Comic Book Course

Writing Topics Set #2

1. “Alec Holland…Is…Dead.”[1] When the Swamp Thing tells this to Abby, he is chastising her for her labeling him with the name of a being that the Swamp Thing considers to be dead.  This is a small example of the constant battle that the protagonist seems to be fighting with his (its)’ sense of identity.  Using both The Anatomy Lesson and Love and Death, what do you believe Moore is trying to tell the reader about identity or sense of self?  Be sure to do external research here.  A good place to begin is the articles I have linked to the course web page.  [Don’t forget to properly cite all external research you use and to use page cites for all textual material you either cite or to which you refer.]

2. Moore is the master of juxtaposing conflicting symbols; that is combining symbols which, on the surface seem to be contradictory or contrary in meaning, but, upon reflection, when combined, the symbols build a new meaning which is more powerful than the original symbols meant when separate.  For instance. On page 59, the reader is introduced to “A Halo of Flies.”[2]  Provide descriptions of and thoroughly examine (what is the meaning of the individual symbols?  Of the combined symbol?  How does Moore and the artist create that meaning?  How powerful is the symbol and why is it powerful? Are among the questions you should answer here.) at least three other examples from Love and Death.  Why is this such a powerful literary trope?  [Don’t forget to properly cite all external research you use and to use page cites for all textual material you either cite or to which you refer.]

3. Moore also engages in meta-narrative, such as in the episode involving Cain and Abel.  Moore has Abel tell Abby, “It just looks like a bracelet.  Its really a story.  A special circular story that goes round and round . . . . You’re not an ordinary woman, you know.  Some strange stories have intruded upon your life lately. . . . Don’t take offense.  You see, in a way, everything is made of stories.”[3]  By using meta-narrative, Moore, in a manner of speaking, breaks the spell between reader and comic creator.  He beings speaking directly to the reader.  Compare and contrast Moore’s use of meta-narrative in Love and Death and in Watchmen.  Is this an effective tool for communicating complex themes or ideas to the readers or does this jar them out of the “spell” created when one is lost in a text? ?  [Don’t forget to properly cite all external research you use and to use page cites for all textual material you either cite or to which you refer.]