Anthropomorphizing Part 1
Do you know the term anthropomorphizing? Can you spell it? I learned it during my time working at National Geographic Television's Explorer TV show when I worked with the "blue chip" documentary producers.
Anthropomorphizing is when we attribute human characteristics, emotions, or behaviors to non-human entities, such as animals, objects, or even natural phenomena. This can be anything from assuming a cat feels guilty for knocking over a vase to giving a storm a personality by saying it's angry. It's a common technique in storytelling and art to create relatable, engaging narratives, especially in animations, children's literature, and even in how we relate to our pets or objects around us. It helps to bridge the gap between the human and non-human, making the latter more understandable or emotionally resonant with us.
This is done time and time again in wild life documentaries where we name the animals we're filming and interpret their banal looks as complex emotions that they're not likely capable of.
But in fantasy and superhero fiction, we take this further than animal behavior. We attribute these characteristics into a whole city. I first noticed this when I sat down with my family to watch Arrow and every other word out of Stephen Amell's mouth was how he had to save his beloved city. I started to feel like voyuer.
Heroes like Batman and Superman, through their deep connections and interactions with Gotham City and Metropolis, respectively, also contribute to the anthropomorphization of these cities.
Batman and Gotham City
Gotham City, protected by Batman, often reflects the darker aspects of human nature, embodying themes of corruption, crime, and redemption. Batman, being a human without superpowers, uses his intellect, physical prowess, and vast resources to combat these issues. His deep personal connection to Gotham, stemming from the tragic loss of his parents in its alleyways, further personifies the city. Gotham becomes a character in its own right, with its dark, brooding atmosphere and its resilience in the face of adversity mirroring Batman's own characteristics. The city's architecture, with its gothic and art deco influences, adds to this personification, creating a visual representation of its complex personality.
Superman and Metropolis
Contrastingly, Metropolis, under the watch of Superman, is often portrayed as a shining example of progress and human achievement. Superman, an alien with extraordinary powers, represents hope, justice, and the ideal of what humanity can aspire to. Metropolis, with its skyscrapers reaching towards the sky, embodies these ideals and is often bathed in sunlight, contrasting Gotham's perpetual darkness. The city's name itself, derived from the Greek word for "mother city," connotes a nurturing environment, further humanizing it as a place of growth and protection under Superman's care.
The Relationship with Their Cities
Both superheroes, through their actions and the narratives around them, endow their respective cities with human-like qualities. The cities react to the presence of their protectors, almost as if they are in a symbiotic relationship. When the hero is triumphant, the city seems brighter, safer, and more vibrant. In times of crisis or when the hero falters, the city appears to suffer alongside them, with increased crime rates, corruption, and a palpable sense of fear and despair among its inhabitants.
Spider-Man and New York City
Spider-Man, or Peter Parker, has a profound connection with New York City. The city is more than just a backdrop for his adventures; it's a living, breathing character that reflects the diversity, resilience, and challenges of urban life. Spider-Man's intimate knowledge of the city, from its towering skyscrapers to its dark alleys, and his interactions with its citizens, from everyday people to villains, imbue New York with a vibrant personality. The city's response to Spider-Man's presence, whether it's cheering him on or vilifying him through media like the Daily Bugle, shows a dynamic relationship that highlights the city's multifaceted character.
Daredevil and Hell's Kitchen
Daredevil, or Matt Murdock, is deeply tied to the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of New York City. Despite the gentrification of the real Hell's Kitchen, in the Marvel Universe, it remains a gritty, tough neighborhood plagued by crime and corruption, reflecting the darker aspects of urban life. Daredevil's commitment to protecting Hell's Kitchen, combined with his personal connections and legal work within the community, personifies the neighborhood, giving it a resilience and spirit that mirrors Daredevil's own.
Black Panther and Wakanda
Though not a city, the fictional nation of Wakanda is intrinsically linked to Black Panther, or T'Challa. Wakanda is a unique blend of futuristic technology and traditional African culture, reflecting the character of Black Panther himself. As king and protector, T'Challa's identity is deeply intertwined with Wakanda's prosperity, culture, and global position. Wakanda's portrayal as a powerful, sovereign nation challenges stereotypes and embodies ideals of self-determination and innovation, making it a character in its own right within the narrative.
Green Arrow and Star City
Green Arrow, or Oliver Queen, has a complex relationship with Star City (originally called Starling City). Much like Batman with Gotham, Green Arrow fights not just physical crime but also battles against social injustice, corruption, and the disparities between the wealthy and the poor. Star City, with its contrasting affluent neighborhoods and crime-ridden areas, reflects the social themes Green Arrow tackles. The city's evolution often parallels Oliver Queen's own journey, making it a living entity that grows and changes with its hero.
These superheroes, through their deep ties and interactions with their respective cities or territories, create environments that are much more than mere settings. They're places with their own identities, challenges, and stories, shaped by and shaping the heroes who protect them. The cities become reflections of the heroes themselves and vice versa, creating a dynamic interplay between character and setting that enriches the narratives. This anthropomorphization makes the cities integral characters in their stories, contributing to the depth and emotional resonance of the tales being told.
Stay tuned for Part Two where we discuss how to implement this tactic in our writing!