Villainous Victims: Redefining the Anti-Hero from a Postmodern Perspective
Villainous Victims: Redefining the Anti-Hero from a Postmodern Perspective
Conference Location: Mary Immaculate College, Limerick
Date of Conference: 25th April 2018
#villainousvictims2018
Where monsters and other gothic villains are often seen as adversaries, Stephen T. Asma chooses to deconstruct this familiar perspective, and introduces the concept of the ‘accidental monster’. His research underscores that both literary and real villains are not intuitively immoral, but that external influences turn them toward malevolence. The deligitmated villain adheres to the concept of ‘Tabula Rasa’, a theory surmised by John Locke. This revelation suggests how our consciousness is a “blank slate” and after the moment of birth, life experiences fill in this vacant space, shaping one’s personality and character. The anti-hero is therefore not born evil, but is conditioned by external forces, learning only degenerative behaviour from the human race.
Thus, the status of the villain being seen as aggressor is no longer sufficient to completely explain their actions as the lack of nurture in their life can be seen as a catalyst that fuels one’s revenge-filled actions. On the basis of society’s understanding of monstrosity, an analysis can be made on the official practices of exclusion and marginalisation of social elements. It is not the fault of the subject from turning down a path of darkness; rather it is the failure of society to provide a space for them within what is deemed as the status quo. When analysed with postmodern eyes, one can move away from the linear perspective of the good/evil dichotomy. The reader is introduced to the marginalised narrative of the villain or the anti-hero where their immoral behaviour could be rooted in them being cut off from positive emotional responses and severed from the functioning of all society. It is consequent of society’s prejudiced stance and perspective that disallows the dark outsider to enter the realm of cultural norms.
The anti-hero therefore exists as the cultural Other, as a victim of society, marginalised because of its failure to be categorised. The condition of ‘Otherness’ results in the subject being alienated from the centre of society, and being placed at the margins of inclusiveness and acceptance. The purpose of this conference is to shed a light on the darker aspects of humanity and their exclusory role in marginalising anyone that situates themselves outside the norm. Therefore, this underlines the demonisation of the “Other”, in the image of the anti-hero, as a political device for scapegoating those whom the rules of society deem impure or unworthy - the transgressors and deviants. The Creature’s deviation from the accepted path compels society to clip his wings, disallowing him the privilege of sharing any bond with human beings, ultimately becoming the ‘fallen angel’.
Topics and Themes include but are not limited to:
- Monster Theory
- Postmodernism
- Gothic Studies
- Gender Studies
- Popular Culture
- Psychoanalytic Theory
- Literary Deconstruction
- Media Studies
- Children's Literature
- Fiction/Non-Fiction Analysis
- Transgressive Identities
- The Dichotomy of Self and Other
Abstracts of 300 words to jade.dillon@mic.ul.ie and adele.hannon@mic.ul.ie
Deadline for submissions: 22nd January 2018