The Dark Knight
Batman as a modern knight
The Dark Knight. The Caped Crusader. Why do they call him this? Why give these medieval titles to an essentially modern character, living in a modern American city?
I remember fondly watching Batman: The Animated Series as a young boy. I watched it any time I could, because I loved the character of Batman. I wanted to be Batman. Well, except for the no parents part. I wanted to put right what was wrong in society like Batman did, and yes, he is a fictional character, like all good fictional heroes, he stands for something deeper.
Batman’s story is a Gothic morality tale; that’s why it takes place in Gotham. Batman is indeed a Dark Knight on a quest for justice in a land touched by evil. Like all chivalrous knights, Batman uses his place of status and privilege to help the less fortunate. He fights for the weak, the downtrodden, the widows and the fatherless. He is fighting a one man Crusade against the forces of evil. He does his good deeds in secret, donning a mask and cape in order to be unrecognized. He does not do it for the applause, he does not desire praise or admiration; he only fights evil for the love of justice.
Many criticize Batman for “punching mentally ill people” instead of using his fortune to build social programs, community centers or mental health resources. What do you think the Wayne Foundation does? What do you think Bruce Wayne and his parents had been doing in Gotham for years? Social programs only go so far, and some simply choose to be evil out of their own corrupt nature, and no amount of money or social programs could make them choose good. I say this as someone who volunteers in local outreach. Some people simply like doing evil things.
Furthermore, mental illness or no, if someone is determined to do harm to others, it is the duty of a good citizen to stop them by any means necessary. Batman is great because he shows restraint. He could kill them. He has the ability to do so, but he chooses to leave that up to the courts. He does not wish to decide who lives or who dies. He has mercy on them, giving them the opportunity to repent and amend their life.
Batman embodies the virtue Seneca calls clemency; showing kindness and restraint to those least deserving of it. And we should all aspire to be like this.