Literary Analysis Essay on "Watchmen"

Introduction

The "Watchmen" is a novel whose story is centered around a community of masked fighters on earth. The thoughts and motivations of characters are illustrated cinematically. The Watchman explores the issues of nurture versus nature through the character of Rorschach. Moore adds that a superhero is neither born nor shaped by the environment. As a young child, Rorschach dealt with a lot of issues that led to rationalization of his mind to hide behind costumes to live. He is one of the characters who is not affected by the bystander effect and is ready to assist anyone in need. Chapter two of the "Watchmen" gives a good illustration of how the Rorschach is separated from other characters in the novel.

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How does chapter two develop this idea?

In chapter 1, Moore uses the idea of moral nihilism to inform his superheroes, the Comedian, Dr. Manhattan, and Rorschach. Each character is a manifestation of various notions of atheism in the world of Moore. For readers, the world of "Watchmen" is a dark place associated with anxiety and imperfection. Since there is no God in the world of Moore, morality has to be decided by each character. Moore shows that the moral certainty in Rorschach's life is problematic to the lives of other people (Chapter 1, p.1, Panel 1). Nihilism in this chapter is the background used by Moore to show how the nature of the philosophy affects superheroes and their world. In chapter two, Edward Blake is mysteriously thrown off his apartment and Rorschach notices he is the comedian (Chapter 2, Page 2, Panel 9). This chapter presents how he decides to become a costumed hero. When Rorschach sees Moloch, the former costumed Villain leaving Blake's funeral, he questions him about the death of the Comedian. The murder of Blake causes Rorschach to attempt to unravel whoever was responsible for his death. His actions are illustrated in the lyrics, "and I am up while dawn is breaking, even though my heart is aching. I should be drinking a toast to absent friends instead of these comedians (Chapter 2, Panel5, p.10))." Rorschach also visits the cemetery at night, to pay his respects quietly, with a fuss, implying his priestly nature. He finishes with his journal entry and leaves a rose. Rorschach is trying to investigate the murder of Blake so that he can punish the offender in his ruthless ways. For instance, in the case of the mystery man, Rorschach follows him to his apartment and tackles him to the ground saying "you are a part of this Moloch" (Chapter 2, panel 4, p.21). He wants to know why he had crushed in Blake's funeral.

In what ways is Rorschach on the "outside" of what is going on? What is different about him?

Rorschach is a knight of resignation; he is a ruthless vigilante and an anti-hero who handles criminals with a lot of violence. He is a man that has to obtain justice by breaking the law. He is different from other characters since he is a loner and his only friend is Nite-Owl. Since his childhood was consumed with women and sex, he uses homophobic and misogynistic language much often. He does not have significant superpowers, but his human strength and a strong will. He is also good in gymnastics, boxing and street combat. He has a mental disability yet he is knowledgeable, brilliant and unpredictable, as described by Nite Owl. He says, "Rorschach works mostly on his own these days (Chapter 2, Panel 2, p.18)."

Works Cited

"Result for 'Watchmen' Movies - List Movies Of Watchmen." FMovies | Watch Movies Online Free on FMovies.to. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2019.