like-- isn't this all pointing towards a focus on seizing what is immediately pleasurable or positive feeling-giving and therefore not being devastated by the loss of the whole people who provide those feelings?
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Maybe… but depending on how much “time” you think has passed in Aging World, Denji’s had anywhere from a few min to hours to process his shock of seeing Nayuta dead. I don’t think his immediate coping strategies can be criticized as a perfect window into his heart. I’ve lost friends before and I’m
Familiar with how varied the reactions can be. One second you’re despondent, the next you’re laughing and having a great time. Everyone grieves differently and saying “I’ll find new family” in context of Denji’s life and current predicament isn’t at all nefarious or indicative of a brewing nihilism
I also think his response to Aging saying that Nayuta must not have been important to him or his belief that Pochita wouldn’t kill kids to survive is further evidence that he’s not becoming a cynical hedonist.
it’s less this individual response that has me thinking that denji is headed towards a life of pure detached consumption of objects of pleasure and more looking at the overarching path of his character arc across this part.
In fact it’s the deep, still very present grief for nayuta (and aki and power) coupled with the acceptance of a cyclical, inevitable loss that makes me feel this way. he cannot keep feeling this pain at this intensity. he has to find ways to prevent it.
detachment and emotional distancing from future relationships, instead solely focusing on the immediate personal pleasure giving aspects of them, seems to be where he’s going.
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