Depiction of Nietzsche's Theory of the Übermensch in Pedro Paramo

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Recommended: Analysis of Pedro Paramo as a novel

Characters in Pedro Paramo depict Nietzsche’s Theory of the Übermensch as they embody the idea that they are superior, almost like god. The theory states that an Übermensch is an ideal man who transcends the ordinary morals and values set by society and the actions of an Übermensch are inherently for the best, no matter what the actions are. Pedro Paramo is a prominent character who depicts the theory whereas Juan Preciado is the foil who is just an normal, average human being. The difference between each of them is how they react to crimes. Pedro as well as his son, Miguel Paraml, both possess a strong feeling to not feel guilty for the crimes they have committed and therefore, do not have the fear of punishment because they can use their power or dominance over others. Characters such as Pedro Paramo or Miguel Paramo are depicted as the Übermensch because both characters feel “normal” after committing a dreadful crime because the characters believe that there isn’t a higher power beyond them. Thus, are able to assert any type of gruesome, unjustified or blunt action without feeling remorse or responsibility.
Pedro Paramo had two characters that had qualities of an Übermensch: Miguel and Pedro. Miguel was just like his father, Pedro, as both were self centered and didn’t care or show any regard for others as they frightened and destroyed the city and collected women as nothing more than mere objects. But Pedro was a more prominent depiction of the Übermensch as he acts from a very prudent, mental state. After his father’s death, Pedro uses what has happened to him as a way of punishing Comala. Pedro is very ruthless and can assert any type of unjustified action without feeling pain. He is ruthless and he murders those who come...

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...m to hate the world and soon make the Media Luna into a desert. He is willing to continue his cruelty but he knows that it will ultimately get back to him, it will cost him and most importantly, he will have consequences. The deaths that were caused in his world ruined him, ruined his want to feel emotions or change. The deaths in his childhood and adulthood made him indifferent to the emotions that he was feeling.
Ultimately, the father and son, truly depict Nietzsche's Theory of the Übermensch as they feel that they are superior, almost as if they were god. Pedro does have an epiphany that all his actions do have consequences but he is indifferent to his emotions so he truly doesn’t care due to the deaths that ruined his sense of feeling guilt or feeling anything. Furthermore, both characters feel and possess a strong want to gain, whether that’s women or power.

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