[CHRISTIAN SYMBOLISM IN SCHOOL DAYS]
This review aims to highlight the symbolic aspects that the plot and characters of School Days have in relation to Christianity's moral and theological teachings.
Is there something valuable you can extract from School Days? Is there a meaningful message someone can learn from it? Many would say "no," given the hate this anime receives for its gory and sexually explicit content. Others dislike this show because of its "weak narrative" or simply because of the awfulness of the main character. Regardless of their opinions, one thing is undeniable: this show is a rollercoaster of emotions and a memorable experience (for better
...
or for worse). But what if there really is something valuable to learn from this disturbing anime? What if there's something deeper lying beneath its surface that is truly meaningful?
Well, even though the authors and producers of this anime probably had NO IDEA about what I'm about to discuss, all of these elements feel like more than just coincidences to me. School Days, without a doubt, conveys a moral message about the dangers of polygamy and adultery, as well as the risks of cheating and succumbing to man's lustful desires. However, for those with a keen eye, it is almost impossible not to notice, almost spontaneously, the symbols that echo one of the most ancient and widespread moral doctrines in history: Christianity.
Not only its moral aspects but also theological and symbolic meanings can be observed in some characters and events of this anime. This may sound far-fetched, and these correlations were likely unintentional, but it is fascinating to consider how this symbolism aligns and makes sense when you enumerate the aspects at play. So, here goes the symbolism:
DISCLAIMER: This review is not intended as a joke or to mock any faith. Additionally, I am a Christian myself, and my goal here is to extract a meaningful and positive interpretation of an anime that I believe carries a valuable moral message.
MC’s Names:
"Kotonoha" means "Word" in Japanese. "Word" in Greek is "Logos," and in the Christian tradition, Christ is referred to as "The Word of God" and "The Incarnate Verb." Kotonoha would then represent Christ because of her purity, virginity, and sublime nature, naturally attracting others because of her innate beauty. Her love is pure and sincere, just like Christ's love for humanity.
"Sekai" means "World" in Japanese. Sekai is treacherous and selfish; she manipulates Makoto's thoughts with her sexual abilities, symbolizing materialism and the extent of the senses, contrasting with Kotonoha's spiritual nature. She represents the pleasures of the world, primarily lustful ones.
"Makoto" means "Sincere" and "Honest." Makoto represents humanity, but a fallen humanity driven to sin, choosing to remain true to his fallen nature. This is why he gives in to lust at every opportunity.
Free Will:
In this context, the anime’s exaggerated sex-filled narrative can be seen as a representation of humanity's tendency to align itself with either of the essences represented (the World, the Word, or other sins).
This reflects humanity's Free Will: mankind can choose to approach Christ/God, who is always present for us, but the decision to align with Him or to give in to sin lies solely in humanity's hands.
The Passion of Christ and the Further Fall of Man:
Makoto succumbs to his lustful desires and aligns himself with the pleasures of the world, namely Sekai (who represents sin as a whole), while betraying Kotonoha, causing her extreme suffering.
Kotonoha’s suffering is an allegory of the Passion of Christ, as she is raped by Taisuke midway through the anime, her maidenhood stolen just as Christ’s life was taken, despite both being innocent and blameless. In this sense, Taisuke symbolizes the Pagans and Jews who executed Jesus. Taisuke desires a relationship with Kotonoha (representing Paganism’s inclination towards transcendence, albeit in a twisted and incomplete way), but his actions are deviant, leading to her rejection.
As Makoto continues down the path of temptation, Sekai is no longer enough for him, prompting him to cheat on her with other girls. This serves as a metaphor: even though the World appears overwhelming and eternal, it is not, and humanity's cravings eventually surpass it. Humans repeatedly betray the World itself, pursuing other sins (represented by the other girls).
The Seven Deadly Sins:
There are specifically seven secondary girls besides Kotonoha and Sekai, who represent Heaven/Jesus and Hell/Satan, respectively.
- Setsuna clearly represents Wrath, being straightforward and angry when confronted.
- Otome embodies Envy, as she envies Sekai’s relationship with Makoto.
- Hikari represents Lust, given her impulsively romantic behavior.
- Kanroji symbolizes Sloth, given her lack of initiative and passive demeanor.
The remaining three girls, being minor characters, likely represent the other sins: Pride, Greed, and Gluttony.
The Prince of This World’s Return:
After being replaced by the other girls, Sekai devises a plan to bring Makoto back to her: she pretends to be pregnant. Her plan works, as all the other girls decide to avoid Makoto, except for one.
Kotonoha remains, ready to forgive him despite all he has done. This reflects Christ’s infinite mercy, always willing to forgive humanity with boundless love, regardless of the sins and humiliations inflicted upon Him.
The Apocalypse:
Once Makoto returns to Kotonoha, Sekai goes insane and kills him. As the World gives, so the World takes. The World metaphorically and literally seeks to destroy those who turn away from it, but the true conflict is just beginning: a struggle between Matter and Spirit.
Kotonoha and Sekai confront each other, both armed, on a rooftop—a place of high importance, close to the sky (Heavens). Kotonoha asks Sekai if she truly carries Makoto's child, representing humanity’s creation or realization. Sekai claims she does, but Kotonoha does not believe her. Kotonoha kills Sekai, fulfilling Christ’s promise to “overcome the World” (John 16:33). She then opens Sekai's womb, confirming her lie and proving that the World cannot contain humanity's works due to its impermanent nature.
Kotonoha’s victory is an allegory for the Apocalypse: the end of the World, the triumph of God over the Devil, and of Spirit over Matter.
The “Nice Boat” Scene:
In Christian tradition, Christ’s Church is symbolized as "the body of Christ," with Christ Himself as its head. Ephesians 5:23 states: “For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the Church, He Himself being the Savior of the body.” This symbolism explains why Kotonoha severs Makoto’s head from his body: she is saving only the Church. Christ saves only the just and faithful humans after the Apocalypse. The symbolism is also marital, with the wife’s whole body and the husband’s head comp...
The boat at the ending symbolizes the Ark of the Covenant and Noah’s Ark, as a vessel capable of carrying and preserving souls amidst chaos and indifference. The sun toward which the boat sails represents Heaven. My interpretation of the boat scene: Christ, after the Revelation, takes with Him to eternal life only the truly good and pure humans who adhered to the covenant.
[END OF THE REVIEW]
Nov 26, 2024
School Days
(Anime)
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[CHRISTIAN SYMBOLISM IN SCHOOL DAYS]
This review aims to highlight the symbolic aspects that the plot and characters of School Days have in relation to Christianity's moral and theological teachings. Is there something valuable you can extract from School Days? Is there a meaningful message someone can learn from it? Many would say "no," given the hate this anime receives for its gory and sexually explicit content. Others dislike this show because of its "weak narrative" or simply because of the awfulness of the main character. Regardless of their opinions, one thing is undeniable: this show is a rollercoaster of emotions and a memorable experience (for better ... |
