"Things have their shape in time, not space alone. Some marble blocks have statues within them, embedded in their future."
This quote from Alan Moore’s “Watchmen” encapsulates a central theme of the graphic novel: the non-linear nature of time and its impact on our understanding of events and characters.
“Things have their shape in time, not space alone.” This line emphasizes that to truly comprehend something, we must consider its entire temporal existence, not just its present state. In “Watchmen”, this idea is reflected in the narrative structure, which frequently jumps between different time periods, revealing how past events shape the present and future.
“Some marble blocks have statues within them, embedded in their future.” This metaphor further reinforces the concept of non-linear time. It suggests that the future form of something (the statue) is already inherent in its present state (the marble block), even if it’s not yet visible. This aligns with how “Watchmen” presents character arcs and plot developments – often, the seeds of future events are planted long before they come to fruition.
Dr. Manhattan, one of the central characters in Alan Moore’s “Watchmen,” epitomizes the concept of non-linear time and the unfolding of potential over time
Dr. Manhattan, originally Dr. Jon Osterman, undergoes a transformative accident that grants him god-like powers, including the ability to perceive all moments in time simultaneously.
Unlike other characters, Dr. Manhattan experiences past, present, and future as a continuous, interwoven tapestry. This unique perception aligns perfectly with the idea that to understand something fully, one must see it across time.
Dr. Manhattan’s perception of time as non-linear is central to his character. He sees events not as a sequence but as a series of interconnected moments.
This allows him to understand the full shape and potential of things, much like seeing the statue within the marble block before it is carved.
His ability to view time holistically rather than linearly makes him both a powerful and detached figure, often struggling to relate to the human experience, which is bound by the linear passage of time.
As Dr. Manhattan becomes more attuned to his non-linear perception of time, he grows increasingly detached from human emotions and concerns.
He views human lives and events as transient and somewhat insignificant in the grand scheme of the universe. This detachment is a direct consequence of his ability to see the “shape” of things in their entirety, understanding their full potential and eventual outcomes, which diminishes the importance of individual moments and emotions.
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