Marvel's Jessica Jones: A Modern Shakespeare Tragedy | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Marvel's Jessica Jones: A Modern Shakespeare Tragedy

Shakespeare is one history's best writers, so it is no surprise that Marvel's Jessica Jones reflects some of his trademarks (spoiler alert)

26
Marvel's Jessica Jones: A Modern Shakespeare Tragedy
Google

This week I finally caught up with the show Jessica Jones.

The main reason was because I had been told by so many people that I need to watch it in order to understand some of the other Marvel shows I watch, mainly Daredevil.

After watching all 13 episodes of the first season, I have come to the conclusion that Jessica Jones is practically a modern Shakespeare tragedy. Okay, it is not the same quality as a Shakespeare play, but definitely good in it's own right.

Now I will be honest and say that, at first, I was not too impressed with the story line and thought it a bit bleak. But, like many other shows after a few episodes, it grew on me.

After the first three episodes, I started noticing how miserable Jessica, the protagonist, is.

She never gets a break.

I also started noticing the tragic undertone that surrounded the entire show, and it was at that moment that I started thinking about the typical Shakespearian tragedy.

The tragic hero that undergoes a traumatic journey, pushing their limits physically and emotionally; the faithful companion, the forbidden love and the trademark manipulative villain.

Maybe that is why the show has been such a success. It's the embodiment of a classic, but with a modern twist.

While Shakespeare didn't have nor choose not to indulge in the magical world of superheroes and superpowers, the Jessica Jones Marvel creators had more to work with. They took the generic Shakespearian tragedy plot and applied it to their comics and show. By doing that, they ensured themselves some degree of success as well because almost everyone knows who Shakespeare is.

Jessica Jones provides the audience with something that not many "superhero" shows and movies have, and that is regret and remorse.

Jessica is a particular character, only because she has the characteristics of both a hero and a villain, and it is that constant inner battle that makes her such a compelling character.

The teeter totter of self-loathing and virtue mirrors a similar battle that is relatable on behalf of the audience.

Jessica's character is more than a superhuman in a tight costume, she is confused, insecure, angry and hopeful, all at the same time.

She's basically every 20 some year old out there, which is exactly what makes her so appealing to the audience, partly because we want to see if the universe decided to screw her over or if she actually defeats both her demons and those of the world.

Like Shakespeare, the season ends with a lot of people dying and the protagonist left to lick her wounds and move on with her life, and that is what makes it a modern classic.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

14136
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

2796
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 14 Stages Of The Last Week Of Class

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1686
black marker on notebook

December... it's full of finals, due dates, Mariah Carey, and the holidays. It's the worst time of the year, but the best because after finals, you get to not think about classes for a month and catch up on all the sleep you lost throughout the semester. But what's worse than finals week is the last week of classes, when all the due dates you've put off can no longer be put off anymore.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments