Recently, between reading school texts, I've been re-reading my favorite childhood book. The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More, by Roald Dahl. Although a children's book, re-reading can lead to some interesting conclusions. One of the stories is called The Hitchhiker. It concerns a man who can steal anything from a persons hand without said person noticing. He refers to his fingers as "magical." In the story, the magical hitchiker gets a ride with the protaganist and urges him to break the speed limit. When they do, the hitchhiker steals the informational pad away from the police man who pulls them over, leaving them in the clear.
This caught my attention because even though the hitchiker steals all throughout the story, the reader is enthralled and charmed by his character. The idea of someone possessing a supernatural power that sets them above others is enticing. It let's the person who possesses the power have complete control. They can break the social 'norm' and live how they please. However, if they are smart about it, like the hitchhiker, they would stay out of radar and be subtle about it. Everyone has had dreams of having a superpower, but if they actually recieved one, very few would know what to do with it.
The hitchhiker from the story steals winnings away from the rich. However, he's no Robin Hood. He keeps the money for his own gain and although this is a treat of great selfishness and greed, the reader is forced to side with him. Anyway that we can get close to the idea of being greater than others instantly attracts us subconsciously. One hint at an extraordinary person and it'll have a full grown adult thinking, "I wanna be a superhero."
Dahl, Roald. The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More. New York City: Puffin Books, 1988.
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