SEMINAR PAPER

TITLE: Myth And Reality In Superman

COURSE TITLE: Cultural Studies-1

COURSE CODE: ENG-DSE-301

Department Of English, DHSK College,

Affiliated To Dibrugarh University, Assam

SUBMITTED TO: SUBMITTED BY:

Dr. Trishna Duarah Neha Das

Assistant Professor, Roll No. 11

Department Of English, PG 2nd Semester

D.H.S.K College, Dibrugarh, Department Of English

Assam
ABSTRACT

The Myth of Superman by Umberto Eco Shows Superman, the quintessential

superhero, embodies the ideal of godlike power and unwavering morality. His
origin story, his upbringing, and his abilities all contribute to a character who is
almost too perfect. He is a symbol of hope, justice, and truth and is always
Prescribed as the true American Hero.

This Abstract delves into Superman, the quintessential superhero, is more than just
a fictional character that aspires people beyond the pages of comic books. He is a
cultural icon who embodies the timeless myths and His story, is a blend of myth
and modern storytelling, has resonated with audiences across generations. At the
heart of Superman's mythos lies a classic hero's journey, a narrative structure found
in myths and legends worldwide. His origin story, involving an alien birth in the
destroyed planet of Krypton and a humble upbringing on the small town of
Smallville by his adopted parents, echoes the tales of divine beings sent to Earth to
guide humanity. Superman's extraordinary abilities, such as flight, super strength,
and invulnerability, are reminiscent of the powers attributed to gods and heroes in
ancient mythologies.

Despite his superhuman abilities, Superman remains a relatable character. His

struggles with identity, loneliness, and the weight of responsibility are universal
experiences. He grapples with the challenges of balancing his extraordinary powers
with the ordinary life of Clark Kent, a mild-mannered reporter. This duality
reflects the tension between our idealized selves and our everyday realities.

Furthermore, Superman's character has evolved over time, adapting to changing

societal values and expectations. He has been portrayed as a symbol of American
idealism, a champion of social justice, and a defender of the oppressed. By
addressing contemporary issues such as racism, poverty, and environmental
degradation, Superman has become a relevant figure in the 21st century.
Umberto Eco's "The Myth of Superman" is a fascinating exploration of the
enduring appeal of the iconic superhero. Eco argues that Superman's timeless
nature lies in his ability to exist both as a mythic archetype and a relatable figure
within our everyday world.

Superman's story is a classic tale of an alien infant from the now doomed planet of
Krypton, sent to Earth and raised by the kindly Kent family. As he grows, he
discovers extraordinary powers, including superhuman strength, flight, and
invulnerability. Yet, he chooses to use these abilities for the betterment of
humanity, adopting the secret identity of Clark Kent, a mild-mannered reporter for
the Daily Planet.

Superman, the iconic superhero, has captivated audiences for decades. His story, a
blend of myth and reality, offers a unique lens through which to explore the
complexities of human nature and societal ideals. This seminar will delve into the
interplay of myth and reality in the Superman mythos, examining how the
character's extraordinary abilities and moral compass reflect our deepest
aspirations and anxieties. At his core, Superman is a mythical archetype, a modern-
day god with superhuman powers and a moral compass. His story parallels the
Hero's Journey, a common narrative structure found in myths and legends
worldwide. From his humble beginnings as an alien infant to his rise as Earth's
greatest hero, Superman's journey embodies the classic hero's struggle against
adversity and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. Superman, with his
extraordinary abilities and unwavering moral compass, serves as a fascinating lens
through which to examine the complexities of human existence and societal norms.
His character, rooted in the classic hero archetype, invites us to ponder questions
about power, responsibility, and the nature of heroism itself.

Superman embodies the ideal of the heroic figure, a paragon of virtue and justice.
His unwavering commitment to truth and justice aligns him with ancient heroes
like Achilles and Beowulf, who fought for honour and the greater good.
Superman's character has also been interpreted as a messianic figure. His selfless
sacrifice, his ability to rise above human limitations, and his role as a saviour of
humanity evoke parallels with religious figures like Jesus Christ as it was the
central theme of Superman as him the Christ like figure and saviour and beacon of
hope was shown by director Zack Snyder in his trilogy of DC Films. This
interpretation adds a layer of spiritual significance to Superman's mythos, elevating
him to a symbol of divine intervention and redemption. Interpretation adds a layer
of spiritual significance to Superman's mythos, elevating him to a symbol of divine
intervention and redemption. Over the decades, Superman's myth has evolved to
reflect the changing times. From the Golden Age of comics to the modern era of
film and television, his story has been reimagined and adapted to resonate with
new generations. Yet, at its core, the myth of Superman remains constant: a tale of
hope, courage, and the enduring power of the human spirit.

Superman is more than just a superhero; he is a symbol of American values he is

gradually seen as the all- American hero. His story reflects the nation's ideals of
truth, justice, and the American way. As an immigrant from a distant planet,
Superman embodies the American Dream, rising from humble beginnings to
achieve extraordinary heights. His dual identity as Clark Kent, the mild-mannered
reporter, highlights the importance of humility and the power of the individual to
make a difference. While Superman is a fictional character, his creation was
influenced by real-world events and cultural trends. Such as since his comic book
debut in 1938 in the pages of DC comics during the Great Depression and World
War II shaped the character's values and worldview. Superman's ability to fly, for
instance, was inspired by early aviation pioneers. His invulnerability and
superhuman strength can be seen as a reflection of the desire for security and
protection in a world fraught with uncertainty. Superman's enduring appeal lies in
his ability to resonate with audiences on multiple levels. He is a symbol of hope,
justice, and the potential for human greatness. His story reminds us that even in the
darkest of times, there is always hope for a brighter future. By exploring the
complex interplay of myth and reality, we can gain a deeper understanding of the
enduring legacy of Superman and his impact on popular culture. In the Popular
Culture many actors have donned the red cape into the big screen over the last 6
decades it was Christopher Reeves who is still seen as the face of the Man Of
Steel. His Portrayal of Clark Kent and Superman is found to be the most realistic
and relatable of Clarks character with the audiences.

His unique circumstances make it difficult to form deep connections with others, a
feeling many can relate to. He frequently faces complex choices, weighing the
consequences of his actions Such as the feeling of doing the right and Wrong.
These dilemmas highlight the challenges of making difficult decisions, a universal
human experience. Superman's unwavering belief in humanity and his dedication
to justice inspire hope in others. His optimism in the face of adversity encourages
audiences to find hope in their own lives. His relentless pursuit of good and his
desire to make a difference resonate with the desire for a better world that many
share. In essence, Clark Kent's relatability stems from his portrayal as a complex
and multifaceted character who, despite his extraordinary abilities, experiences the
same emotions, doubts, and challenges as ordinary people. This allows audiences
to see themselves in him and connect with his story on a profound level.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Superman's character is his constant struggle
to balance his extraordinary abilities with the realities of human life. While he
possesses God-like powers, he chooses to live among ordinary people,
experiencing their joys, sorrows, and vulnerabilities. This duality highlights the
tension between the extraordinary and the ordinary, the divine and the human, that
lies at the heart of the superhero mythos. Superman's alien origins and his
upbringing on Earth offer a unique perspective on issues of identity, belonging,
and cultural assimilation. His experiences as an outsider, yet deeply connected to
humanity, resonate with the experiences of many immigrants and marginalized
groups who struggle to find their place in society.

That dual identity also provides an ongoing sense of tension for the saga. Upon
reaching adulthood, the mild-mannered Clark Kent moves from Smallville to
urban Metropolis, where he works as a reporter for the Daily Planet. There he
develops a romantic interest in fellow reporter Lois Lane (a character modelled in
part on Siegel’s Superman’s co creator’s future wife, Joanne). She, however,
dazzled by the courageous crime-fighting exploits of Superman and unaware of his
dual identity, continually rejects Kent’s overtures. The audience, privy to the secret
that continually eluded Lois, identified with Clark as a downtrodden “Common
Man,” while Superman served as a beacon of hope during the depths of the Great
Depression. The audience also resonates with Clark that him the greatest and the
most powerful hero who is loved by all and especially by Lois cannot tell her his
big secret despite being the most powerful and famous he still has to live a
ordinary life due to the secrecy. As Clark Kent, he embodies the struggles of the
everyday person. He faces job insecurity, relationship challenges, and the pressure
to fit in. This relatability allows audiences to connect with his character on a
personal level. The constant challenge of balancing between his ordinary life and
extraordinary powers creates internal conflict. This struggle with identity resonates
with many who grapple with their own sense of self and purpose. Despite his
popularity and fame as Superman, Clark often feels isolated and alone.

The concept of time in the myth of Superman is multifaceted and often plays a
significant role in his stories Despite his superhuman abilities, Superman is still
subject to the passage of time. He ages, albeit at a much slower rate than humans.
This serves as a reminder of his mortality and the impermanence of even the most
powerful. Superman has experienced the pain of loss, as his adoptive parents and
other loved ones have passed away he also always lives in the fear that he will lose
Lois Lane, the love of his life as she is a normal human being and he being a
kryptonian who ages slowly than normal human does. This highlights the
bittersweet nature of time and the inevitability of change. Superman's stories often
take place in specific historical periods, reflecting the societal and cultural issues of
the time. This allows for exploration of different eras and the evolution of human
civilization. The Superman mythos includes stories spanning generations, from the
original Superman to his various successors and descendants. This emphasizes the
cyclical nature of time and the enduring legacy of heroes. So, the concept of time
in Superman's myth is complex and multifaceted. It serves as both a limitation and
a tool, shaping his character and influencing the course of his adventures.

Superman is often portrayed as the epitome of masculinity, with his physical

strength, stoic demeanor, and unwavering sense of duty. This traditional masculine
ideal is often associated with heterosexuality. Superman's relationship with Lois
Lane and their eventual marriage and family further solidifies his role as a model
of heterosexual family life.

The Concept of Iterative scheme is also important in the stories of Superman. Here
stories repeat a similar pattern, focusing on a cycle of crisis, resolution, and
renewal. This scheme has been used in various Superman stories, particularly in
the comics and Sometimes in the Movie and Television Reboots. This iterative
structure allows for endless storytelling possibilities while maintaining a sense of
familiarity and comfort for readers. It also highlights the cyclical nature of
heroism, where the hero must continually rise to meet new challenges. The
Schemes can be Seen in the form of Crisis such as Superman often faces threats to
the world, such as powerful villains, natural disasters, or alien invasions. He may
also grapple with personal challenges, like moral dilemmas, identity crises, or the
loss of loved ones. In the form of Resolution such as Superman uses his powers to
confront the threat and save the day. Moral Victory: He triumphs not only
physically but also morally, upholding justice and truth. In the form of Renewal
such as After the crisis, Superman returns to his normal life, often resuming his
role as Clark Kent. The cycle then begins anew, with a new threat emerging or a
new challenge arising.

Superman’s origin is perhaps one of the best-known stories in comic book history.
Indeed, in All Star Superman no. 1 (2005), writer Grant Morrison and artist Frank
Quitely expertly cover the salient points with just four panels and eight words. On
the doomed planet Krypton, scientists Jor-El and Lara place their infant son Kal-El
into a rocket bound for Earth. He is found by Martha and Jonathan Kent, a kindly
couple from the mid-American town of Smallville. They name the boy Clark and
raise him as their own. As a child, Clark exhibits a collection of superhuman
powers—invulnerability, incredible strength, the ability to leap incredible
distances, and super speed—that would later become the hallmarks of his alter ego,
Superman, the “Man of Steel.”

In conclusion, Superman's character serves as a powerful reflection of our hopes,

fears, and aspirations. His extraordinary abilities and unwavering moral compass
challenge us to consider the nature of heroism, the responsibilities of power, and
the complexities of human existence. Through his timeless story, Superman
continues to inspire and provoke thought, reminding us of the potential for good
that lies within us all.

References:

1. The Myth Of Superman, Umberto Eco, 1972 Issue of Diacritics

2. All Star Superman no.1, 2005, Grant Morrison and Frank Quietly, DC
Comics, US

3. Man Of Steel (Film), Zack Snyder, Warner Brothers Pictures and DC

Comics, 2013

4. https://www.britannica.com