Batman: The Dark Knight Rises-Excepts from a class taught by Zulfiqar Awan
Themes:
• Ochlocracy — bane as symptom
• Wayne & the heroic questDemocracy is in decay under the pressure of populism.
Ochlocracy — Bane as a symptom of liberal democratic decay
There’s a word in ancient Greek to describe this phenomenon: Ochlocracy (Polybius)
“Ochlos” refers to the mob in its chaotic, messy, unpredictable character, as opposed to “demos” the people.
Ochlocracy is when the crowd dominates, when public emotions reign, the system collapses as mobs no longer believe in government — lack of trust.
Bane, a symptom of societal decay, is the self-proclaimed leader of a revolution against the rich and the corrupt, who he contends are oppressing “the people”, and keeping them subservient with ‘myths of opportunity’.
Bane is also a demagogue. A strong man always emerging from within ochlocracy.
He becomes the city’s rogue sheriff after taking it by force. He has (literally) been laying the ground work for a long time, and very few people have bothered to notice let alone take his threat seriously.
Bane’s populist rise to power is too forceful, and he easily fends off anyone that opposes him. Gordon is hospitalised, and Batman is trapped in a hole in the ground. Bane’s sudden rise is brutal on the people of Gotham, as he immediately upends the social hierarchy of the city for the greater good.
He talks about taking “control of their city”, that their “liberation” lies with the strong leader who’s looking out for the little guy.
At first, Gotham is all for it; Bane’s wealth distribution policy simply too enticing to ignore. He is creating a fairer world and taking from the Gotham establishment.
The Heroes Quest: Bruce Wayne’s journey to becoming a hero
The archetype of the hero’s journey is widely recognised around the world and is found in stories and myths across history. The distinguished scholar Joseph Campbell, (mythologist), based on his research, summarised the hero’s journey by stating the /she goes through eight stages In order to transform.
I shall correspond Bruce’s own heroic journey with Campbell’s model.
1-THE CALL
The invitation or the opportunity to become the hero. What gives us a chance to become a hero: Tragedy, Invitation, Simple unhappiness with our situation.
Example: Bruce Wayne is invited by Ras Al Goul to leave his unfulfilling life, and join the league of shadows.
2-The THRESHOLD
The Individual has accepted the call and now crosses the threshold — his/her journey has begun.
Example: Bruce Wayne has accepted the invitation, “the call”, and has now left his normal environment, entered his new world, and has begun his journey (remember he gives his coat to the homeless man).
3-THRESHOLD GUARDIANS
People or person that will prepare you for the journey. Their role is to not let you pass until you are ready.
Example: Ras Al Ghoul training Bruce Wayne and preparing him for a larger task. Guardian
4-CHALLENGES & TEMPTATIONS
The hero is beginning to become the person they were meant to be, or the person they will need to be to perform the task at hand. Challenges help them to prepare for the true test ahead.
Example: Bruce Wayne becoming Batman. He needs to be pass challenges before he can truly be brave enough or prepared enough to become Batman.
First challenge, overcome childhood fear of bats.
5-HELPER/MENTOR
The helper and mentor is there to come along side us and remind of us who we are, the task at hand.
They are often times a wise old man with a lot of knowledge and wisdom. They will help us in any way they can. They are loyal to the hero at all times.
Example: Alfred has all of the traits of a helper and a mentor.
6-THE ABYSS
This is the GREATEST challenge. Once the Abyss is overcome the hero is reborn and the transformation is complete. Usually the initiate must face the abyss alone and overcome his/her greatest fears. Here is where the initiate must “slay the dragon”.
The dragon often is the thing the hero most dreads and needs to overcome.
7-TRANSFORMATION
As a result of successfully meeting the challenge of the abyss, the hero is transformed. The transformation is the moment of death and rebirth. Often the transformation takes the form of a revelation, a discovery or insight about oneself or one’s culture. This revelation involves a change in consciousness, a change in the way the hero(ine) views life.
Example: Batman has risen from the ashes, overcome his fears of failing, of his past haunting him, and he rises as BATMAN.
8-INDIVIDUATION
The achievement of the goal of the quest. It is what the person went on the journey to get. All the previous steps serve to prepare and purify the person for this step.
Example: Batman has become a symbol of justice, and Gotham city has its hero.
Zulfiqar Awan
