Abstract

 As for the development of individual heroism, there exist cultural, economic and historical reasons. Individual heroism is an important part of American culture. The core of the individual heroism is the perfect combination of individualism and heroism. Films are an important medium of contemporary cultural communication, and nowadays a lot of films reflect individual heroism by portraying the images of heroes, such as Superman, Mission Impossible, Brave Heart. But what is a real hero in Americans’ eyes? What is individual heroism and what are the factors affecting the development of individual heroism? In this paper, the author tries to discuss them by taking The Lord of the Rings as an example.
The paper consists of four parts: the first part mainly introduces the definition of individual heroism and the specific characteristics it expresses. The second part overviews the background information, the main characters and the main plots in the film series. The third part aims to explore individual heroism in the film series from five aspects, i.e. the pursuit of freedom, self-reliance, courage, equality of opportunity, and competition. The fourth part briefly introduces the reasons of individual heroism development from aspects of history, culture and economy. 
 
Key words: The Lord of the Rings; film; individual heroism

摘  要

个人英雄主义价值观的产生，有其历史、经济和文化等原因。个人英雄主义是美国文化的重要部分，其核心是个人主义和英雄主义的完美结合。电影是当前文化交流的重要媒介，并且诸多电影通过塑造英雄形象来反映个人英雄主义，如《超人》、《碟中谍》《勇敢的心》。但是，在美国人眼中，什么算是一个真正的英雄？什么是个人英雄主义？什么因素影响个人英雄主义的发展？在本文，作者以电影《指环王》三部曲为例，讨论这些内容。
本文共分成四个部分：第一部分主要介绍个人英雄主义的定义及其特点；第二部分概述该电影的背景信息、主要角色和主要情节；第三部分从以下五个方面探讨个人英雄主义在影片中的体现，他们分别是对自由、自力更生、勇气、机会平等、竞争意识的追求。第四部分主要从历史、文化和经济三个方面来分析个人英雄主义的形成原因。
 
关键词：指环王；电影；个人英雄主义