This bachelor thesis aims to answer the following research question: Is it possible to morally absolve Dexter not only from a utilitarian and a Kantian point of view, but are there also aesthetical aspects influencing and reinforcing the viewer’s attitude? As the question consists of two parts, the analysis will correspondingly be carried out in two steps.
The first part will investigate if the viewer is enabled to morally justify Dexter’s behavior by positively identifying with him, and if this dynamic is supported and reinforced by stylistic devices such as framing and mise-en-scène. The second part will investigate Dexter’s “activities” on the basis of the two abovementioned ethical theories and apply these to a selection of scenes from various seasons of the series. Unlike the article from dexterdaily.com, which suggests that Dexter may be morally absolved by both utilitarianism and Kant’s ethical theory, a preliminary assumption of this thesis is that Dexter might be offered moral amnesty by utilitarianism, rather than by Kant.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Aesthetical Analysis
2.1 Viewer Identification
Emotions and Relationships
Self-Reflection
2.2 (Dramatic) Irony and Humor as Mitigating Devices
Ironic Comments
Ambiguity in Statements
3. Ethical Approaches
3.1 Utilitarianism
3.2 Kantian Ethics
3.3 Dexter Morgan – A (Moral) Person, Just Like Us?
Objectives and Research Themes
The primary objective of this thesis is to examine whether viewers can morally absolve the protagonist of the crime series Dexter. The study investigates if this absolution is possible through a dual lens: first, by analyzing how aesthetical stylistic devices—such as camera framing and mise-en-scène—manipulate the viewer into identifying with the character, and second, by applying utilitarian and Kantian ethical frameworks to his murderous activities.
- The influence of aesthetical and stylistic elements on viewer sympathy.
- The role of viewer identification and moral disengagement cues in anti-hero narratives.
- A utilitarian justification of Dexter’s actions based on the maximization of overall well-being.
- A deontological evaluation of Dexter’s behavior according to Kantian ethics.
- The tension between fictional moral judgment and real-life ethical standards.
Excerpt from the Book
Emotions and Relationships
As pointed out above, identification is, inter alia, based on perceived similarities with a fictional character (Maccoby and Wilson 86). Dexter is frequently presented as a person suffering from antisocial personality disorder who lacks the capability of feeling emotions (Epright and Worth 128). However, over the course of the series he begins to show emotions and a sense of attachment to people who are close to him (Houwen 37).
According to the DSM-5 (revised version April 2012), among the criteria for antisocial personality disorder (psychopathy) are “[e]go-centrism”, “self-esteem derived from personal gain, power, or pleasure”, “absence of prosocial internal standards associated with failure to conform to lawful or culturally normative ethical behavior”, a “[l]ack of concern for feelings, needs, or suffering of others”, “lack of remorse after hurting or mistreating another as well as the [i]ncapacity for mutually intimate relationships” (American Psychiatric Association).
Many scenes reveal, however, that Dexter is not a typical psychopath, which might contribute to the viewer’s willingness to side with him, or even identify with and morally absolve him. One example is a selection of scenes that deal with his relationship with his sister Debra.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter defines the research question regarding the possibility of morally absolving Dexter, providing an overview of current research on anti-hero narratives and the methodology applied.
2. Aesthetical Analysis: This section explores how stylistic devices, framing, and narrative techniques are used to manipulate the viewer into identifying with Dexter despite his nature as a serial killer.
2.1 Viewer Identification: This chapter focuses on how Dexter’s emotional connections, social relations, and self-reflection trigger viewer empathy and identification.
2.2 (Dramatic) Irony and Humor as Mitigating Devices: This section analyzes how the use of dark humor and dramatic irony plays down the severity of Dexter’s actions, making them appear more acceptable to the audience.
3. Ethical Approaches: This chapter evaluates whether Dexter’s actions can be justified through philosophical moral theories.
3.1 Utilitarianism: This chapter examines if Dexter’s murders can be considered morally acceptable by arguing they maximize overall happiness and security.
3.2 Kantian Ethics: This section contrasts utilitarian findings with Kant’s deontological perspective, questioning whether Dexter’s actions can satisfy the requirement of universal laws.
3.3 Dexter Morgan – A (Moral) Person, Just Like Us?: The final chapter synthesizes the aesthetic and ethical findings, concluding that while a full moral absolution is problematic, viewers often perceive him as "good" within the context of the series.
Keywords
Dexter Morgan, Antihero, Viewer Identification, Utilitarianism, Kantian Ethics, Deontology, Moral Disengagement, Dramatic Irony, Poetic Justice, Serial Killer, Narrative Perspective, Aesthetic-Culinary, Moral Absolution, Stylistic Devices, Criminal Psychology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this thesis?
The thesis explores how and why audiences are able to sympathize with and morally justify the actions of a serial killer protagonist in the TV series Dexter.
What are the central themes discussed in the analysis?
The central themes include the psychological mechanisms of viewer identification, the role of aesthetic techniques in shaping audience attitude, and the application of moral philosophy to fictional violence.
What is the main research question?
The research asks if it is possible to morally absolve Dexter from both utilitarian and Kantian ethical perspectives, and whether aesthetical aspects reinforce this viewer attitude.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The author uses a qualitative analysis of selected scenes, integrating media studies, film analysis (framing, mise-en-scène), and moral philosophy (Bentham, Mill, Kant).
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body examines the "Aesthetical Analysis" of stylistic devices like camera angles and lighting, followed by an "Ethical Approach" that evaluates Dexter’s behavior through utilitarian and deontological frameworks.
Which keywords define this study?
Key terms include antihero narratives, viewer identification, moral disengagement, utilitarianism, Kantian ethics, and dramatic irony.
How does the "Code of Harry" relate to the Kantian ethical analysis?
The Code is analyzed as a system of rules that provides Dexter with a semblance of duty and rational decision-making, which the author attempts to reconcile with Kantian criteria for moral action.
What role does "poetic justice" play in the viewer's perception of Dexter?
The thesis argues that viewers may set aside real-world moral standards in favor of "poetic justice," where the satisfaction of seeing antagonists punished creates a sense of closure and aesthetic enjoyment.
- Quote paper
- Antonia Gesche (Author), 2018, Dexter Morgan. A Moral Murderer?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1003557
