The fallen hero and heroine

Did maiming Cleopatra and Hercules portray the “freaks” as nothing but? I do not think so. I thought it was an example of “Carney Justice.” I think we have to remember the setting. Back in the 1930’s many groups or individuals took justice (both negatively and positively) into their own hands. Consider the KKK, and Gangs in major cities. The statement “kill one of ours, kill one of yours” was to be taken literally one hundred years ago.

           We also have to remember how the circus hands or “non-freaks” treated Hans and the rest of his ilk. The “naturals” not only humiliated the “freaks” behind their backs, but also out in the open. In addition, they attempted to kill Hans in order to inherit his fortune. So, considering the context and the foul acts committed, did it not warrant retaliation?

             Again as one of our classmates mentioned, after defiling Cleopatra and Hercules the "freaks" were not confined to the hideous life of a carney. Instead of behind bars or displayed miserably in a deteriorating Carnival, they were lavishly adorned. Hans lived in a mansion, and his ex-wife was seen wearing a fur coat with a fox pelt wrapped around her. You also see the Clown and Hercules’ ex-girlfriend dressed fancifully. To me it was a story of good vs. evil. You would think the Greek hero and Egyptian Queen—as their titles suggest—would be portrayed as supreme beings. Surprisingly, they are portrayed as the oppressors and the deviant ones. It was the “freaks” who took a stand and it was them who came out on top.

Domalski