Steven Burnett: Twin Peaks character profile

In the mysterious and captivating world of Twin Peaks, the character of Steven Burnett emerges as an enigmatic figure in the narrative. As the husband of Becky, Steven finds himself embroiled in a web of dark and criminal activities throughout the course of 'The Return.' This blog post aims to delve deep into the complexities of Steven's character, employing an analytical and theoretical approach, while maintaining a down-to-earth and easy-to-understand style.Steven, as portrayed by Caleb Landry Jones, possesses a certain magnetism that draws viewers into his troubled life. On the surface, he appears to be a wayward and aimless young man, drifting through life without purpose. However, beneath this façade lies a deeply troubled soul, haunted by personal demons and led astray by his involvement in criminal activities.One cannot help but draw parallels between Steven and the concept of the 'Byronic hero.' Coined after the Romantic poet Lord Byron, the Byronic hero is characterized by their inner turmoil, allure, and moral ambiguity. Like these infamous literary figures, Steven embodies conflicting qualities that make him simultaneously repelling and irresistible, showcasing a complexity that defies easy categorization.Throughout 'The Return,' Steven's involvement in criminal activities serves as a catalyst for his descent into darkness. His illicit pursuits not only bring chaos into his own life, but also directly impact the lives of those around him. This raises intriguing questions about the nature of morality and the extent to which one's actions can corrupt their entire existence.The audience watches as Steven's relationship with Becky becomes increasingly strained, mirroring the destructive nature of his criminal dealings. This exploration of the destructive power of vice and their damaging impact on personal relationships is a prevalent theme in various works of literature and art, portraying the age-old battle between good and evil within the human psyche.The character of Steven Burnett also fits into a larger narrative pattern within Twin Peaks, exploring the themes of duality and the inherent darkness that can exist in seemingly ordinary individuals. In a town as mysterious as Twin Peaks, one cannot ignore the recurring motif of hidden darkness beneath the surface. Steven personifies this unsettling notion, embodying the potential for evil that resides within each of us.As the plot unfolds, we witness the increasing peril that Steven's criminal activities bring upon him. This offers an opportunity to delve into another theoretical lens through which to examine Steven's character – that of Ernest Becker's concept of 'terror management theory.' According to Becker, individuals often engage in destructive or criminal behavior as a response to their fear of death. By embracing a life of criminality, they may feel a sense of control and power over the inevitable and terrifying reality of mortality.By analyzing Steven Burnett's character through this lens, we gain a deeper understanding of his motivations and the underlying factors that contribute to his involvement in criminal activities. It allows us to view him not as a purely malevolent force, but rather as a flawed individual desperately seeking solace and meaning amidst his own mortality.In conclusion, Steven Burnett's character in 'The Return' of Twin Peaks offers a rich and intriguing exploration of the complex dynamics surrounding criminality, morality, and the human psyche. Through a combination of high-minded theoretical concepts and a down-to-earth style, we have unraveled the layers of Steven's character and delved into the deeper themes at play in his narrative arc. Twin Peaks continues to captivate audiences with its thought-provoking storytelling, leaving us hungry for more enigmatic characters like Steven Burnett.