Batman Symbolism: What 15 Most Famous Villains Really Mean

11. Mr. Freeze - Physical Coldness = Emotional Coldness

Mr. Freeze's literally coldness represents the emotionally cold shell of a man that Batman could potentially become if he allows his tragic past to overcome him. Victor Fries' need to become his villainous alter-ego was also instigated by a family tragedy that somewhat mirrors Bruce Wayne's own. In Wayne's case it was the loss of his parents and, in Fries' case, it was the loss of the love of his life - his wife Nora. Nora was ill and Fries decided to cryogenically freeze her using a device of his own design, so that he could keep her alive while a cure was being researched. His boss interrupted and tampered with the experiment, which resulted in an explosion that killed her. Fries survived the accident, but the chemicals in the freeze ray lowered his body temperature to the point that he had to constantly wear a cryogenic suit in order to survive. Following the loss, he swore revenge on those responsible and became Mr. Freeze - a man as cold physically as Batman could be if he allowed grief to devour him.