Anti-heroes have become something of a hot topic lately in entertainment. Four of the highest rated TV shows of the current era (and widely considered by critics to be four of the best shows of all time - The Sopranos, The Wire, Mad Men, and Breaking Bad) feature morally ambiguous protagonists. Are audiences supposed to love Walter White or hate him? Should we feel sorry for Don Draper or hold him accountable for his wrong doings? What about Tony Soprano or Omar? And it's not just them -is Dexter Morgan - who is only a serial killer - really a bad guy? And what about Nancy Botwin, wasn't she only trying to support her family? Even the new adaptations of Sherlock Holmes portray him a little rough around the edges.
The anti-hero is nothing new in American Literature. Our unique literary heritages are ripe with characters that audiences love to hate- including Irving's Ichabod Crane. On one hand Crane is a school teacher - a noble profession no doubt - who is initially beloved by his community. On the other hand he is gluttonous, manipulative, greedy, and deceitful. In him, Irving gives us one of America's first and finest anti-heroes.
So here is your first blog task: Choose a modern day anti-hero from a TV show, movie, or book that you have read. Identify three characteristics that they share with Ichabod and write a brief blogpost (minimum 4 paragraphs) comparing the two. Don't know any "anti-heroes?" Ask one of your more morbid friends (or do a bit of research!) As always, this is due in 1 week. Add photos or other media (appropriately cited of course) to spice it up!
Enjoy!
Mr. T
Photo courtesy: http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2013/07/why-is-the-golden-age-of-tv-so-dark/277696/
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