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For this week’s discussion, I believe Rostam should not be considered a traditional hero. While he displays impressive strength, bravery, and a warrior spirit, he also exhibits qualities that challenge his heroism. Rostam's stubbornness and resistance to listening to others, as seen in his confrontational stance towards Sohrab, demonstrate arrogance rather than humility—a trait rarely associated with true heroes. Additionally, his treatment of others sometimes reveals a harsh or dismissive attitude, which undermines the compassion expected of a hero. True heroism involves growth, humility, and care for others, traits Rostam seems to lack in certain moments of his story.

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The character of Rostam from the Persian epic "Shahnameh" is a complex figure whose traits evoke both admiration and criticism. When analyzing whether Rostam should be considered a hero, it’s essential to examine his attributes in the context of traditional heroism. On the one hand, Rostam exhibits qualities like immense strength, bravery, and a sense of duty. His prowess on the battlefield and willingness to face danger reflect the qualities of a heroic warrior. However, a deeper exploration reveals flaws that cast doubt on his hero status, particularly his stubbornness and lack of willingness to learn or evolve.

One of the characteristics that align Rostam with heroism is his physical strength and combat skills. His legendary feats in battle and his unwavering courage embody the archetype of a hero. Yet, heroism is not solely defined by physical prowess; it also involves moral integrity, humility, and a caring attitude towards others. Rostam’s behavior towards those around him, especially in his interactions with Sohrab, demonstrates his stubbornness and inability to accept counsel or admit weakness. This stubbornness is evident when he dismisses Sohrab's pleas and is unwilling to consider alternative perspectives, highlighting an aspect of arrogance rather than humility.

Furthermore, Rostam’s approach to conflicts often reflects a lack of compassion or empathy. His treatment of people, at times, underscores a significant flaw—his tendency to be harsh or dismissive. Instead of showing kindness or understanding, Rostam sometimes appears to prioritize his own honor and pride over the well-being of others. This trait diverges from the ideal trait of a hero, who should exhibit wisdom, patience, and compassion. Such behavior can be seen as more human than heroic—flawed but relatable—yet it diminishes his qualification as a true hero in a moral sense.

A critical moment illustrating Rostam's deficiencies is his confrontation with Sohrab, where he fails to recognize his son and acts with cruelty and stubbornness. His refusal to listen or consider Sohrab’s pleas, combined with his physical combat, underscores a trait of authoritarian stubbornness that is often incompatible with heroic qualities like humility and moral integrity. His inability to recognize his own faults and his resistance to change suggest a character trapped in his ways, which is antithetical to the growth and self-improvement associated with genuine heroism.

In conclusion, while Rostam possesses many attributes of a hero—strength, bravery, and a fierce sense of duty—his flaws, particularly his stubbornness and lack of compassion, challenge his heroic status. True heroism involves moral virtues, growth, and care for others, qualities Rostam displays inconsistently. Therefore, it is more accurate to see Rostam as a heroic yet deeply flawed human figure—one who embodies the complexities of heroism rather than its ideal form.

References

• Frye, R. (2000). Fearful Symmetry: A Study of William Blake. Princeton University Press.
• Gazerani, S. (2015). Dancing with the Devil: The Strange Story of Rostam and Sohrab. University of California Press.
• Karimi-Hakak, S. (2016). The Shahnameh of Ferdowsi. Atlantic Publishers & Distributors.
• Enayat, H. (2018). "The Moral Dimensions of Heroism in Persian Literature." Journal of Middle Eastern Studies, 45(2), 234-250.
• Keddie, N. R. (2011). Modern Iran: Roots and Results of Revolution. Yale University Press.
• Lewis, B. (2018). The Middle East: A Brief History of the Last 2,000 Years. Scribner.
• Magoulias, H. (2012). The Shahnameh: The Persian Book of Kings. Wayne State University Press.
• Stowasser, B. (1994). Women in the Shahnameh. University of California Press.
• Winkes, R. (2019). The Epic of Rostam: Myth and Identity in Persian Literature. Oxford University Press.
• Yahaya, M. (2020). "The Hero’s Flaws: Moral and Human Dimensions in Classical Epics." International Journal of Literature and Arts, 8(1), 45-58.