country or saving the woman they love. Though the modern heroes are much more popular than classic American heroes, the modern hero has rooted from these same literary works which once amazed people in the days of old.

Because of its popularity, the public pores into movie theaters to see movie-remakes of renown literary works. Natty Bumppo was the first true recognizable American hero. He was looked up to by the masses and is still a popular symbol of the classic hero. Just as Natty Bumppo was the popular hero of his time, Indiana Jones is still the favorite of millions today. Indiana has overshadowed Natty's success but still contains many of his attributes. The characteristics

decision in the first place, Cooper always had a way of presenting the story to where the reader is convinced that Natty Bumppo is making the right decision. Natty always had companions in his adventures as well. Because he had made peace with the Indians, and was taken in by the tribes, they are always willing to come to his aid if he is in danger.

the sunset together" (Ebert NP). Indy rescues his father and accomplishes his primary goal and then defeats evil by out smarting them and showing a pure heart. Again, Indiana is showing the attributes of an American hero.

of these characteristics. Because of Indiana's fear of snakes, he isn't' faultless; and this fear inhibits him from giving a perfect performance. Ever since he was an adolescent, Indy has feared snakes. But, as he grew older, he must cross snake-infested tombs and forest.

In both novels, the characters are attempting to assist the same groups of people. In every Leatherstocking Tale, Natty either has a Native companion, or is trying to rescue them. In The Temple of Doom, Indiana agrees to help an Indian tribe rescue their children and retrieve their sacred jewel. Also, both characters are seen during there childhood.

Indiana Jones is a recent hero of America that has set new standards in both film and literature. Indiana Jones is a symbol of bravery, action, and knowledge to all who has seen or heard his adventures. He has achieved this reputation by perfecting the characteristics of past literary heroes and adding new elements of humor and action in his

"The first book and movie in the series is Raiders of the Lost Ark. Readers and viewers find Indiana Jones in the Peruvian jungle in 1936, running a booby-trapped gauntlet to fetch a solid gold idol" (Planet Indy NP).

"In The Deerslayer, Natty is seen as and idealized youth. Natty is later seen wondering through the forest and lonely waters and is confronted by hunters, Indians, and the hostile Europeans" (Groliers NP). This is an example of Natty encountering physical danger. This wilderness scout is the first of his kind in American literature and was seen nowhere before by the American readers. This novel allowed the readers to enter a world where they could relive the Revolutionary War, Indian wars, and battles on the frontier.

The Indiana Jones character faces danger much more often than does Natty Bumppo, which maybe a sign of what the future will bring. Since Indiana Jones, the heroes have become more action related and have had less emphasis on plot and story line. Seems the viewers and readers alike demand to see battles and wars which only show violence and the onslaught of evil in there heroic literature and movies. These stories and movies are becoming increasingly popular and, as shown in recent comic books and movies, the future of action literature seems to depict the American hero of the future as only muscles and a thirst for blood. Natty Bumppo's and Indiana Jones's characteristics are very similar. They both show incredible bravery by coming to the aid of strangers and friends when they are in grave danger. Both characters always have faithful companions who are with them throughout their journey. They always find a way out of danger by conjuring up the most effective plans for the situation at hand and in the end always esca

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Approximate Word count = 2242
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page double spaced)