In Defense of Violent Fiction The why’s and values of violent and ‘immoral’ fiction.

Abstract

Abstract: This essay aims to answer two related questions; why are people able to accept actions of fictional characters that deviate from normal morality, and why works of fiction which invite such a response can be valuable. The first parts of the essay is a general discussion of the criticism and defense of violent fiction; here we establish why it is problematic and why it is valuable, discussing the possible cathartic and educational aspects of fiction. I then move on to a case study of the web serial Worm. This works as the primary explanation of why a reader is able to accept such actions, as the series’ protagonist is both cruel and ruthless, while still being portrayed heroically. But it also serves to illustrate how the different parts of the story, which appear to glorify both violence and an ideology which condones it, can actually benefit the reader. In this analysis, I look at both elements of the story and narrative, especially relevant is Wayne Booth’s concept of an ‘implied reader’, as we discuss the reader’s reaction to the text.