RAINBOW
Volume 1 Number 1, January 2012: Page 45 - 57
A Study On Relationships Between Batman and Hush in Batman Hush A Psychosocial Approach
I Made Bayu Kusumawardana
ABSTRACT This paper was intended to observe the relationships that developed between the two main charac- ters in Batman Hush based on certain parameters. The parameters are character’s environment, social life and their choice to adapt to it. Through the process of analysis, the characters came into different result of relationship even though their conditions are quite similar. The mean used in this paper are Theory of Psychosocial Development. It’s a theory promoted by Professor Erik Erikson which separated human’s character development into 8 stages.
Key words: Batman Hush, relationships, psychosocial, Erik Erikson
INTISARI Skripsi ini ditujukan untuk mengamati hubungan yang berkembang diantara dua karakter utama da- lam Batman Hush berdasarkan parameter tertentu. Parameter yang dipakai terdiri dari lingkungan sekitar karakter, kehidupan sosial dan pilihan mereka untuk beradaptasi terhadapnya. Melalui proses analisis diketahui bahwa karakter mendapatkan hasil yang berbeda dalam hubungan sosial mereka walaupun mereka berada dalam kondisi yang mirip Alat yang dipakai dalam skripsi ini adalah Teori Perkembangan Psikososial. Ini adala teori yang dipromosikan oleh profesor Erik Erikson dimana teori ini membagi perkembangan karakter manusia da- lam delapan tahap.
Key words: Batman Hush, hubungan, psikososial, Erik Erikson
Introduction Batman Hush introduced the internal "Hush" is a 2002-2003 comic book story struggle within the mind of Bruce Wayne, as arc that ran through the Batman monthly se- he questions his own belief and past. In the ries. It was written by Jeph Loeb, and pen- story he meet Thomas Elliot a friend of the ciled by Jim Lee, inked by Scott Williams and past. Thomas Elliot was his equal, even a bet- colored by Alex Sinclair. The story depicts a ter individual than he was or that is what he mysterious stalker, head wrapped in bandag- thinks about him. Unknown to Bruce Wayne, es, called Hush, who seems intent on sabo- Thomas Elliot is living a hell of torture by his taging Batman from afar, and utilizes a large parents, a distorted way of loving that is done number of guest appearances by Batman by his parent. As a result he grew up hating villains. It also emphasizes the romantic feel- the world but he still sought for it. That is why ings between Batman and Catwoman. he killed his own parent for the inheritance, al-
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though the plan is half-foiled by Bruce’s father read literature just see those comics fans who Dr. Thomas Wayne. make literature arguments as being geeks, dweebs, and eggheads.” Theoretical Review But whether public want to call comics 1. Comic as Literature “literature” is a hair-splitting debate. If , the There is always argument whether comic word “literature” comes from the same route is regarded as literature. Comic lovers have as “literacy” and it’s primarily about written been struggling for the cause, to have comic text, then “literature” isn’t an apt choice of books recognized as literature. Although in word for comics. On the other hand, if it used the past there have been an achievement, Art as an analogy about “media literacy”, and if Spiegelman’s Maus won a Pulitzer in 1992, the concept of literature can encompass ma- but it is only one in the many. Despite the vari- terial like drama, then there is no reason why ety of subject matter, art style, and age range, an expanded definition of the term couldn’t the term ‘comic book’ is still used as an idiom encompass comics. “Literature”, like most for lower culture distinction. Now and then words, has a range of meanings. there will be review about novels or movies, It’s a matter of personal perception and saying it “comic book-ish”. It is not meant as how each individual perceives what “litera- a compliment for innovative or colored with ture” means to them. emotion or profound. Comic books can con- Using the part of “media literacy” which tain those things though. The loosely used contains the meaning of media that enable term “graphic novel” made the term “comic people to analyze, evaluate, and create mes- book” sounds like lightweight stuff. Comic sages, it is fair to state that comic book or book need a lot more to achieve it’s position graphic novel is a part of literature. as a literature. Comic books are a form of entertainment 2. erikson’s Psychosocial Development not different from any other form of popular Theory entertainment. As such, there is bad and good Erikson’s theory describes the impact of stuff in it as in any other entertainment me- social experience across the whole lifespan. dium. Comics can be clever, well-written, in- One of the main elements of Erikson’s psycho- volving popular entertainment, but they’re pop social stage theory is the development of ego entertainment nonetheless. That is a fact. identity. Ego identity is the conscious sense And how do people can recognize that comic of self that we develop through social interac- is literature? tion. According to Erikson, our ego identity is Barb Lien-Cooper on his blog in com- constantly changing due to new experience icsbulletin.com writes “The part of the main- and information we acquire in our daily inter- stream which actually reads literature isn’t actions with others. In addition to ego identity, going to believe that comics are literature, no Erikson also believed that a sense of compe- matter what the arguments are or who makes tence also motivates behaviors and actions. them. The part of the mainstream that doesn’t Each stage in Erikson’s theory is concerned
46 I Made Bayu Kusumawardana - A Study on Relationships Between Batman and Hush in Batman Hush A Psychosocial Approach
with becoming competent in an area of life. If 2.4. Psychosocial Stage 4 - Industry vs. In- the stage is handled well, the person will feel feriority a sense of mastery, which he sometimes re- This stage covers the early school years ferred to as ego strength or ego quality. from approximately age 6 to 11. Children be- gin to develop a sense of pride in their accom- 2.1. Psychosocial Stage 1 - Trust vs. Mis- plishments and abilities. Children who are trust encouraged and commended by parents and The first stage of Erikson’s theory of psy- teachers develop a feeling of competence and chosocial development occurs between birth belief in their skills. Those who receive little or and one year of age and is the most funda- no encouragement from parents, teachers, or mental stage in life. If a child successfully de- peers will doubt their ability to be successful. velops trust, he or she will feel safe and secure in the world. Caregivers who are inconsistent, 2.5. Psychosocial Stage 5 - Identity vs. emotionally unavailable, or rejecting contrib- Confusion ute to feelings of mistrust in the children they During adolescence, children are ex- care for. Failure to develop trust will result in ploring their independence and developing fear and a belief that the world is inconsistent a sense of self. Erikson believe that children and unpredictable. can find their own identity if the parents al- low them the freedom to explore. Those who receive proper encouragement and rein- 2.2. Psychosocial Stage 2 - Autonomy vs. forcement through personal exploration will Shame and Doubt emerge from this stage with a strong sense of In this stage, parent or the caregivers self and a feeling of independence and con- need to control their will over their child. They trol. Those who remain unsure of their beliefs need not to be too smothering and not to be and desires will be insecure and confused neglectfulChildren who successfully complete about themselves and the future. this stage feel secure and confident, while those who do not are left with a sense of in- 2.6. Psychosocial Stage 6 - Intimacy vs. adequacy and self-doubt. Isolation This stage covers the period of early 2.3. Psychosocial Stage 3 - Initiative vs. adulthood when people are exploring person- Guilt al relationships. Erikson believed it was vital During the preschool years, children be- that people develop close, committed relation- gin to assert their power and control over the ships with other people. Those who are suc- world through directing play and other social cessful at this step will develop relationships interaction. Children who are successful at that are committed and secured. Remember this stage feel capable and able to lead oth- that each step builds on skills learned in pre- ers. Those who fail to acquire these skills are vious steps. Erikson believed that a strong left with a sense of guilt, self-doubt and lack sense of personal identity was important to of initiative. developing intimate relationships.
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2.7. Psychosocial Stage 7 - Generativity are unsuccessful during this phase will feel vs. Stagnation that their life has been wasted and will experi- During adulthood, we continue to build ence many regrets. Successfully completing our lives, focusing on our career and family. this phase means looking back with few re- Those who are successful during this phase grets and a general feeling of satisfaction. will feel that they are contributing to the world by being active in their home and community. Psychosocial Development Chart Those who fail to attain this skill will feel un- Erik Erikson (1902-1994) described de- productive and uninvolved in the world. velopment that occurs throughout the lifespan. Learn more in this chart summarizing Erik- 2.8. Psychosocial Stage 8 - Integrity vs. son's stages of psychosocial development. Despair This phase occurs during old age and is 8 stage of psychosocial development focused on reflecting back on life. Those who chart
Stage Basic Conflict Important Events Outcome Infancy (birth to Trust vs. Mis- Feeding Children develop a sense of trust when care- 18 months) trust givers provide reliabilty, care, and affection. A lack of this will lead to mistrust.
Early Child- Autonomy vs. Food, Toys and Children need to develop a sense of person- hood (2 to 3 Shame and Cloth Choosing al control over physical skills and a sense years) Doubt of independence. Success leads to feelings of autonomy, failure results in feelings of shame and doubt. Preschool (3 to Initiative vs. Exploration Children need to begin asserting control and 5 years) Guilt power over the environment. Success in this stage leads to a sense of purpose. Children who try to exert too much power experience disapproval, resulting in a sense of guilt. School Age (6 Industry vs. In- School Children need to cope with new social and to 11 years) feriority academic demands. Success leads to a sense of competence, while failure results in feelings of inferiority. Adolescence Identity vs. Social Relation- Teens needs to develop a sense of self and (12 to 18 Role Confu- ships personal identity. Success leads to an ability years) sion to stay true to yourself, while failure leads to role confusion and a weak sense of self.
Yound Adult- Intimacy vs. Relationships Young adults need to form intimate, loving hood (19 to 40 Isolation relationships with other people. Success years) leads to strong relationships, while failure results in loneliness and isolation.
48 I Made Bayu Kusumawardana - A Study on Relationships Between Batman and Hush in Batman Hush A Psychosocial Approach
Middle Adult- Generativity Work and Parent- Adults need to create or nurture things that hood (40 to 65 vs. Stagnation hood will outlast them, often by having children or years) creating a positive change that benefits oth- er people. Success leads to feelings of use- fulness and accomplishment, while failure results in shallow involvement in the world.
Maturity(65 to Ego Integrity Reflection on Life Older adults need to look back on life and death) vs. Despair feel a sense of fulfillment. Success at this stage leads to feelings of wisdom, while failure results in regret, bitterness, and de- spair.
Note: The analysis in the next section ex- character has not reached the age for those clude the middle adulthood stage and matu- two stages to occur. rity stage of development because the main
3. Subject’s stage of development chart Stage Outcome Bruce Wayne Thomas Elliot
I n f a n c y Children develop a sense of Grow up normally and Grew up without his father (birth to 18 trust when caregivers pro- positively. Lots of reli- affection possibly from his months) vide reliabilty, care, and af- ability care and affection mother too. fection. A lack of this will lead from both parents. to mistrust. Early Child- Children need to develop Spoiled by his parents, Living together with his hood (2 to 3 a sense of personal con- because they are not mother under his totalitarian years) trol over physical skills and around much. Butler, Al- father, a control freak. Un- a sense of independence. fred act as his caretaker able to fully access sense Success leads to feelings whenever his parent of independence. Receiv- of autonomy, failure results away. Learn to access ing mind scar; witness to in feelings of shame and his personal control and DV his mother received doubt. sense of independence Preschool Children need to begin as- Under the care of his par- Living a sheltered live but (3 to 5 serting control and power ent and butler with good grew up with enough free- years) over the environment. Suc- education and enough dom and education to pos- cess in this stage leads to a freedom. Accident hap- sibly develop his competi- sense of purpose. Children pened, leaving him with tive trait. who try to exert too much a trauma. Began to receive abuse power experience disap- from his father proval, resulting in a sense of guilt.
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School Age Children need to cope with Began school, rather Began school, an aggres- (6 to 11 new social and academic de- timid in behavior. Met sive child with tendency to years) mands. Success leads to a Thomas Elliot for the violence. sense of competence, while first time. Parent killed Met Bruce for the first time. failure results in feelings of by mug, grew up with Killed his parent at the inferiority. a promise to not let the age11 to receive inheri- same thing happen. tance. Mother survived the fabricated accident Adoles- Teens needs to develop a Travelling around the Mother dead because of cence (12 to sense of self and personal world for training and ed- cancer. Taking up the in- 18 years) identity. Success leads to an ucation to fulfill his prom- heritance and began trav- ability to stay true to yourself, ise to his dead parents. eling the world to fulfill his while failure leads to role dream. confusion and a weak sense of self. Y o u n d Young adults need to form Return to Gotham City, Became a doctor, receive Adulthood intimate, loving relationships become Batman. information that Bruce is (19 to 40 with other people. Success Batman. Began the plan to years) leads to strong relationships, kill him in the cruelest man- while failure results in loneli- ner possible ness and isolation.
Analysis and lots of corrupt police. Being the heir of 1. Bruce Wayne and Thomas Elliot’s so- their respective families, Bruce and Thomas cial life and environment lives a sheltered live. Even as they grew up These two characters is the center char- and taken school, it was a boarding school acter in the story in Batman HUSH. Bruce where you have limited amount of freedom to Wayne and his alias Batman is the main pro- roam around, this is all to ensure their safety. tagonist in the story and Thomas Elliot as Hush With their parents as the top brass of the city, alongside The Riddle as the evil mastermind both children are often without their parent. behind the series of plot to destroy Batman. And while Bruce Wayne had Alfred the butler, Thomas Elliot and Bruce Wayne were born Thomas had none to confide his loneliness. into a high prestige family in Gotham city. For example, Bruce’s fathers, Thomas Wayne 2. Bruce Wayne Stage of Development was one of the most respected patrons in all 2.1. Psychosocial Stage 1 Infancy (birth to of Gotham City. He inherited his family's an- 18 months) -Trust vs. Mistrust- cestral home Wayne Manor and took charge At this stage Bruce Wayne has develop a of the family business Wayne Enterprises. sense of trust to his surroundings, particularly A skilled surgeon and philanthropist, Thom- toward his parent and the family’s butler Al- as Wayne also established the charitable fred. Bruce living condition is quite normal as Wayne Foundation. The City where they live he is surrounded by people with good deed is a city filled with crime, homeless people so thus his natures shape into one. Further-
50 I Made Bayu Kusumawardana - A Study on Relationships Between Batman and Hush in Batman Hush A Psychosocial Approach
more his parents are both respectable peo- a natural cave in which bats nesting ground ple and has considerable amount of wealth. lies. Bruce panic and the bats reacted as a This makes Bruce can live his first year of life response in a hostile behavior. without any kind of hardship. Although wealth This accident scars his mind for the rest cannot be a measure as to someone can live of his life. This is one of the two major events a life comfortably or not. inspired Bruce Wayne the creation of Bat- The existence of the butler, Alfred also man. holds a key position here. Alfred is there to stand in between when Bruce’s parents are 2.4. Psychosocial Stage 4 School Age (6 to not present. Alfred acts as a substitute for 11 years) -Industry vs. Inferiority- Bruce’s parents. The character Alfred is de- In this stage of development Bruce Wayne picted as trustworthy, dependable, and gentle is undergo a critical change in his life. In this by nature. Such personality is a good influ- stage an event occurred where Bruce’s par- ence toward Bruce’s development. ents is murdered by a street thug. This ac- cident caused Bruce Wayne to experience a 2.2. Psychosocial Stage 2 Early Childhood parental abandonment, albeit non-intentional (2 to 3 years -Autonomy vs. Shame as it was caused by accident. In 4th stage and Doubt- where a child is supposed to develop a sense Bruce grows quite spoiled by his parent of pride trough accomplishment given by their because they are not around much, so when- parent, Bruce Wayne lost his parent. Though ever they can spend time with Bruce they use it is not is his fault Bruce take into account it to spoil him. There was no harm intended, his fear of bat that make his parent leaving but the consequences is that Bruce seldom early (it’s for his sake) and his inability to pro- assert the autonomy he was actually given. tect his parent. This guilt is his main cause to Alfred, the butler authority is limited here. take arms against crime and in long-term to Alfred only act as a proxy where his master become batman. need it thus at such time he cannot intrude Abandonment refers to a parent's choice the behavior of the parent that affecting the to have no role in his/her child's life. This in- child in a bad way due to his position as a cludes failure to support the child financially, servant to the house. as well as failure to communicate with the child or have any type of active role in the 2.3. Psychosocial Stage 3 Preschool (3 to child's life. (http://singleparents.about.com/ 5 years) -Initiative vs. Guilt- od/parenting/a/abandonment.htm) Bruce in this stage was undergoing a According to Balcom, Dennis A. "Absent trauma as a result of him trying to access his Fathers: Effects on Abandoned Sons." The autonomy behavior. He was playing by him- Journal of Men's Studies 6.3 (1998): 283+. self when he doesn’t notice that there are an Questia. 31 Mar. 2008, there are 4 major ef- old well near his house. A child Bruce acci- fect that would occur to an individual: dentally falls into it. The well is an entrance to
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• Children who have been abandoned 2.5. Psychosocial Stage 5 Adolescence (12 may reject everything about the ab- to 18 years) -Identity vs. Confusion- sent parent Bruce Wayne has strengthened his reso- • Children who have been abandoned lution during his adolescence by strengthen- may idealize the absent parent ing his physical condition as well. • Children who have been abandoned He would travel into various places in or- may develop poor self-esteem der to train and honed his ability to perfection. • Children who have been abandoned To others (Thomas Elliot included), his behav- may have difficulty expressing their ior would like a young billionaire travelling lei- emotions surely around the world. It’s really a life to be envied. But to Bruce himself this is a way to In Bruce’s case it was the 2nd, 3rd and 4th. divert himself from the murder of his parent. Bruce grew as a person with low self-esteem He engages in intense intellectual and and poor ability to express his emotion. Bruce physical training; however, he realizes that grew with a sense of guilt that he is the one these skills alone would not be enough. who contributed to the absence of his parent. "Criminals are a superstitious and cowardly The 2nd and 4th effect will be explained in the lot", Wayne remarks, "so my disguise must be 6th stage of development. able to strike terror into their hearts. I must With parent out of the equation of the be a creature of the night, black, terrible..." As children development, how is Bruce able to if responding to his desires, a bat suddenly become a morally good person with a good flies through the window, inspiring Bruce to sense of justice? A situation where no paren- assume the persona of Batman. tal figure exist to give guidance usually result- ed in children tend to lack of self-control, have 2.6. Psychosocial Stage 6 Young Adult- low self-esteem and are less competent than hood (19 to 40 years) -Intimacy vs. Iso- their peers. lation- Bruce took a resolution in his mind. In this In Batman Hush, Bruce Wayne is shown case this resolution came in the form of re- to have a special relationship with Selina Kyle. venge. When a resolve is built as a perimeter, Selina Kyle, known as Catwoman in the book it allows the people who own it to maintain a is a famed theft in Gotham City with a taste for calm and sound judgment. But in this stage high stake thefts. Again the trauma of losing Bruce is but a child, to obtain his desire he loved one has resulted in a life of seclusion. needs more intelligence, information and ex- Batman never really opens his heart, his un- perience. At this stage what he can perceive willingness to reveal his secret identity to Cat- as information is rather small and at this stage woman is a sign of retreat, not distrust. Bat- too, his mind is still disrupted by his parent’s man in fact is actually scared that Seline Kyle murder. or Catwoman will be in danger if she knows
52 I Made Bayu Kusumawardana - A Study on Relationships Between Batman and Hush in Batman Hush A Psychosocial Approach
his real name. Batman reveals his identity to Thomas Elliot is supposed to experiencing her after being advised by Nightwing, another independence. None of this has been expe- superhero under his guidance also his adopt- rienced by Thomas Elliot. Thomas Elliot’s fa- ed son and his first partner. ther is a drunkard and the possibility of being Then again, at the end of the story of Hush a control freak. Thomas Elliot’s mother who Batman become afraid to trust others. This comes from a lower background is the type of is a result of revealing the identity of Hush, woman that remains silent to the abuse she Thomas Elliot. The betrayal of his friend had received from his husband. She is a woman led to a shock that he can no longer place a who gives her obedience in exchange for a complete trust to anyone, let alone a former wealthy life. The abuse itself shows that there criminal like Catwoman. is no equality between the mother and father relationship. 3. Thomas Elliot Stage of Development Thomas Elliot has self-doubt about him- 3.1. Psychosocial Stage 1 Infancy (birth to self. Growing in constant control of his father 18 months) -Trust vs. Mistrust- Thomas Elliot was living his infancy stage means that his mother never does anything not as normal as any kid would. This con- to prevent it. He has been abandoned by his clusion is from the fact that in his later year mother. This is the feeling that he grew up Thomas Elliot killing his father and tried to with, hating his mother as a result is by no kill his mother also. A mere 11 year old boys mean unreasonable. would never think of killed both of his parent unless something has happened that left scar 3.3. Psychosocial Stage 3 Preschool (3 to at the root of one’s mind. 5 years) -Initiative vs. Guilt- In the case of Thomas Elliot, he lives a Thomas Elliot’s childhood is a sheltered very sufficient life but lacks the affections of one where he’s always controlled by his fa- parents. Thomas Elliot’s father is a drunkard ther, but Thomas managed this stage to who often berates his wife to relieve his stress. grow with the trait to lead other. The reason- An infant is said to be able to feel his mother ing might come from the Elliot’s social back- emotional state. The growing emotion when ground. While his father is an abusing drunk- someone is being berates is fear. Thomas El- ard, his family name is a respectable one and liot grew with fear which has resulted in his holds quite the reputation in the social com- mistrust of his father. As it is said in the previ- munity. For Thomas Elliot’s father, neglecting ous chapter, failure to develop trust will result his son developments and educations would in fear and a belief that the world is inconsis- be disastrous for his family reputation. This tent and unpredictable. is the reason he allow Thomas Elliot into ex- ploration through education. The freedom he 3.2. Psychosocial Stage 2 Early Childhood gains allows him to develop a positive trait (2 to 3 years -Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt- that any kid should develop at this stage, In this stage lies the freedom to choose sense of competence and leadership. In fact food, toys, cloth preference. In other words, his competitive personality is one reason that
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Bruce Wayne attracted is to him and become always attack without knowing your opponent his friend in their later years. weaknesses. As long as you can’t think like me, you’ll never beat me. But I can always 3.4. Psychosocial Stage 4 School Age (6 to think like you. 11 years) -Industry vs. Inferiority- Bruce is always passive while Thomas This is the stage where Thomas Elliot be- remains active and independence. In this re- gins to receive abuse from his father together lationship, Thomas always takes the control. with his mom. He cannot take it up against his Thomas who is always under the control of father due to his mom unwillingness to support his father is asserting control over Bruce as his act. This is because his mom came from an action against his father. poverty background she is willing to take any Thomas Elliot also admires Bruce’s Fa- treatment to secure to keep their lifestyle. ther, Thomas Wayne. For Thomas Elliot, Mr. Growing without the care or guidance Wayne is an ideal father that he wanted to from the parent has turned Thomas Elliot to have. That is one of the reasons that he be- become a very smart child at the mere age of 10. The differences can be seen with his con- came a doctor. versation with the young Bruce Wayne. Thomas Elliot cannot hide his anger any- • Thomas : You sure you want to do more and leash to Bruce. Bruce did not know that? about Thomas Elliot plan, think that Thomas • Bruce : I know what you’re doing anger is caused by the death of his father Tommy. You want me to when in fact it was something completely dif- make ferent. His plan was aborted by the Wayne family, accidentally. This event would be the second-guess my move. reason that Thomas Elliot would take revenge • Thomas : Actually I’m offering to against Batman. save your life. • Bruce : Just try and kill me. 3.5. Psychosocial Stage 5 Adolescence (12 • Thomas : Bruce you’re already to 18 years) -Identity vs. Confusion dead. While at a summer camp, Tommy attacked • Bruce : How can you tell? You a boy and ended up in a psych ward. He ir- haven’t even moved yet. rationally blamed Bruce and Martha Wayne • Thomas : It won’t happen on the next for his outburst, but he was soon released. He move. It is six moves from was then always kept by his mother to tend now. her. A few years after the accident that took You forgot your most important piece, Bruce. the life of his father, Thomas Elliot heard that • Bruce : I’ve got my general guard- ed. Bruce had lost his parents in an accident. • Thomas : not your general, your spy. He would think of the irony while tending his You always do this, Bruce. mother. Thomas Elliot’s anger grew when he You heard that Bruce is living a (apparent) life of
54 I Made Bayu Kusumawardana - A Study on Relationships Between Batman and Hush in Batman Hush A Psychosocial Approach
leisure and enjoy traveling using the wealth 3.6. Psychosocial Stage 6 Young Adult- his family left him, a situation he wish to cre- hood (19 to 40 years) -Intimacy vs. Iso- ate for himself. It is another reason Hush or lation- Thomas Elliot had come to hate Batman. One aspect of Thomas Elliot’s plan to Even after the death of his father, Thomas take down Batman is to include his own death Elliot social life did not change much – maybe to deliver psychological damage to the Bat- worse. There are two conditions that make man. He knows that his existence is vital to it worse; a) his mother did not change his Bruce Wayne. He knows that Bruce Wayne behavior even when she no longer chained regards him as friend very dearly. by his husband, rather she would continue For first step he created Hush, a persona to cling on the petty pride she had as wife that hide his true identity, Doctor Thomas El- of wealthy family; b) Bruce Wayne received liot ~the famous surgeon~. The name Hush the condition he sought, the wealth of his came from a song, a popular lullaby called family and live a free life. The two conditions "Hush Little Baby". It’s a lullaby about a kid have created a distorted complex toward the that cannot be satisfied. The song itself tells Wayne Family. On one side Thomas Elliot still about the various promises if the kid keeps adores Bruce Wayne as a friend and admires quiet. This song is just like how Thomas El- his father (Thomas Wayne), but at the same liot, who is always told to keep quiet by her time Thomas Elliot also hates both of them. mother when his father abuse him. Just like There are two reasons for this hatred; a) be- the song, Thomas Elliot gains everything and cause Thomas Wayne saved his mother; b) still wants more. The name Hush fit Thomas because Bruce managed to achieve condition Elliot perfectly. He was a person who never Thomas Elliot wishes to enjoy. The complex finds satisfaction until the very end. (hate and love at the same time) he creates toward Wayne run deep down Thomas Elliot’s Conclusion soul. Even after attaining the wealth of Elliot Bruce Wayne is a character that progress family, Thomas Elliot would focus his mind on throughout his character development. In the revenge on Bruce Wayne instead of enjoying past he lost his parent and gained a trauma a life of freedom he liked so much to do. So which becomes one of his drives to become instead of setting free from his former shel- a crime fighting vigilante. Over the year after tered life, Thomas Elliot had thrown himself the loss of his parent, he was stuck with anger into another sheltered life – a life sheltered by and sadness because he still believes that the hatred and desire of revenge. The only differ- death of his parents is his fault. The progress ence with the past is Thomas Elliot is willingly here is shown by his demeanor to adopt kid thrown himself in such a life. with similar background or the same desire to
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fight crime. By adopting these children Bruce Bibliography Wayne progress from losing family into gain- Allport, G.W. Personality: a psychological interpretation. ing a new one. In the book he was shown dat- New York: Holt, 1937. ing a woman, Seline Kyle and he also reveal Bergler, Edmund. The Wirter and Psychoanalysis. New York: Robert Brunner, 1954. his secret identity, a sign of openness instead Carver, C.S. & Scheir, M.F. Perspectives on Personality. of secretive (another progress). Bruce Wayne Needham Heights: MA: Allyn & Bacon., 2000. is able to develop into a proper adult although Erikson, E.H. Childhood and Society. (2nd ed.). New he has his quirk. York: Norton, 1963. Thomas Elliot is a character that is always Erikson, E.H. Identity: Youth and Crisis. New York: Nor- obsessed over his past with Bruce Wayne. He ton, 1968. Freud, Sigmund. A General Introduction to Psycho- was depicted as a charming human being, a analysis. New York: Washington Square Press, doctor, a smart character. Despite these en- 1960. tire features, deep inside him was but a child. Freud, Sigmund. The Modern Library of The world's In the past he killed his parents to gain inheri- Best Book, The Basic Writing of Sigmund Freud. tance and freedom. The plan failed and he re- Ed. Dr. A.A. Brill. Trans. Dr. A.A. Brill. New York: Random House, Inc., 1938. direct his anger toward the Wayne family, al- Hall, Calvin S. and Gardner Lindzay. Psikologi Kepriba- though at the end he still gain the inheritance. dian 1, Teori-teori Psikoakademik (Kliinis). Ed. Instead of moving on to become a better per- Dr. A. Supratiknya. Yogyakarta: Kanisius, 1993. son, he is obsessed to take revenge. He still Hall, Calvin S. and Gardner Lindzey. Theories of Per- keep a memento of his mother because he sonality. New York: John Willey & Sons, Inc., still couldn’t believe that the same mother he 1957. Loeb, Jeph, Jim Lee and S. Williams. Batman HUSH loved would abandon him for the like of his Chapter Eight. DC Comic, 2003. father. Even the fact that Thomas Elliot is a Loeb, Jeph, Jim Lee and S. Williams. Batman HUSH doctor is a sneer toward Bruce because he Chapter Eleven. DC Comic, 2003. couldn’t become one. Thomas is shown as a Loeb, Jeph, Jim Lee and S. Williams. Batman HUSH lone individual who trust nobody. Even when Chapter Five. DC Comic, 2003. Loeb, Jeph, Jim Lee and S. Williams. Batman HUSH he goes on to take his vendetta against Bat- Chapter Four. DC Comic, 2003. man; he does so by manipulating instead of Loeb, Jeph, Jim Lee and S. Williams. Batman HUSH collaborating. Chapter Nine. DC Comic, 2003. Man shall always bound by his past, but Loeb, Jeph, Jim Lee and S. Williams. Batman HUSH they shall not be a chain that bound you to Chapter One. DC Comic, 2002. grow up instead past should be a pivotal Loeb, Jeph, Jim Lee and S. Williams. Batman HUSH Chapter Seven. DC Comic, 2003. stone to open up a better self. Thomas Elliot Loeb, Jeph, Jim Lee and S. Williams. Batman Hush has chosen his way, so does Bruce Wayne. Chapter Six. DC Comic, 2003. This work is an example that life is just a mat- Loeb, Jeph, Jim Lee and S. Williams. Batman HUSH ter of choices. Chapter Ten. DC Comic, 2003.
56 I Made Bayu Kusumawardana - A Study on Relationships Between Batman and Hush in Batman Hush A Psychosocial Approach
Loeb, Jeph, Jim Lee and S. Williams. Batman HUSH
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