Robin Hood and Edward “Ned” Kelly. Changes of National Heroes due to Adaptation to Societies’ Needs over Time

Bachelor Thesis , 2014 , 48 Pages , Grade: 3.0

English Language and Literature Studies - Literature

Heroes had always been there, but changed over time. They adapted to the needs of populations, societies and cultures, becoming sometimes national heroes. The best example of a changing and self-adapting hero would be Robin Hood. He is globally famous and his, probably, two best known attributes are: taking from the rich and giving to the poor, as well as being an outlaw. Not everyone might know that his real life existence is highly controversial. His legend, hence, varied from the location and the famous characters – Lady Marian and Friar Tuck – had to develop over time. Due to the change of the Hood myth in medieval times he could adapt from the society of the poor, working his way up, to the acceptance of high society. Always by adapting and changing the myth to the needs of the societies through the centuries, Hood could become the legend today’s people know.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Reconstruction of History
  • How the Legend of Robin Hood Came to Life
  • The Better True History of Ned Kelly
• Modern Representation of Literature
  • The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood
  • True History of the Kelly Gang
• Adaptations of Heroes to Modern Needs
  • Robin Hood's Changes and Adaptaions
  • Ned Kelly's Changes and Adaptations
  • Further Modern Adaptations
• Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This paper focuses on the thesis that national heroes change over time according to present societies and their needs, adapting the hero story in the most beneficial way. It will explore the historical lives, as far as reconstructible, of Robin Hood and his Australian counterpart Ned Kelly, focusing on two novels about their lives. Based on these novels, the modern perception of the two heroes will be developed. Furthermore, it will be illustrated how modern society presents national heroes.

• The evolving nature of national heroes in relation to societal needs and trends.
• A comparison of the historical figures of Robin Hood and Ned Kelly, exploring their origins and legacies.
• The impact of literature on shaping modern perceptions of these heroes.
• The role of modern society in presenting and adapting national heroes.
• The relationship between historical truth and modern interpretations of heroic figures.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• The first chapter, "Introduction," discusses the concept of evolving heroes and introduces Robin Hood as a prime example of a self-adapting hero. It highlights the significance of his legend and its evolution through various societies over the centuries. The chapter also mentions Ned Kelly, an Australian national hero who shares similarities with Robin Hood, and both are used to exemplify the changing nature of heroic figures.
• The second chapter, "Reconstruction of History," delves into the origins of the Robin Hood legend. It explores the early sources that mention Robin Hood, highlighting their inconsistencies and ambiguities. The chapter also discusses the development of the Hood legend in medieval times and its transformation into a well-established narrative.
• The third chapter, "Modern Representation of Literature," examines how modern literature has shaped the perceptions of Robin Hood and Ned Kelly. It analyzes two novels that focus on their lives and explore how these narratives have influenced the modern understanding of these figures.
• The fourth chapter, "Adaptations of Heroes to Modern Needs," examines the adaptations of Robin Hood and Ned Kelly in modern media. It explores how their stories have been reinterpreted and adjusted to cater to contemporary audiences. The chapter also explores the broader phenomenon of hero adaptations in modern society.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This work explores key concepts related to the evolution of national heroes, particularly focusing on Robin Hood and Ned Kelly. The main themes and concepts include historical reconstruction, modern representation, literary adaptation, societal needs, and changing heroic narratives.

• College: University of Trier
• Grade: 3.0
• Author: Angelika M. Tank (Author)
• Publication Year: 2014
• Pages: 48
• Catalog Number: V463906
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668932340
• ISBN (Book): 9783668932357
• Language: English
• Tags: Ned Kelly, Edward Kelly, Robin Hood, Hood, literature, Hero, Heroes, national heroes, adaptation, society change, society, adaptaton studies, literature studies