Even
though I did not know anything about the graphic novel (I do now), I did know
about the existence of a peculiar mask. I saw it in many opportunities, always
trying to convey a strong a powerful meaning of justice. I saw it on the
street, walking at mi side asking for free education. I saw on the Internet
with the name of “Anonymous” sending messages through videos and images (memes) to authorities and especially to
people like us, who are dissatisfied with their government and live in a
country controlled by few people.
Once I started reading reading this magnificent graphic novel, I began to understand
the idea behind the mask and the symbolism behind this Guy Fawkes but, where
does it come from the idea of the Guy Fawkes mask?
Directly
connected to the comic, the story of the mask begun a 5th of
November, in the year 1605. A revolutionary man called Guy Fawkes had the
intention of remove King James from the throne by blowing up the parliament. He
could not accomplish his goal since he was arrested and executed. This man, this character of the history, was
the inspiration for V’s “face”.
Now
that we get the background of the mask, what is the idea behind the mask that this
anti-hero wears in V for Vendetta?
While
reading the novel, I have to admit that I was always curious about who was
behind the mask and I expected that in some part of the novel it would be
revealed his identity. Then I realized that, the novel give us sufficient information
to know who was under the mask. Even though, it does not give us a name either
a face, it give pieces of information to understand why he is doing what he’s
doing, knowing a little bit of his past we can understand his present.
Was
that important to see his face to enjoy the novel? No, absolutely no. It was a
brilliant idea to not remove the mask of this character, first, because it is
a perfect strategy to catch the reader’s attention and second, it makes us understand
that anyone can be a hero, or in this case, and anti-hero.
As
we appreciate in this part of the graphic novel, the mask goes beyond that just
wearing a custom, the mask represents an idea, it represents revolution, it
represent justice and the fight against the UK fascists state. Those ideas will
never die.
This novel no
only has given us a story of an anti-hero, it has given us the idea of
revolution through a mask, everyone who wears it, have some important
complaints related to the society, related to the government, related to those
one who control our country. The mask has given people the strength to speak.
How can you
explain this? Why people should wear a mask to feel comfortable and say what
they feel is wrong? Can they do it without a mask?
_______________________________________________________________
Sources:
V for Vendetta: Alan Moore - the man behind the mask | Channel 4 News
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FumNSfY7SfI
Allan Moore talks - V for Vendetta
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QX7ehbE1vc0
eldiario.es:
Guia del comic:
Anon Insiders:
https://anoninsiders.net/the-mask-46/
Anonymous Chile:
http://anonyopschile.blogspot.com/
If we take a look at the wide array of superheroes or chacraters that fight with a purpose , in most cases their identities are revealed, either to the audiance or to the reader. We are used to knowing who this "noble" person is. The fact that not even the reader knows who V is is very unsettling at first, but after a few pages into the book you realize that V is not a " person" is more like an idea, a concept, a revolution that takes the shape of a person, thus the glory of this character does not rely on his or her name, but on he or she stands for.
ResponderEliminarNot knowing the identity makes us more aware of the ideas behind the chracter.
For me the answer to your question is quite simple: NO. Living in a society where people have no right to say what they want and ask for what they need or deserve, there is no opportunity to make a revolution showing who you really are without being hurt or even killed. V was trying to right all the wrongs in society, it was like a project, not a single act, therefore, he could not allow himself to get caught until he had done what he wanted. The mask gave him time and freedom.
ResponderEliminarEste comentario ha sido eliminado por el autor.
ResponderEliminarEvelyn I strongly believe that the message behind the mask is that ''anarchy is in all of us'' . I believe that me mask represents ''us'', the society. We are all V , all of us can be V.
ResponderEliminarthe hero behind the mask is no the most important aspect of the novel , instead is the idea that anarchy, revolutioin, struggle and the desire to be free is in all of us. V is not a representative of an idea, he is just empowering people to dare