Watchmen belongs to the most complex comics ever published by DC Comics and tackles a grand variety of themes on a tectonical level. This paper will particular shed light on the actions and conduct of Veidt and Rorschach. By doing so, it will discuss whether their behavior is – according to our Western system of values - morally and ethically sustainable. Another question this paper will touch upon is to which degree both characters deconstruct our classical notion of the superhero.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Rorschach: Psychotic Killer or Hero in Disguise
3. Veidt: Megalomaniac Genius or Desperate Gambler?
4. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the ethical conduct of the characters Rorschach and Veidt within the comic book series "Watchmen" to determine if their behaviors align with Western moral values and to what extent they challenge the traditional archetype of the superhero.
- Deconstruction of the classical superhero notion
- Ethical analysis of Rorschach's deontological approach to justice
- Evaluation of Veidt's utilitarian justification for genocidal actions
- Comparison of "Watchmen" protagonists against Western moral systems
Excerpt from the Book
2. Rorschach: Psychotic Killer or Hero in Disguise?
Despite adhering to the protagonists in the comic “Watchmen”, Rorschach simultaneously represents one of the most ambiguous and complex characters. His struggle for the good implies the deployment of torture, violent interrogations and other atrocious actions. Hence, the rise of the question whether Rorschach’s unorthodox methods are justified in order to “punish the evil” (Chapter 1, p. 24, fig. 6) and disseminate the good are more than intelligible. But are his actions morally and ethically acceptable or do they actually come into conflict with our notion of morality. And furthermore, do they undermine our “classical conception of the superhero”?
According to the definition of Peter Coogan a superhero is as followed: A heroic character with a selfless, pro-social mission; with superpowers – extraordinary abilities, advanced technology, or highly physical, mental, or mystical skills; who has a superhero identity embodied in a codename and iconic costume, which typically express his biography, character, powers, or origin (transformation from ordinary person to superhero); and who is generically distinct […] by a preponderance of generic conventions (Coogan 77).
“The plot is structured around his [Rorschach’s] investigation of several murders” (Loftis 67). His first station in the process of his investigations leads him to the bar where Rorschach reveals his high potential of aggression by using the provocative man (cf. Chapter 1, p. 15, fig. 7) as “mere mean” (Nuttall 94) to interrogate the audience which he perceives as “cockroaches” (Chapter 1, p. 10, fig. 9). He does not hesitate to use fear and violence as demonstrative instruments of his power and superiority.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the complex nature of "Watchmen" and establishes the focus on evaluating the morality of Veidt and Rorschach against Western ethical standards.
2. Rorschach: Psychotic Killer or Hero in Disguise: This chapter analyzes Rorschach's violent, deontological approach to justice and explores how his actions complicate his status as a hero.
3. Veidt: Megalomaniac Genius or Desperate Gambler?: This chapter investigates Veidt’s utilitarian master plan, comparing his genocidal actions to his self-perception and moral justifications.
4. Conclusion: This chapter synthesizes the moral analysis of both protagonists, concluding that while both possess a desire to do good, their methods often render them ethically problematic.
Keywords
Watchmen, Ethics, Rorschach, Veidt, Morality, Superhero, Deontology, Utilitarianism, Justice, Violence, Philosophy, Consequentialism, Moral Hero, Comic Studies, American Studies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this paper?
The paper focuses on the ethical behavior and moral frameworks of two main characters from "Watchmen," Rorschach and Veidt, and how their actions reflect or deviate from Western moral values.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
The central themes include the definitions of heroism, the ethics of punishment, utilitarianism versus deontology, and the deconstruction of the traditional superhero narrative.
What is the primary objective of this study?
The primary objective is to analyze whether the unorthodox and often violent actions of Rorschach and Veidt can be considered morally sustainable and how they challenge classical superhero archetypes.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The author uses a literary and philosophical analysis, applying ethical theories such as Kantian deontology and utilitarianism to interpret the actions and motivations of the fictional characters.
What is examined in the main body of the text?
The main body examines Rorschach’s deontological belief in "punishing evil" regardless of consequences and contrasts this with Veidt’s utilitarian justification for mass casualties to achieve a "greater good."
Which keywords characterize this academic work?
Key terms include Watchmen, ethics, Rorschach, Veidt, deontology, utilitarianism, and the deconstruction of the superhero concept.
How does Rorschach's childhood influence his moral worldview?
The paper highlights how Rorschach's upbringing in an environment of maternal abuse and neglect contributed to his "dichotomous thinking" and his view of the world in black and white terms.
Why does Veidt believe his genocidal plan is ethically acceptable?
Veidt justifies his actions through a strict utilitarian framework, believing that sacrificing a minority of lives to prevent larger-scale destruction and secure global peace is a necessary, albeit heavy, burden.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Mario Nsonga (Autor:in), 2011, Moral Hero and Immoral World: A Study of Ethics in "Watchmen", München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/207834
