La notion de Mythes et Héros - Anglais, Terminale

Sujet du devoir

Bonjour,

Je suis actuellement en terminale et j'aurais besoin de votre aide concernant ma synthèse sur le thème de mythe et héros.

J'aimerais savoir si la synthèse est bonne, si elle comporte des fautes ...etc

Je vous remercie !

Où j'en suis dans mon devoir

More often than not, the myth is confused with the legend, but it is distinguished from the latter by the fact that it is based on imaginary facts, while the legend is based on some real and historical facts.
The term myth is often used to refer to a belief that is obviously wrong at first glance, but which may relate to concrete elements expressed in a symbolic way.
It usually hinges around great and brave heroes or monsters, and its goal is to bind the nation together, like the myth of King Arthur.

The notion of "Hero" can fall into two categories. On the one hand, there are imaginary heroes endowed with superpowers and who is in charge of saving the planet and the people in danger, like Superman. On the other hand, there are real people who can have a role to play to change the world's history.

Myths and heroes are therefore closely linked since heroes very often appear in myths.

Into the example of soldiers, how the use of myths can make a normal person heroic. In other words, we shall see what the link between myth and hero is.

We will see through the myth of the hero soldier and the poster of the movie Tigerland how a character can, by differentiating himself from others become a symbol, then the difference between reality and fiction by studying the opening scene of the "Saving Private Ryan".

Life as a soldier is known to all: a constant danger of death, terrible living conditions and constant fear. During a war, soldiers are all reduced to the same level: indeed, when faced with weapons and artillery, no soldier has a better chance of getting out of it than another.

However, by showing fighting spirit and courage, some soldiers were able to mark their feats, becoming true heroes. Thus was born the myth of the hero soldier, the only one leading his country to victory.

The Tigerland Poster emphasizes this notion: indeed, all the soldiers present are wearing military equipment, and look down, while the character in the middle of the poster has no helmet and looks in front of him. He is different from others; he has a glimmer of hope and wants to move forward. He is represented as the hero of the film, leading his nation to victory. This poster, therefore, highlights the strength of a single soldier, a human soldier who does not possess supernatural powers, but who is capable of becoming a hero.

However, there is a difference between reality and fiction. Thus, war seems too "humanized" while it is sometimes simply murderous.

In the opening scene of the film "Saving Private Ryan", we notice that all soldiers die under enemy bullets. In reality, the majority of people have been shredded by bombs or shells or died of dehydration.

In addition, according to a study conducted by the United States, most soldiers did not fire at enemies unless they were paid.

To make the scene more humane, and to show that soldiers are heroes proudly protecting their homeland, we, therefore, have a mythical use, showing the enemy firing without hesitation on the soldiers, with the sound of artillery as background noise but not as the main cause of death, thus making soldiers more heroic and ready for anything for their country.

The use of myths in these different films give ordinary soldiers a heroic dimension, putting them in the rank of symbols. The myth is therefore linked to the hero by the fact that it allows him, through fascinating actions, to be placed in such a position.

Personally, the fact that the hero is represented as the only leader to victory is a misguided vision. Indeed, victory is due to each soldier killed in the war, and not to the action of a single person.