Original artwork, not a still
Anarchy means "without leaders", not "without order".
— V for Vendetta • 1982
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
Alan Moore's V uses it to correct the word most people confuse with chaos. For him anarchy is not smashed windows but a society that organises itself without rulers, and the riot outside is exactly what it is not. The line is quoted across politics discussions and is one of the best-known lines in the book, long after the Guy Fawkes mask itself spread through protest culture.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for V for VendettaShow the scene
This is from the comic's third book, "The Land of Do-As-You-Please". On the following 5 November (1998), V blows up the Post Office Tower and Jordan Tower, shutting down the Eye, the Ear and the Mouth, and riots sweep London as the people seize the chance. Evey asks V whether this uproar is anarchy. V says no: this is only the land of take-what-you-want, and anarchy means without leaders, not without order. He calls the coming order voluntary and the present chaos a stage to be passed through.
Sources (2)
- V for Vendetta, WikiquoteComic quotes sectionReference checked
- V for Vendetta (comic), WikipediaPlot, Book 3 and Publication historyReference checked
Context reviewed
