V for Vendetta Reflection

Abraham Lincoln, Adam Susan, and V. All did what they believed was necessary. Lincoln became essentially a dictator during the Civil War, suspending habeas corpus. As we pointed out in class, on page 37 Adam Susan did what he thought was the only way, that way being fascism. V killed prominent figures in the Norsefire party, held Evey captive, blew up multiple buildings, and temporarily suspended the state's surveillance all because it was necessary. I don't recall him specifically saying that this was the only way, though during his broadcast he issues an ultimatum that the people have to get their act together or action will be taken against them.

Lincoln is one of our most notable presidents and idolize him because he kept the country together in a time of crisis. The American public doesn't care what he did to ensure unity; only the end result matters. V is not as idolized as Lincoln. In class, we weren't able to come up with an answer whether V was good or bad? His goal to end fascism in England is admirable, no matter what his intentions might be. Machiavelli's "the ends justify the means" rules the exceptional circumstances. However, Adam Susan comes off differently compared to Lincoln and V. Fascism is the means for Adam Susan. But what are his ends? Is it purity? He's pretty much obsessed with purity. We don't see how he rose to power so we don't know what was necessary for him to do. To us, the fascism isn't justifiable. Add to that, Moore makes him look crazy by falling in love with Fate and it's even harder for us to understand him.