Shinji Quotes

These are two very interesting quotes. They are stated in the scene where Shinji dangerously and courageously tries to swim a detached lifeline to a buoy. The first quote really encapsulates his own, intensely physical struggles. You can see how strenuous his work was with the quotes “The boy swam with all of his might,” and “Inch by inch, step by step, the huge mass of the enemy fell back.” Shinji’s diction in these quotes really exemplifies his struggle, and his word choice makes you really feel how he was trying to conquer his aquatic assailant. These quotes show how Shinji used his personal strength and power to overcome this terrific obstruction. I believe the second quote is even more interesting. After he has arduously swum out to the buoy, it is just in his grasp. Just when he extends his hand and strokes the cold metal of the buoy, he is swept away by a wave. He does not have …show more content…
Anything against this seems to be a travesty. One way that this idea may be shown is by watching Shinji and Yatsuo struggle over Hatsue. Shinji seems to highlight traditional Japanese culture. He is hardworking, respectful, and will do whatever is socially acceptable to make people approve of his love for Hatsue. Yatsuo shows the opposite. He is a western influenced boy that rides on his social status, valuing material things, like the golden watch with which he tried to court Hatsue, over true, important, emotional qualities. He will do whatever it takes to get Hatsue, even resorting to rape. His characteristics are his downfall, being lazy and waiting for the island to ‘work its magic’ and help him out. Shinji succeeds because he is very moral, and he is hardworking and unrelenting. These values seem to be appreciated by their culture, and in result, the island helps him succeed in his moral undertaking, reaching his