One example is the story of Malala Yousafzai. She defied the Taliban in Pakistan to fight for girls' education. Despite being shot in the head by the Taliban, she survived and continued her advocacy on a global scale. Her courage makes her an epic hero in modern times.
The story of Elon Musk can also be considered. He is on a mission to revolutionize transportation with Tesla and space exploration with SpaceX. He faces numerous challenges and setbacks but keeps pushing forward, aiming to make a huge impact on humanity and the future of our planet. It's like an epic journey with him as the hero trying to change the world.
Some might consider the 'Avengers' series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as modern day epic stories. It brings together a large group of superheroes with their own unique abilities and backstories. They face global and even universal threats like Thanos. There are epic battles, character arcs, and a sense of an overarching story that spans multiple movies, making it a modern epic in the superhero genre.
Modern day epic hero stories can also drive social change. Greta Thunberg's climate change activism has pushed governments and corporations to re - evaluate their environmental policies. Her story has made climate change a more urgent topic in the public consciousness, leading to more efforts towards sustainability.
Another modern day hero story is that of Greta Thunberg. A young Swedish environmental activist, she started skipping school to protest outside the Swedish parliament to demand action on climate change. Her solitary actions inspired a global movement of students, forcing world leaders to take notice of the climate crisis.
One modern day horror story could be about cyberstalking. A person's every move online is monitored by an unknown entity, their personal information leaked, and they start receiving threats. Another could be the horror of living in a polluted environment where the air is so bad it makes people sick, and the water is undrinkable. There are also stories about identity theft, where someone wakes up to find their entire financial life in ruins because a criminal has stolen their identity.
One example could be the movie 'The Lion King'. Simba's situation has some parallels to Hamlet. His father is killed unjustly, and he is haunted by his father's death and has to face the usurper, Scar, much like Hamlet has to deal with Claudius. Another example might be in some modern political dramas where a young heir to power has to avenge the death of a family member while navigating a corrupt political system.
Another modern day torture story is about the abuse of detainees in certain conflict zones. There have been accounts of detainees being subjected to physical beatings, sleep deprivation, and other forms of cruel treatment. These actions violate basic human rights and international laws.
Another is 'West Side Story'. It's inspired by 'Romeo and Juliet'. The feuding families are replaced by rival gangs in New York City. The story of star - crossed lovers remains, but with a more contemporary backdrop, different cultures, and the added element of social commentary on issues like immigration and discrimination.
One example could be stories of people inheriting family land or property in modern times. It might involve the challenges they face in maintaining or making decisions about it. Another could be the inheritance of a family business. The heir has to deal with modern market competition and changing consumer demands while carrying on the family legacy.
In a political context, a politician who is overly eager for power may be seen as a modern - day Macbeth. He might make underhanded deals, manipulate the media, and sacrifice the well - being of his constituents all in the name of climbing the political ladder. For instance, he could promise things during his campaign that he has no intention of fulfilling just to get elected.
Some epic modern novels include 'Infinite Jest' by David Foster Wallace. It's a complex and sprawling work that delves into themes like addiction, entertainment, and the search for meaning in a post - modern world. 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien, while set in a fictional fantasy world, has had a huge impact on modern literature and is an epic in terms of its world - building, character development, and the grandeur of its story. 'A Passage to India' by E.M. Forster is also an important epic modern novel that examines the relationships between the British and Indians during the colonial era, exploring themes of race, culture, and misunderstanding.