Evil versus Evil:

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the sense of viciousness and the absence of generated goodness as a whole using V.E. Schwab’s Vicious as a case study. Vicious is a fantasy novel that revolves around two best friends; Victor and Eli; who once acclaimed superpowers turned to sworn enemies. The novel has subverted the general understanding of the duality of good and evil. Hence, this study attempts to discuss this ancient rivalry of heroes against villain and to throw the light on the new trend adopted by fantasy novels. This trend centers on expelling the sense of goodness out of the protagonist leaving him/her more of a villain than a hero. Since evil versus evil is the center of this study, both Victor Vale and Eli Ever will be discussed both through a psychoanalytical perspective dwelling on their motives, beliefs, and psyche to determine who is the real villain.