A Comparative Analysis: Rorschach's Perspective on John Doe from Se7en

Mark Millar's comic character Rorschach, from the Watchmen series, is a figure shrouded in black and symbolizing unyielding moral integrity. He embodies a worldview where justice is blind and often uncompromising. When we place this character in the context of Brian De Palma's psychological thriller Se7en and reflect on the character of John Doe, we are led to explore a fascinating parallel. Our question is, what would Rorschach think of John Doe?

Introduction to the Characters

Rorschach is a vigilante with a disfigured face, known for his harsh beliefs and severe moral code. In Watchmen, he believes that bad people must be punished by any means necessary, much like the saying, 'kill the wolf with no coat.'

John Doe from Se7en is a serial killer who operates on an extremely morbid sense of justice. He targets one form of anhedonia in each of his victims, symbolizing seven deadly sins, which he considers a form of justice. Both Rorschach and John Doe share a fervent belief in their own morality, though their methods and motivations differ.

Rorschach’s Ideals and Morality in Watchmen

Rorschach is the epitome of the 'no fun' vigilante. His belief in the necessity of strong and brutal measures to combat crime is reflected in his unwavering commitment to vigilante justice. For Rorschach, there is no grey area and no mercy. His motto, 'You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain,' is a straightforward reflection of his iron-clad beliefs. He sees himself as a force for justice, even if his methods are ultimately destructive.

John Doe’s Perspective in Se7en

In Se7en, John Doe takes it upon himself to right the wrongs in the world, believing that his actions are justified based on the need to cleanse society of corrupt elements. He selects his victims based on biblical themes and the seven deadly sins, each a moral failing that he believes must be punished. Unlike Rorschach, John Doe believes in his own divine right to judge and punish, even if it means taking lives.

Meeting the Two Characters

The meeting of Rorschach and John Doe would be a sight to behold. While both men are driven by a sense of moral righteousness, their methods and justifications differ significantly. Rorschach would likely resonate with John Doe's strong moral stance, given that he, too, believes in the necessity of harsh measures to impose law and order. However, if John Doe were to reveal that he had been killing innocent people, the dynamic would shift dramatically.

Rorschach’s stringent moral code suggests that once he learns the truth, he would not hesitate to confront John Doe. His belief in the absolute need for justice and the elimination of evil would push him to seek retribution against John Doe. The tension in their encounter would be palpable, with Rorschach seeing John Doe as another threat to the moral fabric of society and a challenge to his own beliefs.

Would Rorschach Change His Tune?

If John Doe disclosed his true intentions and revealed that he had been killing innocent people, Rorschach's perspective would likely change. His unwavering commitment to his ideals would make him question John Doe’s methods, even if their motivations were similar. Rorschach would see the targeting of innocents as a betrayal of the values he holds dear and would likely attempt to confront John Doe, aiming to neutralize the threat to society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Rorschach and John Doe share a fierce commitment to justice, but the contexts in which they operate and the methods they choose are starkly different. Should they ever meet, the resulting dynamic would be one of kinship through shared beliefs but also tension over differing methods of achieving justice. Rorschach's pursuit of a morally pure society would clash with John Doe's self-appointed role as divine judge, creating a complex and compelling scenario.

Understanding these characters, their motivations, and their methods can offer valuable insights into the debate over vigilante justice, moral absolutism, and the consequences of taking the law into one's own hands.

Related Keywords

Rorschach John Doe Watchmen Se7en Morality