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
- Introduction
- Rorschach: Psychotic Killer or Hero in Disguise?
- Rorschach's Methods and Morality
- Rorschach's Background and Worldview
- Rorschach's Deontological Perspective
- Rorschach's Actions and Morality
- Rorschach: Moral Hero or Antihero?
- Veidt: Megalomaniac Genius or Desperate Gambler?
- Veidt's Utilitarian Philosophy and Actions
- Veidt's Hypocrisy and Moral Conduct
- Veidt's Consequentialist Attitude and Sacrifice
- Veidt's Actions and Ethics
- Veidt: Hero or Villain?
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper examines the actions and conduct of Veidt and Rorschach in the graphic novel "Watchmen" to determine whether their behavior is morally and ethically sustainable according to Western values. It also explores the extent to which their actions deconstruct the traditional notion of the superhero. Key themes include:- Ethics and Morality in a Superhuman Context
- The Nature of Good and Evil
- Utilitarianism vs. Deontology
- The Traditional Superhero Archetype
- Justice vs. Order
Chapter Summaries
Introduction
This chapter introduces the graphic novel "Watchmen" and its complex themes, focusing on the actions and morality of Veidt and Rorschach.Rorschach: Psychotic Killer or Hero in Disguise?
This chapter delves into the complex character of Rorschach, examining his unorthodox methods and their justification. Rorschach's violent interrogation techniques and his unwavering commitment to "punishing the evil" are analyzed in relation to our Western notion of morality and ethics. His troubled past, his deontological worldview, and his actions in the context of the graphic novel's narrative are explored to understand his role as a moral hero or antihero.Veidt: Megalomaniac Genius or Desperate Gambler?
This chapter examines the seemingly contradictory nature of Veidt, who appears cultivated and charismatic but ultimately orchestrates a genocidal plan. His utilitarian philosophy and his willingness to make sacrifices for a greater good are explored. Veidt's hypocrisy and moral conduct are analyzed through his actions, particularly his manipulative behavior and the calculated nature of his plan. The chapter concludes by examining the implications of Veidt's actions for our understanding of the superhero archetype and ethical boundaries.Keywords
The main keywords and focus topics of this text are: "Watchmen," "ethics," "morality," "superhero," "Rorschach," "Veidt," "utilitarianism," "deontology," "justice," "order," "violence," "sacrifice," "hero," "villain," and "Western values."
Excerpt out of 17 pages
- scroll top
- Quote paper
- Mario Nsonga (Author), 2011, Moral Hero and Immoral World: A Study of Ethics in "Watchmen", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/207834
Look inside the ebook
