A Marxist Interpretation of V for Vendetta: Understanding Dystopia as a Reflection of Thatcher-Era Britain Anonymous College

A Marxist reading of the graphic novel V for Vendetta reveals much about how to understand and interpret this graphic novel, particularly through the character of Evey. On two levels, a Marxist reading helps illuminate both the struggles of the characters and the authors’ implications in the capitalist struggle. Several specific frames and scenes in the graphic novel are exemplary in illustrating this. A Marxist reading of the text necessitates understanding that the dystopian world of this graphic novel is complicated and worsened by the capitalist system. Ultimately, the novel can also be understood as a critique of the society in which it was written; specifically, of Thatcher-era Great Britain.

Evey is introduced to the reader in a frame that emphasizes both her physical beauty and desperation within the capitalist system. For example, the book’s opening pages and panels contrast Evey getting ready to prostitute herself with images of the world outside. As the voice on the television states, “Her transactions, her decisions are insignificant, they affect no one” (Moore and Lloyd 10), Evey timidly propositions the man: “Uh…would…would you like to … uh… sleep with me or anything…I mean…uh…for money?” (Moore and Lloyd 10). The...