Examining Guilt Through Superheroes: A Foray into The Marvels

by Harsimar Kang, Contributing Author

---

In the excitement of Deadpool & Wolverine arriving in theaters, fans tend to rewatch the many movies of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Revisiting the previous cinematic installment The Marvels, the movie is an exploration of the consequences of one affecting many. Captain Carol Danvers (Captain Marvel), the story’s protagonist, is dealing with the repercussions of destroying the Supreme Intelligence, an AI that controls the foundation of a space-faring society known as the Kree, leading its people to poverty and death. In the decades since this event, the character attempts to reconcile her guilt via self-punishment through self isolation, but receives little relief. It’s not until later on, where she is surrounded by her family, that Captain Marvel gains the insight into a solution that restores the suffering Kree society to its former glory. While the action sequences and musical numbers may make it appear to be just another silly comic book movie, there are a few important lessons that the film imparts. Trauma takes time to process. Grief can create a sense of seemingly endless helplessness, but leaning on the support of your loved ones will give way to forgiveness and inner peace. While the themes of guilt and trauma may seem mature, children process intense feelings in unique ways, and films can be a powerful medium in which difficult experiences can be navigated. From a developmental perspective, researchers have found that kids as young as three can grasp the concepts of right and wrong, and with subsequent maturation, can begin to acknowledge and potentially internalize the consequences that their actions may have on others. This is generally associated with children developing negative self-judgments, making them more vulnerable to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Hence, appropriate effective storytelling through film demonstrates that children can use observational learning from media characters and internalize positive information. Watching Captain Marvel, children realize that they too can make mistakes, grieve, heal, and make amends. 

References

Colasante, T., Zuffianò, A., Haley, D. W., & Malti, T. (2018). Children’s autonomic nervous system activity while transgressing: Relations to guilt feelings and aggression. Developmental Psychology, 54(9), 1621–1633. https://doi.org/10.1037/dev0000500

Ferguson, T. J., Stegge, H., Miller, E. R., & Olsen, M. E. (1999). Guilt, shame, and symptoms in children. Developmental psychology, 35(2), 347–357. https://doi.org/10.1037//0012-1649.35.2.347

Gioia, D. A., & Brass, D. J. (1986). Teaching the TV Generation: The Case for Observational Learning. Organizational Behavior Teaching Review, 10(2), 11–18. https://doi.org/10.1177/105256298601000202