I don't want to be a hero!

In class we watched Stage Coach and Unforgiven - both westerns - whose main characters are reluctant heros. This theme of undesired glory seems to be prevelant throughout all westerns especially in Unforgiven. William Munny is a widowed pig farmer with two kids and a history of ruthless killing.The last thing he wants to do is go back to his "old ways." But with some convincing by the Schoefield kid, Will decides he'll do the job. Throughout the film Will's lack of desire to be famous becomes appealing. The audience roots for him because his killing is "justified," he's doing it for the good of man kind, not for the glory. In contrast to the Schoefield kid who is searching for a way to become a hero. Schoefield need for attention makes Will look better than ever. As time goes on, the audience hopes applaudes Will when he kills others. At times the killing becomes excessive (especially toward the end of the film), but the audience pays no attention to this - they seem almost pleased. Due to Will's reluctance to be a hero, the audience becomes more engrossed with his story of success. They constantly push for Will to rise to the top and kill the bad guy. Will's consistent resistance to being the center of attention or the hero makes him more likeable because of his humility and selfless actions. In a world that's consumed by egotisical, self centered people - it's very attractive to find someone who isn't that way, and the audience finds that in Will Munny.