Assignment Paper 110A: History of 20th Cen Literature: 1900 to 2000

Exploring Dystopian Worlds in Anime: A Study of "Attack on Titan" and "Grave of Fireflies"

Personal Information:-

Name:- Aakash Chavda

Batch:- M.A. Sem 2 (2023-2025)

Enrollment Number:- 5108230011

E-mail Address:- aakashchavda637@gmail.com

Roll Number:- 1

Assignment Details:-

Topic: Exploring Dystopian Worlds in Anime: A Study of "Attack on Titan" and "Grave of Fireflies"

Paper & subject code:-  110A: History of 20th Century Literature: 1900 to 2000

Submitted to:- Smt. Sujata Binoy Gardi, Department of English, MKBU, Bhavnagar. 

Date of Submission:- 26 April, 2024

Abstract

This assignment provides a study of dystopian worlds in anime, focusing on themes and narratives in series like "Attack on Titan," "Grave of Fireflies" and "Akira." Exploring societal issues through imaginative settings, the paper examines common elements such as social hierarchy, technological impact, and loss of freedom. By analyzing these narratives, assignment focuses onto illuminate the relevance and impact of anime in reflecting and critiquing contemporary society. In this assignment we will analyze "Attack on Titan" and "Grave of Fireflies" to see how dystopian societies are depicted in these two popular anime.

Keywords : Dystopia, Attack on Titan, Grave of Fireflies, Akira, Loss of Freedom

Introduction

What is Dystopia ?

According to Cambridge Dictionary,

"Dystopia is relating to a very bad or unfair society in which there is a lot of suffering, especially an imaginary society in the future, or to the description of such a society."

Dystopia originally a Greek word that literally means as “a bad place”, is the opposite of utopia. Contrary to the ideal utopian society, 

Dystopia, a term used for a bleak and oppressive fictional world, serves as a stark warning about the potential consequences of unchecked societal trends. These narratives project current social, political, and technological tendencies to their extreme, depicting a future plagued by oppression, suffering, and dysfunction. Iconic works like Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World," George Orwell's "Nineteen Eighty-Four," and Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale" exemplify this genre, each offering unique perspectives on totalitarianism, surveillance, and environmental degradation. Cormac McCarthy's "The Road" pushes the dystopian narrative to its extreme, portraying a post-nuclear landscape devoid of hope. Some dystopian works, like Ursula K. Le Guin's "The Dispossessed: An Ambiguous Utopia," explore the ambiguity between utopian and dystopian scenarios, complicating the narrative with nuanced societal critiques. Scholars have extensively analyzed dystopian literature, using works like Karl Mannheim's "Ideology and Utopia" to understand its implications and critique contemporary society. Ultimately, dystopia serves not only as a form of entertainment but also as a reflection on present-day issues and a cautionary tale about potential future trajectories if societal concerns remain unaddressed. (Abrams and Harpham)

The objective of delving into dystopian narratives within anime world is to examine how they are depicted within this popular genre and extract insights from these portrayals. 

What is Anime?

Anime is a distinctive style of animation that originated in Japan, initially targeting its domestic audience with cultural references unique to the Japan. While often aimed at children, anime frequently tackles mature themes, reflecting a broad range of subjects. Its roots trace back to the mid-20th century, gaining significant momentum in 1961 with the establishment of Mushi Productions by Osamu Tezuka, a pivotal figure in manga, the Japanese comic book style. Over time, anime has evolved into a global phenomenon, reaching widespread international acclaim through iconic productions like Hayao Miyazaki's "Princess Mononoke" and "Spirited Away," which won an Academy Award. (Ray)

As mentioned above that anime also depicts mature themes and plots as well, and many anime are acclaimed world-wide for it's complex characters and intricate plots. Anime like Attack on Titan, Grave of Fireflies, Cowboy Bepop and Berserk are most famous examples of most loved and admired anime series.

Japan's Role in War & Rise of Dystopia

Japan had conflicting self-images in relation to Asia and the Pacific,  as a friend, guardian, aggressor, colonizer, and the weak against the West. This reflects the complex dynamics and differing narratives around Japan's role.

Japan's involvement in World War II was marked by a complex interplay of military expansionism, ideological fervor, and shifting self-images within the Asian and Pacific region. Through its aggressive policies of military expansion and imperialism, Japan clashed with Western Allied powers like United States, leading to pivotal events like the attack on Pearl Harbor. This conflict exposed Japan's brutal treatment of civilians and prisoners in occupied territories, reflecting a fervent militarism and belief in racial superiority. Moreover, Japan's self-image oscillated between roles of friend, aggressor, and colonizer within Asia and the Pacific, further complicating the understanding of its wartime actions and motivations. (Rayner)

The war's naming itself reflected these complexities, with terms like the "Greater East Asian War" and "Pacific War" highlighting the varied geographic and ideological dimensions of the conflict. Additionally, Japan's pursuit of racial equality with the West while simultaneously colonizing other Asian peoples underscored the racial and ideological dimensions at play. Amidst wartime atrocities and suppression of dissent, Japan's desperate geopolitical gambles in its final acts epitomized the regime's relentless pursuit of self-preservation, shedding light on the dystopian characteristics that emerged during this tumultuous period of history.

Some Dystopian Characteristics 

• The Japanese militarist indoctrination extolling warrior codes, nationalism, and honorable self-sacrifice has echoes of the types of enforced ideological control seen in dystopias.
• Japan's racialized views of cultural/ethnic superiority over other Asians and hostility to Western powers parallels the jingoistic "us vs them" mindsets of many dystopian regimes.
• The harsh crackdown on Marxists, labor movements, and perceived "thought criminals" within Japan mirrors the suppression of free thought and speech in dystopian societies.
• The contradictory self-images of Japan as liberator and colonizer of Asia, and the racist pursuit of proving equality with the West, parallel the state-sponsored mythmaking and contradiction in dystopian regimes.
• The war crimes like the Nanjing Massacre, use of biological weapons on civilians, and forced sexual slavery represent the dehumanization and brutalization of subject peoples that is common in dystopian narratives.
• The scrutiny of public commentary, suppression of dissenting voices within the military, and overall climate of surveillance evoke the pervasive monitoring and control in dystopian societies.

Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan is a popular anime series set in a post-apocalyptic world where the last remnants of humanity live inside walled cities to protect themselves from gigantic humanoid creatures called Titans. The story follows Eren Yeager and his friends Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert, who join the military to fight against the Titans after their hometown is attacked and destroyed. 

The central premise revolves around humanity's struggle for survival against the overwhelming power and horrifying appearance of the man-eating Titans, whose origins and purpose remain a mystery for most of the series. Eren discovers he has the ability to transform into a Titan himself, blurring the line between human and monster. 

The series employs dark horror and gothic elements, depicting gruesome scenes of the Titans devouring humans in shockingly graphic ways. It explores deeper philosophical themes about the inherent monstrosity of human nature itself - whether humanity's propensity for violence and destruction is truly any better than the mindless Titans. 

Attack on Titan is a intense, suspenseful anime that combines action and horror while probing questions about the lengths people will go to survive and the sacrifices they'll make to be free. Its serves as an unique post-apocalyptic setting, menacing Titan antagonists, and morally complex characters have made it a major hit worldwide.

Dystopian Narrative in Attack on Titan

The anime series is set after some cataclysmic event led to the near extinction of humanity by the Titans. The remnants of humanity are forced to live in walled cities, indicating a complete societal collapse.

There is an implied oppressive governing system and nobility class living within the innermost wall, Wall Sina. They control information, resources, and seem to be hiding the truth about the Titans from the populace.

Normal citizens are forbidden from showing interest in the outside world or obtaining unauthorized information about it, suggesting a lack of freedoms. Simply possessing a book can be punishable.

The inner government bureaucracy and Military Police seem to closely monitor and control the populace living within the walled cities. Humanity is trapped in a constant battle for survival against the Titans, existing in a state of warfare and fighting just to stay alive, also there are clear class divides, with the wealthy nobility inside Wall Sina while the majority live in increasingly worse conditions towards the outer walls. Very little is shown of the outside world, but it is portrayed as a ruined, desolate wasteland inhabited only by the Titans.

Grave of Fireflies 

Grave of the Fireflies, Studio Ghibli's 1988 anime masterpiece directed by Isao Takahata, offers an unflinching portrayal of the devastating impacts of war. The film follows siblings Seita and Setsuko as orphaned victims of the firebombing of Kobe during World War II's final months. Their tragic struggle for survival exposes the harsh realities of starvation, sickness, and the utter breakdown of society that civilians endured.

Departing from typical lighthearted anime, Grave of the Fireflies adopts a brutally honest, mature tone in depicting the human costs of conflict. Takahata's stunning visuals pull no punches in immersing viewers in the children's horrific plight. The haunting firefly imagery symbolizes both the deadly bombings and fragile hopes amidst the despair.

An emotionally searing anti-war statement, this cinematic achievement transcends animation to confront the tragic toll of armed combat on innocents. Its lasting power as a visceral reminder of the need for peace has solidified Grave of the Fireflies as a masterwork appreciating the precious fragility of life. Unforgettable and deeply moving, it stands as Studio Ghibli's most critically-lauded yet gut-wrenching production.

Some Dystopian Characteristics

While not depicting an intentionally constructed dystopian society, the 1988 anime film Grave of the Fireflies by Studio Ghibli presents a powerful dystopian narrative through its bleak portrayal of the devastating impacts of war. Set in Japan during the final months of World War II, the film immerses viewers in a nightmarish landscape that exhibits many quintessential dystopian characteristics.

The apocalyptic destruction wrought by the firebombing of Kobe reduces the city to smoldering rubble and ash, representing an environmental ruin and complete breakdown of civilized order. In this toxic wasteland, the young protagonists Seita and Setsuko are stripped of any sense of childhood innocence as they struggle merely to find basic necessities like food, water, and shelter. Their primal fight for survival mirrors the deprivation and harshest living conditions found in archetypal dystopian narratives.

With their mother killed and father's whereabouts unknown, the orphaned siblings are abandoned by any protecting authority or governing system. They are left to fend for themselves in this hellish landscape, denied even the basic dignity afforded by a functional society. The breakdown of leadership and failure of regulatory institutions to provide for its citizens is a core tenet of dystopian fiction.

Moreover, the film presents a bleak, hopeless world in which the children lose any optimism for a better future amid the constant despair. Their dehumanization - reduced to mere animals caring only for basic needs - reflects the dystopian concept of individual fragility in the face of larger oppressive forces, in this case the horrors of total war.

While Grave of the Fireflies does not depict an authoritarian regime envisioning this societal collapse, it nonetheless creates a poignant examination of dystopian elements by exposing the nightmare that can arise when all institutional foundations of society are ravaged by conflict. By immersing viewers in this dystopian-like hell of human suffering, deprivation and utter hopelessness, the film makes a powerful anti-war statement about the dangers of allowing such destructive forces to hold sway. The dystopia is not fictional - it is the living reality that war can create.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Attack on Titan" and "Grave of the Fireflies" offer bleak portrayals of dystopian worlds marked by war, suffering, and loss. However, they also convey messages of resilience, compassion, hope, and the enduring human spirit. These anime  viewers to reflect on the complexities of morality and the importance of empathy and solidarity in facing adversity in face of hardships. 

Wordcount: 2224

References 

Abrams, M.H., and Geoffrey Harpham. A Glossary of Literary Terms. Cengage Learning, 2012. 

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Chen, Heather. “Grave of the Fireflies: The haunting relevance of Studio Ghibli's darkest film.” BBC, 15 April 2018, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-43695803. Accessed 20 April 2024.

 Griffis, Emily. “View of Predator vs. Prey: The Human Monstrosity in Attack on Titan.” Ball State University Open Journals,

https://openjournals.bsu.edu/dlr/article/view/2707/1625. Accessed 9 April 2024.

KOSHIRO, YUKIKO. “Japan’s World and World War II.” Diplomatic History, vol. 25, no. 3, 2001, pp. 425–41. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/24914126. Accessed 14 Apr. 2024.

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Ray, Michael. “Anime | Manga, Studio Ghibli & Hayao Miyazaki.” Britannica, 10 March 2024, https://www.britannica.com/art/anime-Japanese-animation. Accessed 14 April 2024.

Rayner, J.R. "Forever Being Yamato: Alternate Pacific War Histories in Japanese Film and Anime." 2019. https://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/131790/3/Jonathan%20Rayner%20SWIT%20revision%2006%202018.pdf