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Essay Three: V for Vendetta
Choose ONE of the following prompts:
1. Consider the process of Evey’s interrogation. The context of this interrogation and V’s
stated purpose for the interrogation play significant roles in Evey’s experience and
transformation. Think about the implications of this scene. You might question whether
it’s justified or how it comments on the functions and malfunctions of assumed power. V,
after all, chooses to manipulate Evey in order to “help” her. Questions to consider: What
are the multiple significances of V’s choice? What does this scene suggest about
experience with injustice and how it allows or disallows apathy? How does this scene
comment on or converse with larger themes in the film?
2. Consider Valerie’s story. Think about the legislation of “morality” in the film and how it comments
on the function of law and on accepted definitions of “crime.” This film certainly complicates terms
such as “order” and “chaos” by demonstrating that the terms can be interchangeable, depending on
context and perspective. Using Valerie’s story as your springboard, comment on and theorize about
the film’s treatment of the legislation of religion, social and sexual norms, and/or morality.
3. Consider the following quote from the film: “There is a face beneath this mask, but it isn't me.
I'm no more that face than I am the muscles beneath it, or the bones beneath that.” V uses the mask
as both symbolism (Guy Fawkes’ story) and disguise, but he also comments on identity, both of the
self and of the community. A face, he suggests, is a façade, a front. Evey speaks back to this quote as
well, when she comments to Mr. Finch that behind V’s mask was “my father, my mother, my
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brother, my friend. He was you. He was me. He was all of us.” Comment on the relevance of V’s
quote, both in context of Evey’s statements at the film’s end and in the context of the film as a
whole. What are the multiple significances of V’s statement? How does this statement function in
the story? What is the impact of V’s mask, both in his use of it and in the public’s adoption of the
mask at the film’s end?
4. Consider the “demolition” of the Old Bailey, both in V’s story and in the government’s
alternative story. Using V’s act of blowing up the Old Bailey as a springboard, comment on ideas
about terrorism and rebellion in the film. How are they defined by the government, and how
does V complicate that definition? Use other “terrorist” acts in the film as evidence to support
your theories and findings. Other questions to ponder: What is the impact of V destroying the
Old Bailey? How does he deal with the government’s interference with the public’s access to
truth, and what are the multiple significances of V’s strategy?