Final Essay
Gilgamesh, Prospero, and Okonkwo, three distinct leaders of three distinct eras, each have the ambition to acquire power and reputation, motivated by their courage, determination, and dedication. In this light, the reader encounters them as heroes.
Ambition is alive throughout the novel and drives the heroes in their pursuit of desired personal achievements. Gilgamesh, is determined to prove to the world that he is superior, Prospero’s desire is to regain his kingdom, and as for Okonkwo, his personal ambition is to be “one of the lords of his clan” (Nnoromele 61). Ambition requires courage, the ability to face danger without fear orchestrated by the characters in different situations.
Gilgamesh exhibits courage through his battles with the enemies. He fought Humbaba in an effort to kill the evil and “prove himself to be more powerful than he” (Mason27). This courage also influences Gilgamesh to confront anything and everything in his path to reach his goal. He battles and kills the Bull of Heavens. This two encounters and victories of the enemy prove his courageous efforts in gaining power.
Prosper also displays his courage in various situations. He has the courage to take over the lives of non-humans, Ariel and Caliban. He controls them and acquires his desires through them. By using ingenuity and Ariel’s help, he is able to cause a storm which in return causes his brother’s shipwreck. His fearless actions led him to bring his brother to the island. Prospero’s great courage also helps in the manipulation of all the victims of the shipwreck. This manipulation leads Prospero to gain respect and admiration from all the victims of the shipwreck, which included the brother who had betrayed him and taken away his kingdom.
Okonkwo portrays his courage through his great fighting techniques. At an early age, Okonkwo “brought honor to his tribe by throwing Amalinze the Cat”(Achebe3). In the Igbo society, a man attained power by making a name for...