The Dark Knight Rises Archetype Analysis

As the Batman, Bruce Wayne is on the typical warrior’s journey to save his city from being destroyed. This can also be interpreted as his quest to rid the land of danger. He is guided by his mentor, the wise, old Alfred who has been taking care of him since he lost his parents when he was a child. And although the Batman is associated with the colour black, he is the hero. He must save Gotham from Bane, who is bent on sending the police force and citizens over the edge.

“When Gotham is ashes, you have my permission to die.” Bane informs Bruce Wanye. He is the evil our hero must battle. Wayne could be considered as an apocalyptic hero at this point because he faces the possible destruction of society. Bane, at the beginning of the trailer, blows up the football field mid- game. He is also shown standing in front of escaped convicts from prison. I predict that Batman will also have to fight them as well.

Selina Kyle warns Bruce Wanye that, “Do you think this is gonna to last? There’s a storm coming, Mr. Wayne. You and your friends better batten down the hatches, because when it hits, you’re all gonna wonder how you ever thought you could live so large and leave so little for the rest of us.” Her character can be related to the temptress archetype, being characterized by sensuous beauty that has the potential to bring about the hero’s downfall. She is also associated with the colour black, that symbolizes chaos, the unknown, or evil. Though Selina Kyle is portrayed as the temptress, I predict that she will end up helping the Batman defeat Bane.

We are also introduced very briefly to a possible damsel in distress when Wayne is at a party. Between Bane, Selina, his mentor Alfred, and a possible damsel in distress, how will our dark hero fare?