An Exploration of the Anti-‐Hero from Past to Present in Two Cultures
AN EXPLORATION OF THE ANTI-HERO FROM PAST TO PRESENT IN TWO CULTURES: AMERICAN AND JAPANESE HONORS THESIS Presented to the Honors College of Texas State University In PartIal FulFIllment oF the RequIrements for Graduation in the Honors College by Hunter A. Burnett San Marcos, Texas May 2016 AN EXPLORATION OF THE ANTI-HERO FROM PAST TO PRESENT IN TWO CULTURES: AMERICAN AND JAPANESE by Hunter A. Burnett Thesis Supervisor: ________________________________ Stephanie Noll, M.F.A. Department of English Second Reader: __________________________________ Roque Mendez, Ph.D, Department of Psychology Approved: ____________________________________ Heather C. Galloway, Ph.D. Dean, Honors College Abstract When we consider the anti-hero, we must understand that this hero type is very dynamic, and always evolving. The anti-hero is different across cultures, and evolves as the zeitgeist of each culture progresses. Modernly, society has seen another uprising of the anti-hero. With new films and TV shows offering practical and identifiable stories of characters that are not considered all good or all bad. The foundation Carl Jung set for archetypes and symbolic meanings, followed by more contemporary research will be recognized and considered. This paper will explore the role of the anti-hero is two separate cultures, American and Japanese. This paper will cover six films, in which the anti-hero will be identified and discussed as a function of their respective culture, and place in society. Themes of motivation, agency and control, and identity and justice will be discussed as they pertain to the anti-hero. Burnett Introduction In Diotima, Battery, Electric Personality, author Criss Jami wrote, “Oftentimes in reality, the genius is in the position of the antihero.
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