Spiderman, Despereaux, and Forgiveness?

It always intrigues me to see a common theme running through the media I encounter. It seems that when an idea becomes trendy, it reveals itself throughout the mass media. I never expected, however, for the theme I’ve encountered most recently to be forgiveness.

In Spiderman III, the traditional plot of superhuman villains needing to be vanquished had its usual spins and turns. The interesting plot twist in modern superhero movies is that the creation of a villain is a psychological/spiritual as well as physical act. Thus, it shouldn’t be surprising that in this most recent superhero movie, the destruction of a villain is also in the realm of the metaphysical. A strong contrast is revealed between two villains in the end, one who embraces hatred which leads to his destruction, and one who seeks redemption and forgiveness, finding release in the end. What a surprising and beautiful theme. The only problem arises from the fact that this movie is full of gruesome violence, destructive choices, and creepy graphics. That’s all well and good if you like that sort of thing, but if it’s the theme you’re attracted to, allow me to share a quote from the much tamer action adventure The Tale of Despereaux, which was, incidentally, the 2003 Newbery Medal winner, and a brilliant accomplishment by Kate DiCamillo.

“Forgiveness, reader, is, I think, something very much like hope and love, a powerful, wonderful thing. And a ridiculous thing, too. . . But still, here are the words Despereaux Tilling spoke to his father. He said, ‘I forgive you, Pa.’ And he said those words because he sensed that it was the only way to save his own heart, to stop it from breaking in two.”

While forgiveness is a theme which best runs through the stories of all our lives, it never hurts to be reminded by someone else. If you haven’t read The Tale of Despereaux, find yourself a copy and be reminded. And, I suppose, you might watch Spiderman, as well.