[EVA] Evangelion's easy-to-understand, complementary ending

[e]

Peter Svensson wrote:
> The TV ending proposes that Shinji can be happy because
> reality is a figment of your imagination.

I don't agree with that.  The TV ending proposes that people's concept of reality is coloured by their own subjective nature.  To paraphrase Shigeru in episode 26 (Literal Translation Project translation), you are 'confusing reality with truth':

* see long extract at the bottom of this post *

In short, the TV ending proposes that a rainy day is just a rainy day, it is not necessarily good or bad.  Shinji realises that is not necessarily good or bad - it depends on the outlook he wishes to take.  Thus, he rejects instrumentality.

> End of Evangelion proposes that Shinji can be happy,
> because while reality is full of pain and dealing with other
> people causes heartbreak, living is worth it. 
> 
> That's reality.

IMO, TV ending proposes the same.

> > Shinji is floating in a an unreal place at that point,
> because this is the point at which he rejects
> instrumentality.  There is still some merger with
> others - the de-merger has not started at that point. 
> The complete de-merger is only shown in EoE.
> 
> I disapprove of any interpretation of the TV ending which
> requires viewing the movie to be complete. The TV ending has
> to be able to stand on its own. 

That wasn't my intention.  I was simply explaining my view of the TV ending by reference to the EoE ending.  However, I reached the same interpretation prior to EoE being released.

> That being said, the idea that people can watch that final
> scene and interpret it as an ode to becoming an individual
> astounds me. It's all about conformity. Shinji receives
> positive reinforcement by everyone for joining them. 

Because Shinji is a child, and upon learning this fact (eg that everyone doesn't hate him), he has become more adult.  Thus, he is congratulated during that instant the peoples' minds are still melded.

> At no point in the TV ending is there anything that hints at
> Shinji having any power over the fate of humanity. The only
> choice he makes is his own. 

Now you're the one interpreting the TV ending by reference to the movie ending  :P

Personally, I don't think the TV ending and movie ending must be concurrent in all aspects.  I just think both the TV ending and movie ending both result in Shinji rejecting instrumentality.

Note that Rei and Asuka also make the same choice in the TV.  Their voices can be heard at the same time Shinji makes his final declaration.  (If you can't hear their voices yourself, check the post-recording scripts which come with the R2 DVDs).

E

Extract from TV episode 26:

Shigeru:        The mind which confuses Reality with the Truth.

Maya:           The angle of view, the position. If these are slightly
                 different, what is inside your mind will change a lot.

Ryouji:         There are as many truths as there are people.

Kensuke:        But there's only one truth that you have,
                which is formed from your narrow view of the world,
                It is revised information to protect yourself,
                the twisted truth.

Touji:          Oh, yes. the view of the world that one can
                have is quite small.

Hikari:         Yes, you measure things only by your own small
                measure.

Asuka:          One sees things with the truth, given by others.

Misato:         Happy on a sunny day.

Rei:            Gloomy on a rainy day.

Asuka:          If you're taught that, you always think so.

Ritsuko:        But, you can enjoy rainy days.

Fuyutsuki:      Through different ways of conceiving, the truth
                will change into very different things; it's a weak thing.

Ryouji:         The truth within a person is such a cheap thing that
                people wish to know deeper truths.

Gendou:         It's only that you're not used to being liked by people.

Misato:         So, you don't have to look to others' faces.

Shinji:         But, don't you hate me?

Asuka:          You idiot! It's only you who is always trying to believe
                  that.

Shinji:         Yet, I hate myself.

Rei:            Those who hate themselves cannot love or trust others.

Shinji:         I am wicked, cowardly, weak and ..

Misato:         If you know yourself, you can be kind to others.

Shinji:         I hate myself.
                But, I might be able to love myself.
                I might be allowed to stay here.
                Yes. I am nothing but I.
                I am I. I wish to be I.
                I want to stay here!
                I can stay here!
 


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