the dark Knight

Dark Knight Hero

Myths are extremely important in navigating through the human experience. Their practicality and methods of delivering a message are rather powerful and can be conducted in a variety of ways. One such way of telling a myth is through movie and film. The movie The Dark Knight, released in 2008, is a fine example of how, through motion pictures, the importance of a myth can be revealed to the viewer.

The purpose of this essay is to analyze The Dark Knight through Seger's essay to help illuminate the relationships between myth and modern culture. To accomplish this, this essay will use the 10 step process of the "hero myth" Seger described in her writings. Through this analysis the importance of myth can help be explained by using the character of Bruce Wayne or Batman as the central figure.

Step

Seger's interpretation of the hero myth are described as coming "from our own experiences of overcoming adversity, as well as our desire to do great and special acts. We root for the hero and celebrate when he or she achieves the goal because we know that the hero's journey is in many ways similar to our own. " A standardized pattern arises in every single myth according to Seger and it all begins with the idea of the hero beginning in a very ordinary or still situation and is suddenly forced into action due to the environmental circumstances. This is seen in The Dark Knight as the story of Bruce Wayne / Batman (played by Christian Bale) and his seemingly peaceful life is suddenly disrupted by the recent criminal activities of the Joker played by Heath Ledger) and his violent gang.

Step 2

Seger's next step of the hero myth revealed that the hero in the myth will become disturbed enough to rise out of his slumber and forced into action. The catalyst in this case is the recent threat to safety of Gotham City due to the Joker and his psychopathic methods of seeking revenge on the citizens of the city. An obvious problem is not evident and this begins the decision making process for Bruce Wayne as to whether or not he should become significantly involved in this struggle.

Step 3

The third step in the hero myth according to Seger suggested that the hero of the story needs to contemplate and weigh his decisions. Reluctance on the part of the hero is a common way to depict this theme. This is evident in the Dark Knight as Bruce Wayne is seen discussing his options with his longtime mentor and butler Alfred (played by Michael Caine). This idea is also reinforced by Wayne displaying doubt when gathering information from Lt. Gordon (played by Gary Oldman) and the prosecuting attorney Harvey Dent (played by Aaron Eckhart) about what to do about the menace the Joker.

Step 4

Seger describes the next common occurrence in the hero myth as receiving help from an unknown or divine source. This motivational technique helps the person to understand that the myth needs some sort of divine inspiration and assistance. Both Alfred and Rachel Dawes (played by Maggie Gyllenhaal), Wayne's childhood friend, provide this assistance to Wayne in this film. Additionally, Lucious Fox (played by Morgan Freeman), the military weapons contractor, also offers Wayne technology and weapons that would assist him in his pursuit of the evil Joker.

Step 5

As the typical hero myth continues, the next phase of the story would suggest that the hero is prepared to move into a realm where action and change must occur. This type transformation for Wayne is seen in the movie as well. The movie shifts gears and a new tone is set once Wayne realizes his duty to protect the citizens of Gotham and his love for Rachel when he approaches them at his restaurant and begins to feel compelled to put his resources into action. This is also reinforced by the Joker garnering more support and power through his manipulation of the organized crime factions within Gotham City.

Step 6

Step 6 of the hero myth is noted by the hero beginning his quest to fulfill his destiny according to Seger. She wrote " this often means getting past witches, outwitting the devil, avoiding robbers, or confronting evil. " Bruce Wayne begins to assume the character of Batman to help signal this change in the story. By the middle of the film, the story is set where an eventual confrontation between the Joker and Batman becomes clear. The Joker is set upon seeking revenge on the city and interrupts the Wayne, Dent, Rachel exchange in the restaurant.

Step 7

A complete heroic myth must also contain some near-death or extremely dangerous situation which compels the hero to dig deeper and continue on with his struggle. This part of the myth is evident in a good portion of the film as the confrontations between the Joker and Batman begin to escalate. Batman is eventually portrayed as a violent vigilante and is being wrongfully blamed for the death of two policemen demonstrating how his powers have been usurped from him and is now in a more weakened and depleted state.

Continuing on this theme in the movie, Batman struggles to find a way to deal with both Harvey Dent and the Joker as it appears the whole city of Gotham has abandoned his vigilante methods after he is blamed for the police deaths. Batman reaches new levels of despair and pain when his childhood sweetheart, Rachel, is murdered by the Joker. Soon after, Dent aligns himself with the Joker, changes his name to Two Face and swears revenge on Batman and the rest of the city. Like so many hero myths, Batman has reached rock bottom and all seems lost.

Step 8

The eighth step of the hero myth according to Seger witnesses the hero reaching down deep and begin to fight back from his depression and loss. During this step, the hero must realize that it is up to him to save himself and that he is the only one who can make things right. This increase in motivation is evident in The Dark Knight as Batman takes it upon himself to rid the city of Gotham of both the Joker and Harvey Two Face.

Step 9

Seger explained that this portion of the hero myth is signified by a redemption action ridding the hero of his problems. This step can usually be attributed to the climax of any story or myth. In the case of The Dark Knight, this step is slightly skewed and does not totally align itself with Seger's analysis.