Watchmen

by

Alan Moore

The Keene Act of 1977 Term Analysis

The Keene Act of 1977 is a fictional American law that outlaws all vigilantes and caped crusaders except for the Comedian (Edward Blake) and Dr. Manhattan (Jon Osterman), who work on behalf of the American government.
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The Keene Act of 1977 Term Timeline in Watchmen

The timeline below shows where the term The Keene Act of 1977 appears in Watchmen. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 1: At Midnight, All the Agents…
Heroes, Villains, and Vigilantes Theme Icon
...investigation discreetly so that “masked avengers” don’t get involved. One of them remarks that the Keene Act of 1977 outlawed most vigilantes, but Rorschach is still out in the streets, acting on... (full context)
Heroes, Villains, and Vigilantes Theme Icon
Moralist vs. Utilitarian Ethics Theme Icon
American Corruption and Patriotism Theme Icon
...he chose to retire of his own will, two years before the police strike and Keene Act demanded it. Rorschach clearly despises Veidt and leaves, rappelling out of a high window. (full context)
Heroes, Villains, and Vigilantes Theme Icon
...costumes and running around was a stupid way to spend their youth, and that the Keene Act was the best thing for them. Daniel lightly agrees. They swap stories and laugh a... (full context)
Chapter 4: Watchmaker
Heroes, Villains, and Vigilantes Theme Icon
Nihilism and Meaning Theme Icon
American Corruption and Patriotism Theme Icon
In 1977, the Keene Act passes as an emergency bill, outlawing all vigilantes except for Dr. Manhattan and the Comedian,... (full context)