Undergraduate / 'The Tramp - Charlie Chaplin' - Common App Essay #4 Character in fiction [8]

Hi, I'm Jess and I hope to apply to Northwestern University and Stanford possibly with this essay. It's about my hero and favorite director/actor. Any feedback is much appreciated!

A small, disheveled man with a petty derby hat, a toothbrush moustache, excessively baggy trousers, a two-size too small coat, an enormously shabby pair of shoes, and a bamboo cane for faux sophistication does not exude the idea of one to admire nor does he possess the qualities of a classic hero or role model. However, it is Charlie Chaplin's character The Tramp that I find more interesting and respectable than any other character or figure. In a flurry of inspiration, Charlie Chaplin initially describes his character: "You know this fellow is many-sided, a tramp, a gentleman, a poet, a dreamer, a lonely fellow, always hopeful of romance and adventure. He would have you believe he is a scientist, a musician, a duke, a polo player. However, he is not above picking up cigarette butts or robbing a baby of its candy. And, of course, if the occasion warrants it, he will kick a lady in the rear -- but only in extreme anger!" Famous for his innocent mischief, unorthodox athleticism, and strange chivalry, The Tramp can appeal to your sympathy, humor, and morality all in one silent, amusing scene, and I often identify with this not-so-heroic character because he exudes an eloquent flair that continually radiates optimism of no other kind. No matter how unfortunate his situation may be, he always manages to look forward and move on with a wave of his gawky cane and a kick in his cheerful strut.

The Tramp does not possess qualities that are commended by society for he often steals, cheats, or escapes from situations in order to survive. In the movie, The Kid, for example, The Tramp and his adopted son John stir up a questionable business as a window repair team in which John casually breaks windows while The Tramp repairs them on the go. It is shoddy, yet clever, but The Tramp still captures your admiration by providing sufficient care to John and risking his life to retrieve him when he is taken.

The Tramp, although unorthodox and unusual, holds a strong optimism and character that appeals to me. In Modern Times, The Tramp meets incessant misfortune in the harsh economic and societal world based on The Great Depression age; first suffering from the industrial trauma, then ending up in prison for an awful mix-up, to searching endlessly for work to support his love and dream of owning a house. However, throughout the film, there is never a sense of hopelessness from The Tramp even after losing his job multiple times and being sent to jail numerously. In the end, while his friend and love is on the verge of submission, The Tramp cries, "Buck up - never say die. We'll get along," to end the movie on a positive message with an underlying note of encouragement to the world. I relate to his optimism because it simply amazes me how carefree and fun The Tramp makes his life even amidst such hardships and difficulties; I feel that I can learn more from watching him cleverly slip away from the clutches of an angry policeman than from the archetypal hero saving an entire civilization single-handedly.