| This dissertation will examine the recent trend of villain worship in American popular culture. In essence, the transformation of the villain from antagonist into heroic protagonist will be explored. It is hypothesized that this trend is a result of American society's repression of their aggressive aspects deeply rooted in comely violence and unconscious disavowals. This phenomenon can be explained by examining American society through a Jungian hermeneutical approach. Firstly, the Jungian concept of the collective unconscious and the universal archetypes dwelling within it will be presented. Specifically, the shadow archetype, including the shadow's representation of an individual's collective repressed impulses and proclivities, will be discussed. Following this description, the shadow's endeavors to be seen in American culture on a daily bases will be analyzed though the exploration of this society's values and beliefs. After these concepts have been inspected, the characteristics of traditional heroes and villains will be examined and, by dissecting their similarities and differences, in doing so, the nature of the shadow in the collective trend towards celebrating the villain will become apparent. Finally, four specific case examples will be thoroughly investigated: The Joker, Hannibal Lecter, John Kramer (Jigsaw), and Dexter Morgan. These characters, popular in a multitude of different genres, possess the qualities of a villain, yet are admired in a heroic manner. |
