Who Is the Perfect Man or Individual, Essay Example

Who is the perfect man or individual? This has plagued all peoples for as long as man has had ideals; culture dictates how we should act, dress and what is proper human conduct. It is ironic that the West’s philosophical position is individualism yet fashion is a highly conformist activity. This said ideals are brought out through fictional or real individuals. They are the stories of heroes and heroines of the modern and ancient times. Today we talk of Superman, the Greeks talked of Hercules, and in the history we talk of martin Luther King. In Maria Rosa Menocal’s book this is a true illustration of Spain in the 10 hundreds.

The hero here is the warrior Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar. Muslim occupied Spain or Andalusia as it was known was at its height in terms of wealth and culture. They had paved streets and streetlights at a time when Europe was experiencing the dark ages. The introduction is one sided in its approach. It merely shows the prejudices of the time that have not really evolved till today. The author and the main character in the book actually mirror Salahudin. He is the conqueror of Jerusalem and the unifier of all the Middle East. He acts as the solution regarding bringing the region together for the benefit of the area. He views the unification as the ideal solution to enhance his rule of the area.

The introduction as is the true description of the poem, in that there is a very specific mission. To show what the best Spaniard would be like; brave, loyal, and unshaken. The interesting element is the author’s introduction is correct in their analysis; as it also projects a fantasy that has very real and modern underpinnings. All Muslim and Christians would follow that being that Rodriguez is considered to be the Ideal Spaniard.

The book is a good read and the introduction shouldn’t be ignored for it gives context. . The sad thing is the perfect Spaniard as envisioned by the author is steeped in violence. Is the mark of heroism only viewed as an act of valor steeped in violence?