Heterotopia and the Proverb "One Can't Make an Omelette Without Breaking Eggs" in HBO's Watchmen

Abstract

HBO’s dystopian science fiction series Watchmen makes extensive use of the proverb “You can’t make an omelet without breaking a couple of eggs” and asks: “Who has the authority to decide what or who should be broken, and to the benefit of whom.” This thesis demonstrates how Watchmen depicts the character Dr. Manhattan’s closed ecological system (CES) on Europa, a moon of Jupiter, can be perceived as a heterotopia that disrupts and reverses power relations that are typically implied to be present in the proverb “you can’t make an omelet without breaking a couple of eggs.” The theoretical framework of this thesis utilizes French philosopher Michel Foucault’s concept of heterotopia, and conceptual metaphor theory.

The thesis’ conclusion finds that the CES demonstrates a rethinking of power relations that are typically implied in the proverb “one can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs.” By placing the powerful decision-maker to the position of the “sacrificial egg,” Watchmen demonstrates problems related to positions of individualistic power. In addition, the CES juxtaposes incompatible sites and spaces, which draws a connection to their counterparts on Earth. Through this connection, Watchmen provokes critical consideration of power relations between powerful individuals perceived as heroes or saviors and the less powerful, whose lives are affected to varying degrees by the actions of heroes.