Queen Victoria

She is the second longest-reigning British monarch: Queen Victoria. Even though she had characteristics you wouldn’t expect to be considered heroic, she portrays the traits of a hero because she showed compassion for her country, demonstrated positive self care, and took on the role of queen, determined to be successful. She became queen at the age of 18 in 1837; from there, she sought to help her country. I chose her as my hero because she truly embodies some of the characteristics I associate with a hero and strive to portray someday.

Queen VictoriawhatsthatpictureQueen Victoria displayed heroic qualities through her compassion for her people. An example of this would be the Royal Train. At the time, the train and railroad systems were very new to people, and she was skeptical about how she felt toward them. Eventually, she decided to ride one due to the notion of better understanding her peoples' daily lives. “She saw traveling the country as her duty, whereas monarchs didn't necessarily think that before,”  (Hubard 4). She made sure to take care of her people and stay attentive to their needs. The Royal Train event showed that she was up-to-date on current inventions that people were beginning to use. She rode it to have a more personal understanding of her people. Understanding those you are taking care of—and being connected to them—pulls everyone together. It is similar to Queen Victoria being the mother of England and trying to personally connect with her people by participating in the same activities that they commonly interact with. The compassion she has for her people shows that she cares.
    
As the queen of England, Victoria had to meet high expectations. She had responsibilities to her country and people. However, even with the chaos of her life, she found time to do the things she loved: painting and journaling. “Wrote my journal. Took my dinner upstairs alone,” (Victoria 2). This sentence comes from her diary during her first few days as queen. Victoria was beginning her transition to being the queen of England; she needed time alone and a moment to be with her thoughts. She was surrounded by people regularly and didn’t have much free time. Despite this, she made sure to include it in her life. Being able to do this demonstrates a heroic quality to me because she was a public figure. Her actions show that it is okay to need a break to do something you enjoy. As a student who is always doing extracurricular activities while being in a house where both my parents work, she reminds me that I need to take a break and do something I enjoy every once in a while. 

Buckingham Palaceshining.darknessMy final and most important point: Queen Victoria was exceptional at portraying her determination. At first, she was fifth in line to inherit the throne. Since King Edward VII died and none of her uncles had heirs, she became first in line and was titled queen. When crowned, she made sure to show that she meant business. “Her confident manner made a great impression on the men gathered at the Accession Council meeting in the palace’s Red Saloon. As the Duke of Wellington described, ‘she not only filled her chair, she filled the room,’” (Historic Royal Palaces 14). At this moment, she needed to make a good impression on people; otherwise, they would not take her seriously. She embodied the idea of determination by making her presence known and showing she could do what she was determined to be a good queen for the country. I find this is especially important because, during her time, women had very little they were able to do, because of gender norms. She showed me that even if people degrade you, be determined and exceed their expectations.

Queen Victoria may not be associated with the word hero for most people. I think that she helps me understand a reasonable standard to strive for, and that is what makes her portray heroic characteristics in my eyes. She showed compassion, a trait that helps others’ well-being and makes you feel like a better person. Her actions also prove that taking time for yourself and doing what you enjoy is paramount. If you have a lot of responsibilities and requirements, it is possible. Finally, the determination she kept throughout her reign inspires me to persevere—even if I am experiencing hardship.