Wednesday, April 17, 2013

O is for Outlaw

A popular feature in American news coverage during the 1930's and old Western films, the outlaw has become a celebrated – and deeply romanticized – subject in both film and literature. Wanted for crimes and a fugitive from justice, outlaws can be viewed as both criminal and hero, flouting a corrupt government or oppressive society by committing unlawful deeds. 

O is for Outlaw 

Robin Hood (Too many books and movies to name) – The most famous outlaw of them all, Robin Hood is a British folk hero that's fascinated the world for centuries. He robbed from the rich and gave to the poor, lived in the forest with his true love and band of Merry Men, and flouted an corrupt system and wicked king. He is one of the most enduring characters and epic outlaws to ever grace film and literature. 

Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow (Bonnie and Clyde) – The couple that that captured the interest (and wealth) of America during the Public Enemy Era, Bonnie and Clyde robbed countless banks, gas stations and stores in their three year run together. With his dark and dangerous attitude and her sassy style, not to mention the appeal of a love story between two outlaws on the lamb, Bonnie and Clyde has remained a fascinating subject for nearly eighty years. They demonstrate the age-old adage, those who rob together, stay together. At least until shot and killed by the law. 

Butch Cassidy (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid) – A classic American outlaw from the Wild West, Butch Cassidy was a train and bank robber and leader of the Wild Bunch Gang. Made famous by the 1969 film chronicling his exploits and retreat to Bolivia, Butch and his partner, The Sundance Kid, are film icons, bravely charging into a swarm of armed Bolivian guards,  meeting their probable death with sarcasm and blazing guns

Ned Kelly (Ned Kelly) – Considered by many Australians to be a heroic figure fighting British rule in the Australian outback, Ned Kelly was born in Victoria to an Irish convict. After several scrapes with the law for cattle and horse stealing, Ned, his brother Dan, and several friends went on the run, eventually forming the Kelly Gang. Robbing banks and defying British authority, Ned and his gang are revolutionary symbols against an unwelcome outside authority. 

Simon and River Tam (Firefly) – When Simon Tam learns that his younger sister River is being abused and experimented on by members of the Alliance, he leaves his well-respected place at the Medial Academy and cushy, elite life to rescue her. Together they go on the run, hiding from Alliance agents who continue to hunt them aboard the firefly vessel, Serenity. 

And there you have it, my Top 5 favorite Outlaws. What are some of your favorites? 
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This post is part of the Blogging A through Z Challenge 2013. My theme (in case you didn't already guess) is character types and tropes. Stay tuned for the rest of the alphabet, and if you’d like to check in on the other participants, simply click here.

15 comments:

  1. The anti-hero, a staple in literature forever. I loved Firefly.
    Katie atBankerchick Scratchings

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  2. I've loved Robin Hood since the first time I saw the Disney version. I was... young.

    What about William Wallace?

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    1. Who kills his enemies with lightning from his arse?

      That is a reference to a real piece of 90's pop culture.

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    2. Exactly... and fireballs from his eyes? I think.

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  3. Tony Soprano? A total outlaw and in a different genre too. I know you mentioned him earlier, but I loved Dr. Richard Kimball.

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  4. Thanks for visiting my blog. My favorite outlaw has gotta be Robin Hood. he is awesome!!

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  5. I think the only two I hadn't heard of was Firefly and Kelly, looking forward to reading your other posts, will be linking to your blog in my post tomorrow.

    Amanda - Realityarts-Creativity
    Art Blog

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  6. It's Jesse James for me, as featured in the book and film The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford.

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  7. I do love outlaws. You name all of my favorites here. And I'd like to second the addition of Jesse James.

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  8. Ooh, awesome O word! I hadn't heard of Ned Kelly before. Sounds interesting!

    Sarah Allen
    (From Sarah, With Joy)

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  9. Love your O-word! I think the legends of Robin Hood have always charmed us because we love folk heroes who rebel against oppression and may appear on the surface to be bad, but are kind and caring underneath. If he really did rob from the rich and give to the poor, we need to see if we can introduce this story concept to our government, so that the big guys don't slide by while the common folks struggle to get by! I think it's a message that speaks to our hearts. Great post!

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  10. Excellent O post! My favorite would be Billy the Kid.
    Connie
    A to Z-ing to the end
    Peanut Butter and Whine

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  11. Obviously, I love everyone from Firefly--hero, villain or outlaw. Of course, there wasn't much black and white in Firefly. We do have a tendency to romanticize the outlaw though.

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  12. I remember the first time I saw the movie bonnie and clyde with (I can't believe it, my mind just went blank) Faye Dunaway (?) and Warren Beatty (okay, had to look it up) and the end scene just totally freaked me out. You have some of my fave outlaws here. Brilliant post.

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