Controversy in V for Vendetta

There will always be something in every piece of literature or work of art that rubs someone the wrong way. There are several possibilities in V for Vendetta that could create quite a controversy. The aspect of the graphic novel that I assume would cause the most stir would be how Christianity is portrayed. Bishop Lilliman is seen as the figurehead of the Church by Londoners in the novel, while in fact he is merely a puppet used by the government and answering directly to FATE. The Bishop uses his power as a public figure to spread the government’s propaganda. This portrayal of the Bishop and Christianity in general, can be seen as controversial, particularly in the United States, a predominately Christian state.

Another thing that can be seen as controversial, also centered on Bishop Lilliman, is the inclusion of pedophilia. Even though it is construed in a negative manner in the novel, the connection between the Church and pedophilia is enough to cause a stir of its own. With the recent news of inappropriate conduct within the Church, often involving choir boys, the novel is probably as controversial today as when it was first released if not more.

The portrayal of America in the novel is far from kind. America is seen as a cause for the bed of destruction that allowed a fascist government to thrive. Another possibly controversial aspect of the novel is the fact that the Cold War ended badly with America losing. Americans don’t like to be losers.