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Alexander Selkirk Character Analysis

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In order for a person to fit the descriptions of a hero, they must obtain courage, selflessness, and humility. Luis Velasco, Alexander Selkirk, and Chuck Noland obtain courage and humility, but lack selflessness. Their traits make them well intentioned people, but they do not fit all the criterion required of a hero, therefore are not considered heroes.
A crucial trait a hero must obtain is courage, the ability to overcome a frightening task. In “The Story of a Shipwrecked Sailor”, Luis Velasco is floating on a raft in the middle of the ocean, completely clueless of where he is or if anyone will ever find him. Rather than completely freaking out over this terrible situation, the first thing he does is check his belongings to see his chances of survival at sea. After confirming his isolation at sea, Velasco states, “Uncertain as to what …show more content…

Rather than letting the situation control his emotions, Velasco manages to stay calm and think logically about what he needs to do next in order to survive. Similarly, in “The Story of Alexander Selkirk”, Alexander Selkirk is placed in a situation in which basic human needs such as food and shelter are not easy to find. Unlike Velasco though, he chooses to part ways with his ship, therefore he is more prepared to live in isolation than Velasco. This makes his inventory more plentiful. His determination to leave his “disagreeable commander” (1) can be considered courage, as he chooses to be dropped off at an isolated area that he is unfamiliar with. This idea of venturing into unknown territory is a courageous act, therefore Alexander Selkirk does show courage, although it is in a different form than that of Velasco. In “Castaway”, Chuck Noland survives severe trauma after experiencing a plane crash and being put on an island alone, having to fend for himself. He did not prepare for this situation, unlike Selkirk, therefore having a less plentiful inventory. In addition to this, his life at home was

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