On The Evolution Of American Superhero Images As Reflected In The Changes Of American People's National Psychology

Combining American super heroes with the American people's national psychology,this thesis provides an analysis of the changes of super heroes in different times by studying the changes of psychology of Americans over time.Meanwhile,this thesis reaches a conclusion of the origins and features of American super heroes in different times to reflect the American people's national psychology.Relying on Literature Research Method and Qualitative Analysis Method,this paper analyzes in detail the features and changes of American super heroes and the psychology of Americans with regard to significant events in American history,namely,before the World War II,after the World War II,during the 9/11 terrorist attacks period and the Post 9/11 terrorist attacks period.For example,the strong patriotism of Americans during the World War II encourages super heroes to actively crack down on the evil forces and the anti-war attitude afterwards results in changes of attitudes of super heroes towards wars.Besides,the urge for revenge in the 9/11 terrorist attacks period creates anti-terrorism heroes and the reflection of Americans in the Post 9/11 terrorist attacks period brings super heroes to a more sensible level.Such comparisons reveal the cause and effect relation between the changes of super heroes and American people's national psychology.This thesis also offers a prospective development of super heroes as an icon in American culture.