Batman

Analyze Batman in terms of the three different types of heroes we have discussed (archetypal, tragic and anti-hero). Which type of hero is he? Is it possible that he is multiple types?

There is the tragic hero, the anti-hero, and the contemporary hero. I believe that Batman best represents the tragic hero. Through out the Dark Night, Batman is portrayed in various ways. In this movie, there is no doubt that Batman is not a valid hero. He is always saving the day from evil. Everyone knows that Batman is a hero, but they are getting tired of having a hero with out a face. Even Batman’s closest friend Rachel says that their relationship cannot go any further if he does not lose his Batman identity.
In the meantime, Rachel has fallen madly in love with Harvey Dent, the District Attorney. Dent is very vivacious and handsome. He is also very strict. He went to Japan, found the man in charge of squandering money, and got the names of the people he was doing business with, and locked them all up. First of all, Batman was extremely envious of the relationship Dent shared with Rachel because Batman longed to be with her and second, to make matters worse, Dent was able to put away the criminals without any casualties; something Batman is not particularly good at.
Now, one might ask, “Why is Batman classified as the tragic hero?” The tragic hero is typically the main character of a tragedy. Let’s use Othello as an example. Othello was a strong and courageous soldier who was deeply in love with his wife Desdemona. Their relationship was strong and secure until Iago walked into his life and started playing mind games with him. Othello went from being a noble and honorary soldier, to a man who killed his wife out of spite. Othello believed a lie and refused to believe the innocence of his wife. Batman’s case is very similar to Othello’s. Harvey Dent has everything Batman does not. Harvey Dent is new and intriguing. People are bored of Batman. Harvey Dent does not destroy a city in the midst of catching criminals. Batman does. Lastly, Harvey Dent has Rachel. Batman lost her.
I do not believe all three types of heroes can characterize Batman. I believe that Batman is solely a tragic hero. He is a tragic hero because someone else has everything he wants and needs.