March 20th English class

  • Bureaucracy and Deferrals

  • Important clarification on midterms and deferrals.

    • Deferral process is available for midterms and assignments (one no-questions-asked deferral option).
    • Must communicate directly with the professor to schedule, as there is no formal schedule from the faculty.
    • Importance of contacting the professor for arrangements.
    • Discussion on processing deferrals varies, especially with services like SaaS.

  • Watchmen Discussion Start

  • Encouragement for student questions about Watchmen.

    • Opportunities to delve into passages or essays.
    • Starting with analytical questions, including the significance of the title "Watchmen."

  • Significance of the Title "Watchmen"

  • The first word of the text is "Watchmen," which leads to thematic explorations.

    • Implication that there is no distinct group of "Watchmen" characters in the story, complicating reader expectations.
    • References the Minutemen instead, suggesting non-existence of the anticipated group.
    • Indicates alternative histories and the complexity of interpretation in the text.

  • Contrasting Narratives

  • Watchmen suggests multiple interpretations of events.

    • The ending holds indefinite hypotheses, contemplating the effectiveness of the main character's plans.
    • Themes of controlled structure versus reader interpretation.

  • Structure and Symmetry

  • Text often appears highly structured and predetermined, but upon deeper analysis reveals fluidity in interpretation.

    • Detailed symmetry across issues (e.g. chapter six's pure symmetry).
    • Reader experiences a sense of predetermined meanings, yet multiple avenues of interpretation remain.

  • Repeated Themes of Time

  • Time is a significant element; represented through clocks and characters' perspectives.

    • Repetitive clock imagery ties back to the narrative's thematic essence, emphasizing human experience of time.
    • Doctor Manhattan embodies a unique understanding of time, blending objective observation and subjective experience.

  • Modernist Literature Connection

  • Connection made to modernist literature where time is not linear (e.g. Ulysses, Mrs. Dalloway).

    • Watchmen incorporates similar techniques to express fluidity of time and character perspectives.

  • Alternate Histories and Competing Narratives

  • Rich historical context serves as backdrop for character development.

    • The significance of literary references that expand the narrative; examination of characters’ origins and their effects on present actions.

  • Crisis of Justice and Dystopian Elements

  • Discussion of dystopian aspects: injustice, systemic flaws in governance, and vigilante justice.

    • Vigilantes challenge traditional notions of justice and order, leading to complex character motivations.

  • Thematic Elements of Alienation

  • Characters often represent alienation in society, portrayed through their actions and motivations shaped by war and chaos.

    • Psychological impacts on characters grappling with the threat of nuclear war and societal downfall.

  • Terminology and Historical References

  • Ozymandias as a reflection on the impermanence of power and human endeavors (referenced poem showcases the futility of legacy).

  • Draws parallels with Cold War anxieties, seeking unity through catastrophic events (e.g. alien plan).

  • Doctor Manhattan’s Unique Perspective on Life

  • His existential musings often highlight the uncertainty of human existence and project a postmodern dilemma around agency.

  • Conclusion and Future Directions

  • Suggestions to explore adaptations (e.g. HBO series) to understand contemporary relevance.

  • Anticipation for upcoming discussions on Batman, citing themes of justice and urban experiences in graphic narratives.