Abstract
The aim of this study is to cast new light on the conceptualization of evil. When brutal
crimes like murders or robberies are visualized, they are commonly viewed as evil deeds.
There thus appears to be a clear relationship between our ideas of criminal behavior and evilbehavior. By regarding unethical or dangerous behavior as evil, we have maintained socialorder. The question we must ask, however, focuses on whether all crimes are always absolutelyevil. What follows is a discussion of the extent to which evil could possibly be seen as a relativeidea.
In chapter 1, I first analyze a diabolical character named Joker in Christopher NolanʼsThe Dark Knight, and examine the hidden purpose for his crimes, and how evil resides invarious characters in the film. It has been recognized by critics that the movie carries subtext
concerning the “September 11 attacks” and that Joker acts as a terrorist against America. I
further insist that Joker tempts good people to commit crimes as if he were the sly serpent
which tempted Adam and Eve to sin in the Book of Genesis. The purpose of the Joker is toexpose the egoism of citizens who seem to be good.
Next, I turn to a hero from British literature, Alex in Anthony Burgessʼs A Clockwork

Orange, and consider the issue of whether Alexʼs feelings about violence are deleted due totechnology made possible by 20th-century science. Alex is depicted as always having a thirstfor violence because government officials who use the technology are extremely selfish andonly worry about decreasing the number of crimes without concerning themselves with moral
issues. Burgess warns that extreme suppression through technology leads to dehumanization.
As a result, as discussed in this chapter, we can see that everybody keeps a “devil” within themand it is hard for people to eradicate it completely. Thus, we can see there is a possibility that
we coexist with the challenge presented by evil.
Chapter 2 is comprised of two sections. In section 1, I reconsider the two heinous
characters, Joker and Alex, to discover positive aspects of evil. In the beginning, throughinvestigating the targets of Jokerʼs madness, I show that he attacks important elements ofAmerican society like money, authority, media, morals, and legal codes. His insanity reflects
urgent social problems in modern America, and its presentation can become an opportunity
to think about our social system. In turn, I consider and interpret the ending of A Clockwork

Orange. Contrary to the stereotypical images of Alex as going on to live a happy married lifein the final chapter, my observations suggest that Alex curses the selfish society in which helives and is going to choose self-destruction. At the same time, the novel offers severe criticismof society and a lesson about human relationships. As a result, it becomes apparent thatsometimes evil gives us valuable messages.

In section 2, I focus on an American dark hero, Batman, in Nolanʼs “The Dark KnightTrilogy,” especially The Dark Knight. He punishes criminals through excessive amounts ofviolence and engages in illegal activities for justice. I associate his violence with vigilantism,
which is a notable part of American history, and consider whether his violence will be viewed
as arbitrary brutality, or excessive beating. Critics tend not to focus on the risk of Batmanʼsvigilantism, that is, the possibility that his violence leads to lynching, recalling dark moments
in American history. However, Batman is not merely symbolic of vigilantism, since he has an
unwavering conviction not to kill anybody. Next, I study the legality of his activities. Although
Kristine Kathryn Rusch (2008) insists that Batman represents George W. Bush, whoprioritized only American national interest during the “September 11 attacks,” Batmanʼsactions and Nolanʼs intentions do not reflect Bushʼs military sanctions. Throughout thisprocess, I clarify that Batman corrects law and order when law fails to serve justice. On top of
that, Batman protects public order with violence and illegal activities that fall outside therealm of social acceptance. In other words, he goes back and forth between good and evil. The
duality of Batmanʼs character is reflected by his symbol, the bat, which has two identities; it
can be seen as bird-like and, simultaneously, rat-like. Relatedly, the Christianconceptualization of the devil involves the idea of a fallen angel. To put it another way, there
is some possibility that what seems to be evil will bring about a moral result.
Finally, I look at the closing scene from The Dark Knight, in which Batman happens tokill public prosecutor, Harvey Dent, in order to save an innocent boy. He never forgives
himself for the murder, despite the fact that it was brought about by unavoidable
circumstances. This kind of empyreal humility could be described as a beneficial model orsource of hope for the viewers. In this paper, I consider all of these issues as I investigate arecalibration of the concepts of good and evil. This is not to say that I promote evil crimes,of course. I conclude that A Clockwork Orange and The Dark Knight suggest that the hidden
truth of evil can be seen in diabolical behavior and the recognized psychological backgrounds,or the stereotypical understanding of good and evil should be rethought.