V For Vendetta Literary Analysis

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One aspect of class that carried on further into our readings that truly appealed to me was the philosophical and concrete explanation of a mask and its purposes, in the graphic novel, V for Vendetta by Alan Moore. Within the graphic novel we get insight into V’s purpose he hold of wearing the mask, which is to hide his identity and strengthen the idea that anyone can be behind the mask. V reiterates this theory by saying, “Behind this mask there is more than just flesh. Beneath this mask there is an idea... and ideas are bulletproof.” With this said, he want the idea of the mask to be an idea, and idea with the face for the battle against corruption and the injustices facing the government. Now, in other instances we can look to more current …show more content…

Though when we examine the essence of a mask, there are few wise men who refuse to be seen with one on, whether it be a physical mask or a mask to shield whom you really are. Within the writings of Plato, Socrates holds no mask, though he is looked upon by the public as a madman who acts as a wise man, we see throughout the book that Socrates wears no mask because he is loyal to his mind and wisdom. Socrates uses his wisdom to ask questions, to learn, and teach others to look deeper into a multitude of unfathomable questions. Within the text Socrates character remains the same, he only learns from others and is determined to decode the ever evolving questions that comes into his mind. Socrates is a very blunt character who has no connection to human emotions, for emotions only inhibit directness. By refusing to succumb to sensitivity, Socrates shows he is wearing no mask and although he is brusque, he keeps to his character throughout the duration of all three stories and when he is faced with death, he does not lift his mask, for he wears no mask. He is truly just a wise man, willing to embrace death, for that is the great