"V for Vengeful Vigilante," A Letter-Essay

Dear ____________,

I have finished reading a graphic novel that was the basis for my all-time favorite movie, V for Vendetta. I made a goal for myself to read this book because of how much I admire the theatricality of the film, and the novel did not disappoint. I believe it is safe to say this book is a 5-star read, and everyone should definitely take the time to admire the artistic writing style. I fell even more in love with the main character, V, but upon reading the book I also took an immense liking to the second main character, Evey Hammond.

V is a mysterious vigilante who swoops in to save Evey Hammond from being violated by the corrupted “fingermen” (police) within the first few pages.Evey is then taken by V to his underground hiding place, where he harbors art and music that was deemed “illegal” by the corrupted U.K. government. Through a massive roller coaster which takes place over five years, V murders those who have wronged him in the past. Said people “made him into a monster” by torturing him and treating him as a lab rat in the camp for “undesirables” he was placed in years ago. He was one of five survivors of these experiments, and placed in room five (V in Roman Numerals), where he developed his new identity. V blew up that camp, and “vowed to vanquish these venal and virulent vermin van guarding vice and vouchsafing the violently vicious and voracious violation of volition” (a quote from the film, strung together by the chapter titles in the novel).

So that he does, and Evey begins to help him. Eventually, Evey herself is too scared to continue, so V lets her go, until one night he finds her in an alley trying to kill someone who murdered her lover, and kidnaps her again, putting her through the simulation of the horrid camp he lived in. He shaves her head, tortures her, starves her. Through this he breaks her out of this shell of fear that she is so accustomed to, and sets her up to live a life without fear. V says this is the most crucial moment of her life. Her age is now 20, and together they set out to finish V’s last act of treason, blowing up parliament, just as Guy Fawkes attempted to do once upon a time. Fawkes served as a massive inspiration for V. Evey never sees V’s face, as he wears a mask of that very inspiration of his. V wants to be an idea, not a person, and asks that Evey not remove his mask even after his death, which is caused by a shootout with his last target. Evey then realizes that all of her role in helping V was to prepare her for becoming him. So just like that, Evey Hammond sends V’s body on its way, on a train full of dynamite that is to roll right under parliament, and she becomes the idea he once created.

[V is talking to the statue of Madame Justice atop the Old Bailey] "Hello, dear lady. A lovely evening, is it not? Forgive me for intruding, perhaps you were intending to take a stroll, perhaps you were merely enjoying the view. No matter, I thought that it was time we had a little chat, you and I. Ah... I was forgetting that we are not properly introduced. I do not have a name. You can call me V. Madame Justice, this is V. V, this is Madame Justice. Hello, Madame Justice. [as Madame Justice] Good evening, V. There, now we know each other.

Actually, I've been a fan of yours for quite some time. Oh, I know what you're thinking... "The poor boy has a crush on me... an adolescent infatuation". I beg your pardon, Madame. It isn't like that at all. I've long admired you... Albeit only from a distance. I used to stare at you from the streets below when I was a child. I'd say to my father "Who is that lady?" And he'd say "That's Madam Justice". And I'd say "Isn't she pretty?". Please don't think it was merely physical, I know you're not that sort of girl. No, I loved you as a person, as an ideal.

That was a long time ago, I'm afraid there's someone else now...What? V! For shame! You have betrayed me for some harlot, some vain and pouting hussy with painted lips and a knowing smile! I, Madame? I beg to differ! It was your infidelity that drove me to her arms! Ah-ha! That surprised you, didn't it! You thought I didn't know about your little fling, but I do! I know everything! Frankly, I wasn't surprised when I found out. You always did have an eye for a man in uniform. Uniform? Why, I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about. It was always you, V. You were the only one… Liar! Slut! Whore! Deny that you let him have his way with you, him with his armbands and jackboots! Well? Cat got your tongue? I thought as much. Very well. So you stand revealed at last, you are no longer my Justice.

You are his Justice now, you have bedded another. Well, two can play at that game! Sob! Choke! Wh-Who is she, V? What is her name? Her name is Anarchy. And she has taught me more as a Mistress than you ever did! She has taught me that Justice is meaningless without Freedom. She is honest, she makes no promises and breaks none. Unlike you, Jezebel. I used to wonder why you could never look me in the eye. Now I know. So goodbye, dear Lady. I would be saddened by our parting, even now, save that you are no longer the woman that I once loved. Here is a final gift. I leave it at your feet.

[V leaves a small heart-shaped chocolate box at the statue's feet. As V walks away, the box explodes, destroying the Old Bailey and the statue] The flames of Freedom, how lovely, how just. Ah, my precious Anarchy... "O beauty, 'till now I never knew thee.” (pp. 39-41)

This excerpt is my favorite moment from the book, as it shows V’s insanity and also his theatricality and passion for anarchy and vengeance. There is no other story that I have read or heard of that has a character quite this insane, but also so collected and logical.

The story quickly became a favorite of mine, and I have no complaints about it whatsoever. It has so many levels and layers, I would actually consider rereading it to see what else I can gain. It’s easy to see the different perspectives in this book, and changing how you read it at any time. You could see it from V’s point of view, or Evey’s. Possibly even the government’s. It’s this in depth writing that caused me to appreciate the book so much, and to read something with such authentic unique themes, such as standing for what you believe in at all costs, was a massive pleasure. Sincerely,

Madyson Podojil

#VforVendetta #AlanMoore