heroic villains: three books that will make you love the enemy
by Rebecca M. of HIgh Tech High International '14
These three books, written for mature readers, tell the backstories of villains, and allow the reader to get a glimpse of the “bad guys’” point of view. These books are good for readers who are attracted to the evil characters in books and movies and find them interesting. It is very entertaining to read a book from an often unheard point of view. The voices of villains often go unheard, so reading a book written from their perspective is refreshing and fun.
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Wicked
by Gregory Maguire Winged monkeys, aversion to water, and a prickly personality are generally associated with the Wicked Witch of the West. But, in Wicked, Gregory Maguire introduces her as Elphaba: a revolutionary philanthropist trying to change Oz, one munchkin at a time. Elphie works hard in school, struggles with insecurities and burdens herself with the care of her crippled younger sister. As a result, a reader finds themselves wondering who the real villain is in the story. Writing a book about the Wicked Witch’s backstory makes the reader acknowledge her side of the story and forces people to come to the conclusion that (as Kermit the Frog says) “It’s not easy being green.” |
A Clockwork Orange
by Anthony Burgess “Is it better for a man to have chosen evil than to have good imposed upon him?” questions Anthony Burgess in A Clockwork Orange. This quote, hidden among the pages, captures the essence of the book. Alex, a fifteen-year-old delinquent is often faced with moral decisions. And, always, he chooses the path that most would deem evil or immoral. Robbing and hurting the elderly, beating up peers, and raping young girls are all part of a normal evening for Alex. After a particularly brutal evening of looting, Alex is betrayed by his “droogs” (cronies) and put in jail. Despite his aversion to following the rules, the reader learns to love Alex because the use of first person allows the reader to feel empathy for him. |
Lolita
by Vladimir Nabokov When a middle-aged man falls in love with his landlady’s prepubescent daughter, he struggles with his lustful feelings and tries to keep himself from marring young Lolita’s innocence. Lolita, written by Vladimir Nabokov, tells the story of a forbidden love between stepfather and daughter. Humbert Humbert is relatable and charming because his romantic passion and blatant honesty with himself allow the reader to understand and love an otherwise creepy character. By reading Lolita, people discover the inner-workings of Humbert’s mind and begin to comprehend how an impossible love can be surprisingly beautiful. |