Date of Award

2009

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Submission Date

October 2026

Abstract

The Marvel character Captain America was created in 1941 as an unabashed, patriotic icon who was meant to inspire Americans in the face of war. At the end of World War II, however, American identity underwent a split between diplomatic "prophetic realism" and aggressive "zealous nationalism." The inherent dilemma for Captain America quickly became which side of the American psyche he was to represent. Marvel has dealt with the problem of representation by allowing the original Captain America to be a prophetic realist, while introducing "doubles" of Captain America who act as zealous nationalists. In each era of Captain America's publication, the conflict between the real Captain and his zealous doubles has provided a dialogue on the American spirit, while allowing for meaningful speculation on what the future holds for this country.

Comments

by Robert Wicks.

Extent

vi, 81 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm.

Identifier

503322940

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