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I watched the movie V for Vendetta last night, a story about a “civilized” terrorist who has a desire to overthrow the futuristic totalitarian English government. Interesting about it is that the terrorist uses Guy FawkesGuy Fawkes[/wiki] as his example of revolutionary heroism. I thought this was interesting because of the poor light in which Fawkes is viewed (or so I thought), thought no mention of Fawkes' underlying political and religious motives are brought up. Rather, he is considered solely for his struggle against overwhelming in trying to overthrow the government….or at least to bomb the parliament building!I'm going to start a new thread on the historical Fawkes in another area, but here I'd like to discuss the treatment in the movie. Anyone see this movie and care to comment?
I havent seen the movie, but I know the British hold him in pretty high esteem.
What? They burn his effigy every year! He was a traitor after the Gunpowder Plot….alas, we should continue this in the new thread I will create on Guy Fawkes (soon enough!).
Read the entry in Wickipediea under popular culture. He was voted on of the 100 greatest Britons, and it is said he was the only man to ever enter Parliament with honourable intentions.
Yes, that is true; however, I wonder if they use “greatest” in the sense of “most popular”, rather than “best person”. In the same article they show the burning of his effigy. I am under the impression that this only occurs when a person is despised. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Lewes_Bonfire%2C_Guy_Fawkes_effigy.jpg
True, but the list also had John Lennon and Winston Churchhill. I think the whole effigy thing is probably more like Marti Gras then any kind of personal statment against Fawkes.
I found this quote from the Wickipedia article interesting:”Guy Fawkes' name is also the origin of the word “guy” in the English language, particularly in American spoken English. The burning on 5th November of an effigy of Fawkes, known as a “guy”, led to the use of the word “guy” as a term for “a person of grotesque appearance,” according to the Oxford English Dictionary. Over time, the word evolved to become a general reference for a man, as in “some guy called for you.” In the 20th century, under the influence of American popular culture, “guy” gradually replaced “fellow,” “bloke,” “chap” and other such words in many English-speaking countries. In some dialects “you guys” has become the second person plural.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Fawkes#LanguageYeah, I think I had read that once before. Very interesting. Perhaps the English unintentionally elevated Fawkes to the point of stardom, eh?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Fawkes#LanguageYeah, I think I had read that once before. Very interesting. Perhaps the English unintentionally elevated Fawkes to the point of stardom, eh?
It's happened before.
I see. Or in this case, perhaps he did deserve a more favorable (or “less brutal”) position in history.
True….not that I'd be condoning that, but it was during a time of religious persecution in England. I think the celebration afterward had certain anti-denominational sentiments attatched to it during the years.
