Marc Yrus Parreno

12-Javier B

Mini Task 2

Short Literary Analysis

Maria Shua’s “Like Hercules”, is one of the pieces she wrote with tons of genres which
translated by Steven J. Stewart. A famous Argentinian writer with 170 works in 565 publications in 6
languages and 8,529 library holdings. “Like Hercules” was a universal and symbolic literary piece for
readers. The piece was on second point of view because it uses “he” and “she”, also, it talks about that
Responsibilities do not end even if the moment a person runs away from it . In this reading, it utilizes
symbolic meaning behind every words that are used and these words portrays a meaningful impact and
a message to the readers throughout the piece. The piece features Hercules’ abilities and skills on
almost everything and it also applies to all of us that even though you are on a circus or a stage with a
face mask on where people would not recognize your actions on stage like a clown, each person is
remembered to not run from it but instead to stay and continue because there are countless and
unexpected ways a significant person can do.

Based on Maria Shua’s “Like Hercules”, skills and abilities of “Hercules” and the statement “Like
Hercules!” are used in the piece. Indeed, just like Hercules, we can do many great things to others and
by that it is highly encouraged that we, people, should not be hesitant and just run from each of these
responsibilities we have. Furthermore, our responsibilities do not end there, but rather a continuous and
dynamic process that we are to possessed and comply with. Just like the statement, “Like Hercules!”, it
was repeatedly stated in the piece, which emphasizes the skills and capabilities of Hercules and the
statement, “strongman lifts a horse and rider with one hand”, “when the strongman 30 stops an
advancing semitruck with his chest” and “handle a bull and lion with his bare hands” are some examples
of abilities that Hercules possessed. Moreover, in order to achieve these actions, a person should start
to know their encouragement, skill and strength. The “circus” is being centralized in the piece like each
of us have abilities or talents to show in front of many people on stage. First, stars mentioned in the
piece would be us, shining and are destined to do something and Second, as heavens will permanently
be our responsibilities that will fall against the stars. In the end, the author is hopeful and informative at
the same time to the readers because she might have someone that she knew who experience a
situation just like the piece she wrote and expecting the readers to fill in the gap of passage from
running away.

Abilities, talents and all sorts of possession to self are of great many significant reasons as to
why these should not be deprived and ignored. As a human being, we are to use these talents with will,
courage and purpose, and not to run away from it. Maria Shua’s “Like Hercules” emphasizes that
running away is pointless and knowing self in person’s own way is better and imperative in order to
know what lies beyond running away and staying from your destiny. Indeed, Responsibilities do not end
even if the moment a person runs away from it. This conclusion falls to us that knowing self is not only
limited to comparing others but rather sheds light like a star to everyone and continuously shining
yourself and other’s lives where beyond is our destination.