View a FREE sample

1. In what ways is the protagonist, Bruce Wayne, conflicted at the beginning of "The Dark Knight Returns"?

At the beginning of "The Dark Knight Returns," Bruce Wayne is very nearly killed in a race car accident. It seems he is attempting to get the same adrenaline and action he once did as Batman. Even when talking with Commissioner Gordon, Bruce Wayne makes the comment that Batman didn't survive the retirement. As he walks home, he thinks about how he can feel Batman stirring inside of him.

2. In what ways are the soaring high temperatures symbolic of the violence in Gotham City?

The temperatures are escalating much like the violence is escalating in Gotham City. As heat increases, so do the number of people harmed by the Mutants and other criminals.

3. How does the attempted mugging of Bruce Wayne trigger a flashback to a former violent act?

When members of the Mutants attempt to mug Bruce Wayne, he is frozen by a flashback to the night his parents were killed. Bruce Wayne has managed to walk to the very spot where his parents were murdered. In fact, the mere presence of violence has further shaken Bruce Wayne's hold on Batman. His inner personality, Batman, attempts to rise and the members of the Mutants are leery of attacking him.

(read all 60 Short Essay Questions and Answers)

This section contains 4,220 words (approx. 15 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample