So this is probably a predictable topic to talk about, though kinda tough. Is Smithy a hero? He definitely has some heroic traits, but we haven't gotten that far into the book, so it's possible he can show more qualities of a hero or maybe he'll show qualities of a villain.
So first off, he's kinda his sister's savior, ignoring the fact that she's dead now. He's obviously close to his sister, and he's able to sorta calm her down when she has a breakdown and starts to scratch her face. So, Smithy is heroic in that sense.
However, he's also a fat 47-year-old who smokes a ton and drinks a ton. That's...kinda the opposite of what I expect in a hero. The people who are heroes usually are fit to varying degrees, young, attractive, and healthy. Smithy is none of those. Actually, past Smithy probably would have fit the criteria.
Yeah, actually maybe present Smithy will slowly become more like past Smithy. That could be his heroic journey, right? I mean, right now we just have Smithy riding his bike but it's definitely the start of a journey. He's going all the way to where his sister's body is. That's gonna be a really long journey, especially because it's an old bike and he hasn't used it in so long.
However, the image of Smithy riding his bike isn't that heroic, actually it's more laughable. An overweight guy riding on a bike? I know I'm probably being really mean by saying that but it's just so weird to see this. Of course, if I saw something like this in person, I wouldn't say anything to them.
Sorry, I'm getting off topic. So far, Smithy's been changing, he isn't drinking or smoking as much, and he's eating less and being healthier. Obviously it's because the Greek gods are giving him their blessing to miraculously survive anything that's thrown at him (or anything he's thrown at, like the lake).
So before I get off topic, I just wanna say I feel that Smithy's journey is going to help change him and, once he's finished, we'll have a guy that represents a hero. Either that or I'm gonna be really unsatisfied with him and will complain a ton.
Although I do agree with most of the points you make, I have to disagree with the idea of the way Smithy describes himself (a fat 47 year old with barely any friends who smokes and eats a lot) makes him stand out as the hero. In stores, readers love to root for the underdog. Smithy is the set up as the story's underdog, which makes it easier to pick him as the hero as the story early on.
ReplyDeleteI agree that his physical description and lethargic habits set him up for greater heroism as he pulls himself together. Even in the first third of the book, his un-heroic attributes have been amplifying his heroic actions--the fact that he sets off on this epic journey across the US on his bike is pretty heroic, and even more so because he is fat and in his forties. If he was slim and fit and young, and he leaped on his bike because he suddenly decided to peddle across the US, it wouldn't have nearly the same significance.
ReplyDeleteNow that you and Madeleine pointed it out, I agree. It wouldn't be as impressive if Smithy was already on top, and it probably wouldn't be as interesting to read about his accomplishments.
DeleteIn a way, Smithy lowers himself to readers (such as the way he claims that he is a 47 year old obese and alcoholic loser with no friends) such that he can later rise above circumstances and prove himself as a true hero. This is the opposite of Odysseus, who proves his hubris and pride to readers throughout the Odyssey, so we feel empathy for Smithy and a greater connection by his humbleness and tragic situation.
ReplyDeleteI like your idea that the current Smithy could slowly change back to the old, young, skinny, athletic Smithy. I found it interesting that when Smithy was younger, I found his actions to be very heroic towards his sister, but I somehow seemed to forget about those actions when we get present day fat Smithy just because of the stark physical difference and lack of liveliness or ambition. However as Smithy embarks on his journey, I start to remember all the things he's done for Bethany and start to like him more.
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