COMICS JOURNAL 20 (b) - Deconstruction Theory in Watchmen
I would like to comment on the presentation of deconstruction theory. The slides explained very clear about how and why this theory exists and why it is important not only in analyzing the literature but also encouraging us to think critically about human nature. The slides by Ilya explained the deconstruction is about not to accept the general interpretation of something but to challenge and question it if possible. We always take the things for granted and listen to authority without questioning. Using the deconstruction lens, we should go deeper to understand the motives behind and we can have infinite answers because things are not closed end. So, Kristin’s slides at the end to encourage us to think about the deconstruction theory not only on Watchman but extend it to human nature was also a deconstruction example, because this team do not limit themselves to a specific topic but think out of the box.
Rylie’s slides comparing the difference between classic superheroes and Watchmen are good examples of how deconstruction theory found in Watchmen. The classic superheroes are always handsome, kind, having good personal traits, never do things such as killing to achieve something, and always have a happy ending. Rylie’s example of Rorschach shows how Watchmen is completely different from the classic superheroes plots because Rorschach is ugly looking, kill the bad people violently, need others (the Nite Owl II) to get him out of the prison because he cannot escape himself, and finally killed by Dr. Manhattan due to Rorschach opposed to Viedt’s plan of killing huge number of innocent with the hope that all governments will join hands after the disaster. Rorschach wants to save the innocent but was killed while Viedt was praised internationally and his killing plan was not revealed to the public.
I would suggest adding Comedian to the examples as well. Comedian has a bad image such as attempting to rape Laurie’s mother when he was young and killed a pregnant woman who carried his child and left a permanent scar on his face. But he was one of the Watchmen. Near the end of the book, Comedian’s comments inspired Veidt who started to think and develop a devastating plan. When Comedian knew the plan and wanted to let others know, he was killed. Both of Comedian and Rorschach have bad traits that classic superheroes do not have, yet both of them want to save lives and avoid man-made disasters. So, Watchmen made readers think again superheroes are not necessary carrying all good traits. People having a scar on face or a bad childhood can also safe the world. This is why deconstruction theory works so well in Watchmen.
Rylie’s slides comparing the difference between classic superheroes and Watchmen are good examples of how deconstruction theory found in Watchmen. The classic superheroes are always handsome, kind, having good personal traits, never do things such as killing to achieve something, and always have a happy ending. Rylie’s example of Rorschach shows how Watchmen is completely different from the classic superheroes plots because Rorschach is ugly looking, kill the bad people violently, need others (the Nite Owl II) to get him out of the prison because he cannot escape himself, and finally killed by Dr. Manhattan due to Rorschach opposed to Viedt’s plan of killing huge number of innocent with the hope that all governments will join hands after the disaster. Rorschach wants to save the innocent but was killed while Viedt was praised internationally and his killing plan was not revealed to the public.
I would suggest adding Comedian to the examples as well. Comedian has a bad image such as attempting to rape Laurie’s mother when he was young and killed a pregnant woman who carried his child and left a permanent scar on his face. But he was one of the Watchmen. Near the end of the book, Comedian’s comments inspired Veidt who started to think and develop a devastating plan. When Comedian knew the plan and wanted to let others know, he was killed. Both of Comedian and Rorschach have bad traits that classic superheroes do not have, yet both of them want to save lives and avoid man-made disasters. So, Watchmen made readers think again superheroes are not necessary carrying all good traits. People having a scar on face or a bad childhood can also safe the world. This is why deconstruction theory works so well in Watchmen.
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