Through the use of characterization, the true identities and traits of characters can be revealed to readers, especially when viewed through qualities such as leadership. Collectively, this leads to narrative meaning becoming a tool that initiates thinking through the use of emotional language or exaggeration. This notion is evident in David Malouf's historical fiction novel "Ransom" and Seamus Heaney's translation of "Beowulf", in which they both glorify the common perception that wars and battles are heroic and honorable events. . However, in the current context, such situations are perceived as inhumane. and rather fuels the downfall of individuals. Specifically, Ransom derives from an epic poem in "The Iliad" which explores a few weeks of the ten-year Trojan War, using characterization to focus on the fraught and restrictive nature of leadership in a monarchical society . Additionally, the epic poem set during the medieval literary period "Beowulf" explores the two main events in the life of a legendary hero, Beowulf, with some references to the untenable nature of power and immortality. Essentially, both texts flow well in any context because they depict characters that are intriguing and relevant to readers. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay All individuals go through difficult times that can be difficult to overcome. However, for a leader to lead, they must be able to step forward, in turn revealing to readers their true character and identity in a positive or negative light. In Ransom, leadership ultimately becomes a quality that vividly describes to readers the true nature of the main protagonists, especially in times of conflict. Here, it is of crucial value to explore how Malouf uses leadership to characterize the inner worlds of Priam and Malouf, in turn eliciting reader engagement. In the foreground of the text, none of these characters maintain a stable sense of identity because they are busy with their social roles. Initially, Achilles' character was complicated by the death of his friend Patroclus at the hands of the Trojan prince Hector, where the metaphor of the "clogged gray canvas" expresses the grief that encloses him and consequently tarnishes his image as a leader in reason for his barbaric act. of revenge by killing Hector. Malouf's previous epithet regarding Achilles' "quickness of foot" accentuates how his past strong characterization as a divine warrior is immediately undermined by the fact that his "spirit" "abandoned" him moments after his death - which is connotative of abandonment and loss of one's identity. In the Iliad, Achilles kills Hector and drags his body behind his chariot in retaliation for the death of Patroclus. However, Malouf characterizes Achilles in this scene as not necessarily angry, but rather dead himself. This contemporary reworking of the Iliad positions readers to perceive the characters as more "normal" human beings and emphasizes that Ransom's primary interest is narrative and how stories are skewed within the narrative. In comparison, Malouf uses Priam's characterization differently to portray him as a human character. and compassionate who is stuck between physicality and spirituality. Here he is exposed to the same suffering that affects other individuals, but he is trapped in a fixed social order that limits the way he can express himself.The use of a simile in “clattering like a pea in the golden husk of his… dazzling eminence” expresses Priam's worry about losing himself in his role as king. Here Malouf signifies to readers the often perceived idea that the character of a leader in a monarchical society should be suppressed and no emotions should be revealed. However, as the novel progresses, Priam experiences extreme grief over the death of his son and realizes the need to be "freed from all distractions" from power and remain "bold" in his decision to confront Achilles. Here, the elusive use of the negative connotation "distractions" is representative of Priam's character as a humble leader who wants to "do the most human thing", rather than being a "figurehead" . Also, the emotive language of "the chance to free myself from the obligation of always being the hero, like I'm always expected to be the king." To embrace the lighter bond of simply being a man…. "Perhaps This is the Ransom" characterizes Priam as a humble leader and allows readers to foresee the importance of compassion and empathy in all aspects of life, through which, after a life as a king, Priam wants to experience being an ordinary man and father. Ultimately, Malouf reveals to readers that it was Priam's remarkable act of leadership that influenced and transformed the character of Achilles by the end of the novel, into an empathetic and humane man who has "pity for the losses of others” and is able to share with others. people's misfortunes. It is important here to mention the incredible narrative significance achieved through Malouf's powerful word choice of which he is acutely aware. Here, Malouf's aim is to express beauty and, at the same time, a physical and spiritual instrument that touches the inner self of an individual. The idea that leadership is a quality that can invite readers to see the true colors of characters in good times and bad. times continue in the poem “Beowulf”. Written by an anonymous Anglo-Saxon poet, the text presents all the traits of a hero and leader through the main protagonists to portray to readers a good example of individuals who make sacrifices for their people. In this, the character of Beowulf is characterized as a courageous, strong and decisive leader, loyal to his people. The author conveys the character of Beowulf to readers through other characters who praise him. For example, the use of dialogue in Hrothgar's commentary: “Beowulf's actions have been praised time and again. Nowhere, they said…was there anyone better suited to rule a kingdom” refers to Beowulf’s wisdom – a royal trait. Additionally, the use of a third person in “by the strength of one they all prevailed; they would crush their enemy and emerge with triumph and joy" explains to readers how Beowulf's strong character not only directly impacted him, but also has great value to his people, because it is this act of bravery and of leadership that kept them alive. . Essentially, Beowulf's characterization invites the reader to engage because it describes what a true leader should be: courageous, strong, caring, and loyal. However, it is important to mention that Beowulf states that his victory would have been impossible without God's grace and constantly remembers God's work and help during his proud moments, which again reflects the character of Beowulf. Rather, King Hrothgar is depicted as a different type of leader than the young warrior Beowulf, whereby he is characterized more as a father figure to Beowulf and a role model for the genre.