Recurring Themes

Justice & Law

No discussion of vigilantism is complete without at least cursory discussion of Batman. The issue raised by Batman: Year One is what is the difference between the law and justice? The appointed lawmakers and law enforcers of Gotham City fail in their duties so much that they in fact could be considered a criminal syndicate in their own right. The question becomes which approach to achieving 'fairness' is more appropriate: Batman's or Gordon's? Batman's approach ignores the law and (although not explicitly stated in the novel) is hamstrung only by a self-regulated rule to avoid death (maiming seems fine, though). Should we trust a man with no checks and balances to define and enforce his own concept of justice. Gordon's approach is far more slow and methodical, slowly gathering evidence so that society's law and punishment can be carried out - the emphasis being that the law is a societal construct which we all (theoretically) agree to abide by.

Ethics & Morality

What one person finds morally right and ethically correct may be wildly different to another - these beliefs are shaped by our personal contexts. James Gordon comes to Gotham with very high and inflexible standards but as the novel progresses these standards are slowly lowered and loosened. He still expects the best, but his personal experiences throughout the novel lead him to a place where, mentally, he is able to accept the necessity of a vigilante such as the Dark Knight.

Selina Kyle is another interesting case - a practicing dominatrix and guardian to young sex worker Holly, she sees no real problems with condoning what is most likely under-age prostitution. In fact it's not until she is inspired by the example of the Batman that she creates her catwoman persona in order to get the both of them out of the industry. Although her trade as a sex worker may be considered by some as distasteful, in many cultures and societies it is perfectly legal and well respected. Are there any inconsistencies in her behaviours? Why do you think the author chose to re-imagine Kyle as a dominatrix?

Of course, this theme includes the idea of being answerable for and to one's self, as demonstrated by Gordon's constant self-awareness of the illicit nature of his affair with Essen. Is an individual a hypocrite if they are committed to the highest standards in their professional life, but not in their personal life? Or is it a flaw to be overcome? In this regard Selina Kyle may actually be the most consistent of all the characters in the story.

Relationships

Ah this old chestnut. That so many texts are about interpersonal connections in one manner or another is testament to the complexity of human relationships. Bruce Wayne and his father. Bruce Wayne and Alfred Pennyworth. Falconio and his nephew. Bruce Wayne and...women. Kyle and her client. Kyle and Holly. Holly and her pimp. Batman and Gordon. Gordon and his wife. Gordon and Essen. Gordon and Flass. I'm too lazy to list the rest; that's a pretty comprehensive list but you didn't come here looking for a list.

How does one person sway the thinking and behaviour of another? What is a healthy or unhealthy relationship? Is it better to stay in an unhappy relationship, or to follow happiness wherever you find it? Is it more noble to deny oneself happiness in the pursuit of betterment for others? What is the difference or similarities between Bruce Wayne and his sexual liasions compared to James Gordon or Selina Kyle and theirs?

How does Flass ensure dominance in his relationships? What about the Commissioner? Falcone?

What is the difference between society's view on these three relationships? Can they be placed on a scale of "ok" to "really bad"? Or are they all ok? Or are they all crimes against society? What is it about your/our societal views that informs your response to each event?

Family or 'family'?

I find it interesting that the families in this book are quite dysfunctional. That loyalty between Wayne & the Gordons is stronger than the Gordons feel toward one another. That Selina is more protective of Holly than Falcone is towards his nephew. Is it true that "blood is thicker than water"? Is a family what you make it, or are you born into one (and cannot escape, mwahaha!).

Courage & Heroism

True courage comes from facing risk, and what one individual might be risking might not be an issue for another. For example, James Gordon and his family are a target of Falcone 'The Roman' because of his efficiency and efforts in fighting crime in Gotham. Batman, however, faces no such risk because of his essential anonymity. In regards to this point, which of the two men is more heroic? There are a number of times in the novel that different individuals display courage in the face of danger, even if it is only a meagre situation.