|
|
Post by Chicago Jake on Dec 7, 2009 2:48:52 GMT -6
It's the holiday season, and all this good-will-toward-man shit has got me thinking about EVIL!!!! And in the world of the literature, EVIL!!!! is represented by great villains. In fact, villains are often more interesting than heroes.
So who do you nominate for the greatest all-time villains in literature? I recommend you come up with three to five or so; but feel free to post a top ten if you like, or even just one.
I have a few in mind, but I'll wait for a few others to take their turns first before I jump in.
Have at it!........Jake
(and yes, I posted a very similar question in the TV and other forums. I'm doing my bit for the environment by recycling posts)
|
|
|
|
Post by Chicago Jake on Dec 9, 2009 1:17:31 GMT -6
Hmmm, no literature villain buffs, eh? Okay, I'll provide a few to seed the clouds, so to speak:
Iago from Othello
Melkor aka Morgoth from The Silmarillion
Cthulhu from H.P. Lovecraft's collection of horror stories
|
|
|
|
Post by Ardbeg... innit on Dec 9, 2009 6:05:28 GMT -6
So many crossovers here with the movies, its tough to come up with a literature character that hasnt morphed onto the screen.
I like your choice of Iago and Melkor (though one should probably throw in Sauron, Saurman, and Gollum too, although I regard the latter as the hero in the end).
I do not regard the literary Frankenstein monster as a villain, Dr Frankenstein plays that roll by abandoning his creation and allowing society to steer its course of development.
I think you really have to go to Shakespeare to find the true formation of villains that western literature is based on Tamora, Richard III, Lady MacBeth, and of course Shylock. You can trace back the origins characteristics of most modern villains to these or other Shakespearian villains. It is of course arguable whether Shakespeare truly created these characters, but he is the source everyone remembers.
|
|
|
|
Post by Chicago Jake on Dec 9, 2009 11:13:54 GMT -6
Yes, I was trying to focus on literary villains that have NOT been upstaged by TV or movie versions. And yes, it is tough.
Agreed that the Frankenstein Monster is not a villain, but a victim. I don't think there is a pure villain in that story. Dr. F is well-intentioned but flawed.
|
|
|
|
Post by Irish Stu on Dec 9, 2009 13:40:49 GMT -6
For me Flashman in Tom Brown's Schooldays is the literary villain that made the biggest impression on me.
Simon
|
|
|
|
Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Dec 9, 2009 17:25:57 GMT -6
My vote is for the bad guy from "Green Eggs & Ham", just can't remember his name right now.
|
|
|
|
Post by Ardbeg... innit on Dec 10, 2009 7:16:47 GMT -6
Sam I Am
|
|
