The Theme Of Heroism In Alan Moore's Watchmen

“With great power comes great responsibility” was the advice given to an all-time favourite superhero, Spiderman. However, a hero is not defined by the power one has but what one does with the power they are given. Power can come in a variety of forms such as wealth, physical capabilities or mental strength, and two powerful characters usually results in an epic battle for ultimate authority where one is seen as a hero and the other a villain. “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest” written by Ken Kesey, tells the story of the battle between two strong-willed characters within a mental asylum, Randle P. McMurphy and the Big Nurse Ratched. Randle P. Murphy is seen as a hero to many of the male patients on the ward and in particular to Chief

The novel, The invisible hero by Elizabeth Fensham explores the theme of heroism and villainy. Heroism can be defined as doing a selfless act in hope of inspiring others. Villainy can be defined as an act of doing something ‘evil’ in spite of another person or group. although it is commonly known that heroes and villains are polar opposite it is much more complex because it all depends on perspective. This idea of heroism and villainy will be expressed through an analysis of the style, characters, setting and plot.

When read with a critical eye, the world of superhero comics often offers a lens with which we can examine society, our values, the meaning of justice, and the role of the individual in regards to the greater community. If all of this information is garnered from critical reading, then the way in which the medium of comics constructs these meanings will reflect an embrace or a rejection of the common symbols and ideology of it’s source culture. In the case of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbon’s 1987 graphic novel, Watchmen, the second approach is used, as Moore’s writing draws upon the common cultural understanding of superheroes and exaggerates or tweaks them, exposing their underlying ideals. In this way, Watchmen functions not only as a

Many people say that the metal of a man is found in his ability to keep his ideals in spite of anything that life can through at you. If a man is found to have done these things he can be called a hero. Through a lifelong need to accept responsibility for all living things, Robert Ross defines his heroism by keeping faith with his ideals despite the betrayal, despair and tragedy he suffers throughout the course of The Wars by Timothy Findley.

Through the character Rorshach, The Watchmen explores the issues of nature verses nurture for him. Moore adds that a super hero, can be a psychological argument. A super hero is neither born nor shaped by environment, it is the creation of an alter ego to suppress childhood conflicting inner issues. Rorshach dealt with issues as a young child that rationalized in his mind to hide behind a costume and a mask in order to live.

The concept of a hero has been around for many generations, and the meaning of a hero is defined in ways people grasp its idea. A hero can be a person who has a superpower and is willing to make a personal sacrifice for the benefit of others or can be an ordinary everyday person who just wants to help people out of his or her own heart. Linda Seger’s article, “Creating the Myth,” tackles the idea of a “Hero 's Myth,” and shows the ten steps of how heroes are transformed from an ordinary person to the Savior. On the other hand, Robert B. Ray piece titled, “The Thematic Paradigm,” emphasizes that in modern films, it is either having an “Outlaw Hero or an Official Hero,” which he uses three stages to demonstrates how they are different each other in the way they perform in the society. Further, the article, “Out of Character: Wonder Woman’s Strength Is Her Compassion - What Happened?” by Stevie St. John, explains how Wonder Woman was viewed as a compassionate woman in the 1940s and 1950s, and in the 2000s she changes into a more violent person. In this essay, I argue that a hero is subjective, and is defined by the villain or event that they had to adapt to suddenly.

Jon Gordon is a critically acclaimed author known for working with several athletic organizations such as the Pittsburgh Pirates, Miami Heat, and Atlanta Falcons as well as many more. One of his most recognizable titles is written about a deceased collegiate athlete at his alma mater, the Ivy League, Cornell. The very instant Jon Gordon caught wind of George Boiardi inspirational story and the hard hat he was utterly fascinated. George Boiardi was a men’s lacrosse player at Cornell University in the early 21st century. Tragically, George’s life was cut short while playing the game he loved. Even before George Boiardi, Cornell lacrosse was already synonymous with heroism. In 1993, bombs were detonated underneath the North Tower of the World

Alan Moore’s Watchmen uses names to deconstruct various characters in the graphic novel. Laurie’s, Dan’s, Kovacs’, Adrian’s, and Jon’s multiple names provide insight into their personalities and roles in the novel. Laurie Juspeczyk is the daughter of Sally Jupiter, formally known as Silk Spectre. The name Laurie is derived from the Latin name “Laurel”.

In the reading, “Why We Love TV’s Anti-heroes” by Stephen Garrett, he points out that anti-heroes are becoming more popular than the traditional hero. Garrett states, “the word hero is abused in the news, the sports reports, and even in conversation” (318). For example tabloids recognize someone who battles a drug addiction and overcomes it or a substitute kicker for the football game kick the winning field goal (318). You see he argues that traditional heroes are “boring” and that there are no longer any more real heroes (318-321). Anti-heroes are characters or people who are just evil but still get the viewers to like

Alan Moore’s story offers an immersive and complex plot that raises all sorts of moral questions. It is an extraordinary work of literature that occupies a well

Because Rorschach grew up experiencing injustice and constant humiliation from other children, he sees his barbaric acts as being equitable, almost as if they redeem him of the rightful childhood he never had. On page 182, panels 4-6, Rorschach’s mother relentlessly beats him after one of her patrons storms out on her. Rorschach tries to explain his actions to his mother, stating that he thought the man was hurting her, this can arguably mean he was coming to her aid. Still, she beats him mercilessly. This is a brief example of what he endured in childhood that later manifests itself through his troublesome adolescence and haunts him into adulthood. On page 203 panel 8, Rorschach stands outside a man’s home, watching as it becomes engulfed in flames, notably, this man was allegedly responsible for the murder of a little girl. Rorschach interprets slaughtering him as an act of redemption, especially because the victim was a small, helpless child. We see his character illuminated by the bright orange embers as his own dark shadow is cast behind him. This panel essentially captures Rorschach’s character, his face covered and his hands resting in his pockets, giving the reader a sense of his cool yet dark demeanor stemming from a troubled past. Similarly, he stands tall in the panel, a metaphor that could interpreted as standing tall in the face of injustice knowing justice has been served on his own terms. His character is misunderstood and seen as cold-hearted. Often

Allen Moore’s sordid depiction of twentieth century life presents a complex world, where the distinction between a virtuous hero and a villainous wrongdoer is often blurred. In stark contrast to the traditionally popularized portrayal of superheroes, whose unquestionably altruistic motives ultimately produce unrealistically idealized results; the realistically flawed characters of Watchmen exist in a multi faceted world characterized by moral ambiguity. America’s imperialistic ambitions have long been justified as an expression of American idealism. Much like the portrayal of superheroes in popular culture, America’s intervention in foreign affairs was portrayed as the result of a clearly defined problem, where American intervention was

The two films John Frankenheimer’s The Manchurian Candidate (1950) and Dr. Robert Wise’s The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951), both display heroism through politics, which shape the plot and characters who act as heroes. In Frankenheimer’s film, one focuses on a political family during the communist conspiracy. The army is supposedly brainwashed, leading Raymond Shaw into an assassination. Major Ben Marco steps up and is a phenomenal leader for his country. He is the noticeable hero for attempting to make things better, and for stopping the corruption that could take place. Wise’s film was one of fearless acts. Klaatu meant no harm although he was shot when coming down out of the spaceship because no one had a clue what was happening. The setting was not crucial to the action of this film. The timing and scenario held a higher significance. Although heroes can be thought of as typically accomplishing a good deal and saving someone, the heroes throughout these two films shape a definition contrary to a typical thought. Through studying the mise-en-scène, continuous and discontinuous movement in these films, the hero can be defined as one who takes selfless action to better the life of others.

Rorschach has unmistakably labelled this women as evil; spreading lies and rumours for personal gain at the expense of someone else. However, as she pleads for him not to call her on her actions in front of her children, he backs down. This act of mercy completely contradicts Rorschach’s philosophy, “There is good and there is evil, and evil must be punished. Even in the face of Armageddon, I shall not compromise on this.” (Moore, I.25) By failing to punish the landlady, Rorschach is in fact contradicting this previous statement. By condemning the women, he would be subjecting innocents to violence; therefore, he indeed compromises in his “concrete” morality. In addition to this lapse in his moral dedication, Rorschach’s tendency to justify some evil actions throughout the story challenges his moral absolutism and contradicts his later actions, “I liked President Truman... He dropped the atom bomb on Japan and saved millions of lives.” (Moore, VI.31) Although this was quoted when Rorschach was a child, it is evident that he still admires Truman when he praises him at the beginning of the story, “They could have followed in the footsteps of good men, like my father or Truman.” (Moore, I.1) It is clear that Rorschach approves of Truman’s actions, noting that he did what he did for

Watchmen by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons utilizes the literary tool of symbols. Symbols such as the smiley pin, clocks, and the haunting “who watches the watchmen” graffiti all come up several times in the graphic novel, thus alluding to a deeper meaning. Time is a major theme throughout the comic and plays a significant part in the structure and outcome of the story. This theme is successfully coupled to the theme of destiny by the use of the clock and other symbols that are present throughout the comic. Symbols such as clocks, the smiley pin, and the graffiti are utilized to efficiently connect the themes of time, justice and loss of innocence throughout Watchmen.