Batman: The Dark Knight Group Discussion Questions

Drake Monsters

Intro:

As with everything we read, view and discuss, we are interested in identifying, analyzing and evaluating arguments Batman, The Dark Knight makes concerning monstrosity as a cultural tool, a means of representing cultural values.  Batman is also a critical examination of the cultural lens, especially the news media’s role in forming public values and opinions thru the representation of information.

Assignment:

The following questions address a number of the implicit thematic arguments made in The Dark Knight. Some of these address the essence of monstrosity, others are more concerned with the process used to make that essence apparent and compelling. For each you must:

            -- identify the arguments; some are explicit/stated; others are implied

-- identify how the argument or position is made persuasive or seductive; what tools does Miller use to make the argument one we want to agree with?

-- evaluate the validity of the arguments: do you agree or disagree with the book’s argument on each topic? Explain why and why not? Consider what additional “real”, factual information would be required to test the arguments validity.

-- support your answers by referring to pages, quotes, images etc.

-- expand your attention beyond words.

For each of the below, address the above.

The Arguments:

1) What implicit arguments are made concerning the essence or nature of crime and criminals? What seems to motivate the criminals in the story?

2) What implicit arguments are made concerning psychologists and the rehabilitation of criminals? This also gets at the essence of criminality.

3) The mutants plan to overthrow the government. What does the way they are characterized suggest about the general essence or nature of revolution and revolutionaries?

4) What implicit arguments are made concerning the government and police, and the legal system in general?

5) What implicit arguments are made concerning the nature of justice? How should the accused be treated? What cultural or social elements stand in the way of justice? In short, what is the essence of justice? 

6) What implicit arguments are made concerning the nature of the news media? What role does the media play – or attempt to play – in the formation of public values and beliefs?

7) After answering the above, you should be able to summarize the work’s general “argument” or theme. Write it out in a couple sentences. As a group, discuss its strengths and weaknesses.