder. And the creation vows to ruin (and does by killing everyone
close to Frankenstein) if a female companion is not provided for the creation. This is how the
monster could be considered an anti-hero. And Victor?
Intro critic Villani claims possessing weakness, vulnerability, self esteem issues, feelings
of guilt, and possessing obsessions are all attributes of anti-heroes. Frankenstein’s weakness is
the fact that he is a social outcast and he is powerless to stop the monster he created. He
experiences self esteem issues due to his father, who Frankenstein is motivated to impress.
Frankenstein’s feelings of guilt arise following the murders of his brother William, wife
Elizabeth, good friend Henry Clerval, and the execution of the innocent Justine. Frankenstein is
responsible for all these deaths because he is the one who unleashed that monster into the world.
Finally, Frankenstein’s fall into becoming an anti-hero began with his obsession to unravel the
mysteries of the world. Can you link to Bryronic hero?
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The evidence above illustrates how both of the main characters in the novel Frankenstein
can be considered anti-heroes. Especially, since this is a gothic novel where typically there are
no traditional heroes. This allows both characters the opportunity to be anti-heroes each in their
own way.
English 307, L. Bruce
Definition of a “Keyword” in Literary Studies
Grading Sheet
Category/Competency
Below Basic
Developing
Proficient
Rhetorical Knowledge:
Attention to audience
and purpose seen in
content, tone, and style.
Establishes author’s
credibility.
x
Genre Knowledge:
Employs more than one
definition strategy and a
logical organizational
pattern.
x
Information literacy:
Incorporates and cites
relevant research
sources smoothly and
ethically?
x
Argumentation/Critical
thinking:
x
Integrates own
arguments within the
existing discourse.
x
Advanced
x
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Thoroughly supports
and develops all claims
and analyzes all
evidence. Relates
definitions to a welldeveloped analysis of
one of our novels.
You’ve introduced the meaning of the term “anti-hero,” you’ve distinguished it from “hero,” and
you’ve begun to illustrate your definitions with examples from Frankenstein: good. If you
decide to revise this, try two things:
1) develop your definition and analysis a little further. Build your definition first. You could,
for example, clarify why “anti-heroes” aren’t just “villains.” Then, build your analysis. You have some
very useful quotations here; can you apply their specific details to your claims about Victor and the
monster (e.g., “self-sacrificing,” “melancholy,” distressed”?).
2) Introduce and cite all of your sources. Introduce each critic/author before you quote them,
and then add your voice—what do you think about their idea? Dis/agree? And of course, cite
each source carefully in-text and in the works cited list. Page three needs citations. I can’t give
you a grade until you correct and resubmit the definition.
GRADE now: 65
GRADE if corrected by 4/19/13: 82
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Bibliography Alphabetize this
Anderson, Helen. "The Byronic Hero in Fiction: Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know."Suite101.com.
HelenAnderson, 2 June 2011. Web. 24 Mar. 2013.
Baldick, Chris. "anti‐hero." The Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms. : Oxford University Press,
2008. Oxford Reference. 2008. Web. 14 Mar. 2013
Baldick, Chris. "hero." The Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms. : Oxford University Press,
2008. Oxford Reference. 2008. Date Accessed 17 Mar. 2013
Hughes, Jacob. "Susan Tyler Hitchcock. Frankenstein, A Cultural History." Rocky Mountain Review 62.1
(2008): 26+. Literature Resource Center. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
Lancaster, Ashley Craig. "From Frankenstein's Monster To Lester Ballard: The Evolving Gothic
Monster." Midwest Quarterly: A Journal Of Contemporary Thought 49.2 (2008): 132-148. MLA
International Bibliography. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
Levine, George. "Frankenstein And The Tradition Of Realism." Novel: A Forum On Fiction 7.1 (1973):
14-30. MLA International Bibliography. Web. 18 Mar. 2013.
Manson, Michael, and Robert Scott Stewart. "Heroes And Hideousness: Frankenstein And Failed
Unity." Substance: A Review Of Theory And Literary Criticism 22.2-3 [71-72] (1993): 228-242. MLA
International Bibliography. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. Ed. Johanna M. Smith. 2nd ed. Vol. 1. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2000.
Print.
Villani, Jim. "The Woman Science Fiction Writer And The Non-Heroic Male Protagonist." Patterns of the
Fantastic. 21-30. Mercer Island, WA: Starmont House, 1983. MLA International Bibliography. Web. 18
Mar. 2013
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"anti-hero, n.". OED Online. March 2013. Oxford University Press. Web. 14 Mar. 2013
"hero, n.". OED Online. March 2013. Oxford University Press. Web. 16 Mar. 2013
"byronic hero." The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition. Houghton
Mifflin Company, 2005. Web. 24 Mar. 2013.