2) He Retains Clark’s Idealism
Idealism exists inherently in Zack Snyder’s take on Superman. This may come as a shock to some, who can’t see it amidst their assumption that realistic equals hopeless. Though that works as a commentary on our world, it’s where we break from Superman’s.
If you recall, Jor-El tells Clark, in Man of Steel, the following about humanity:
“You will give the people of Earth an ideal to strive towards. They will race behind you, they will stumble, they will fall. But in time, they will join you in the sun, Kal. In time, you will help them accomplish wonders.”
This holds even more importance and poignancy in a world that mirrors ours. Superman leads by example; and nothing makes that more clear than Clark Kent, journalist.
In Batman V Superman, we get a glimpse of Clark’s work at the Daily Plant. In a meeting, he brings up the darker turn that Batman has taken across the bay. When Perry White shoots him down, he says, “the American conscience died with Robert, Martin, and John.” This reference to the assassinations of JFK, Robert Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr. reinforces the cynicism of the world Superman exists within.
And it is that cynicism that renders Clark’s idealism so starkly. Set against this world that does not trust him, Clark sets out to do the right thing anyway – he investigates Batman when told not to, and continues saving people.
Of course, this is not to say there aren’t consequences.
