Violet Evergarden: Exploring The Meaning Of Love
Hey everyone! Today, let's dive deep into the feels with Violet Evergarden, a series that's not just visually stunning but also packs an emotional punch. We're going to explore one of the most significant themes in the show: love. What does it mean to Violet, and how does she learn to understand and express it? Get ready for a heartfelt journey!
Violet's Initial Understanding of Love
At the beginning of the series, Violet Evergarden's understanding of love is almost non-existent. Raised as a weapon, she's conditioned to follow orders without questioning or understanding emotions. Major Gilbert Bougainvillea is the most important person in her life, and his words, especially "I love you," are a mystery to her. These words are the catalyst for her journey, pushing her to understand their meaning and the depth of human emotion. Initially, love, to Violet, is merely a command, an instruction from someone she deeply respects and obeys. She doesn't grasp the emotional weight or the personal connection behind it. This is evident in her interactions post-war where she struggles to connect with people on an emotional level, often interpreting instructions literally and lacking empathy.
Violet's early interactions highlight her struggle. When people express grief, joy, or anger, she observes and records these emotions, trying to catalogue them as if they were battlefield strategies. She's like a walking encyclopedia of combat tactics trying to decipher a romance novel. This robotic approach is not due to a lack of caring, but rather, it stems from her upbringing which suppressed her emotional development. As an Auto Memory Doll, she transcribes the feelings of others without truly feeling them herself. This creates a stark contrast between her job, which requires emotional intelligence, and her personal understanding, which is virtually nil. However, this initial lack of understanding sets the stage for her incredible growth throughout the series. It’s this very ignorance that propels her to seek answers, making her journey all the more compelling.
The contrast between Violet's mechanical precision and the messy, unpredictable nature of love forms the crux of her character arc. She's surrounded by people who express love in countless ways – familial love, romantic love, platonic love – all of which are foreign concepts to her. Her colleagues at the CH Postal Company, like Claudia Hodgins and Cattleya Baudelaire, provide glimpses into the complexities of human relationships, but Violet can only observe from a distance, meticulously taking notes but unable to truly comprehend. This is where the beauty of Violet Evergarden shines: in its portrayal of a character slowly unraveling the mysteries of the human heart. Her quest to understand Major Gilbert’s last words becomes a quest to understand herself and her place in a world that values emotions above all else. And so, armed with her typewriter and an unwavering determination, Violet embarks on a journey to discover what love truly means, not just as a concept, but as a lived experience.
The Journey of Self-Discovery
Violet's journey of self-discovery is central to the series, where each episode presents a new encounter that peels back another layer of her emotional armor. As an Auto Memory Doll, she writes letters for various clients, each with their unique stories and expressions of love. These experiences serve as individual lessons, providing different perspectives on love, loss, regret, and hope. Through her clients, Violet encounters a dying playwright expressing his love for his daughter, a soldier writing to his parents, and a princess yearning for a connection beyond her royal duties. Each of these stories impacts Violet, forcing her to confront her own lack of understanding and pushing her to empathize with others.
One poignant example is her interaction with a terminally ill mother who wants to write letters for her child to receive each year after her death. This task forces Violet to contemplate the enduring nature of love and the lengths to which people will go to express it, even beyond the grave. It’s a deeply moving experience for her, and it begins to crack the shell around her heart. Similarly, her encounter with a soldier writing to his family highlights the sacrifices made in the name of love and duty, resonating with her own past as a soldier under Major Gilbert. Each letter she writes is a step further away from being a mere instrument of war and closer to becoming a compassionate human being. The letters are not just words on paper; they are vessels of emotion that Violet channels and, in doing so, begins to understand.
Moreover, Violet's relationships with her colleagues at the CH Postal Company play a crucial role in her development. Claudia Hodgins, her guardian, provides guidance and support, allowing her the freedom to explore her emotions in a safe environment. Cattleya Baudelaire, another Auto Memory Doll, offers friendship and understanding, sharing her own experiences with love and loss. These interactions are invaluable, as they provide Violet with a sense of belonging and acceptance. She learns from their mistakes, their triumphs, and their vulnerabilities, slowly integrating herself into a community that values emotional expression. Through these relationships, Violet begins to understand that love is not just a word or a concept, but a complex tapestry of emotions, actions, and connections. It's about being there for someone, understanding their pain, and sharing their joy. And as she continues to write letters and connect with people, Violet's heart begins to open, allowing her to experience the full spectrum of human emotion.
The Different Facets of Love Explored
Violet Evergarden doesn't shy away from showcasing the different facets of love. From romantic love to familial bonds, and even the love between friends, the series delves into the nuances of each. The series beautifully portrays romantic love through various client stories and the subtle development of feelings between characters. We see examples of longing, devotion, and the courage to express one's feelings, even in the face of adversity. These romantic narratives are often intertwined with the themes of loss and regret, adding depth and complexity to the exploration of love.
Familial love is another central theme, exemplified by the story of the terminally ill mother writing letters for her daughter. This showcases the unconditional love a parent has for their child and the desire to provide comfort and guidance, even after death. The series also explores the complexities of family relationships, including the bonds between siblings and the challenges of raising children in a war-torn world. These stories highlight the importance of family as a source of strength, support, and love. The sacrifices parents make for their children and the unwavering loyalty between siblings are recurring motifs that underscore the power of familial love.
Platonic love and friendship are also given their due in Violet Evergarden. The camaraderie among the staff at the CH Postal Company, particularly Violet's relationships with Claudia, Cattleya, and Benedict, demonstrates the importance of friendship in navigating life's challenges. These characters provide Violet with a sense of belonging and acceptance, helping her to grow and develop as a person. Their support and understanding are crucial in her journey of self-discovery. The series also touches upon the love between comrades in arms, highlighting the bonds forged in the crucible of war. These relationships are built on mutual respect, trust, and a shared sense of purpose. The series shows that love can take many forms and that it is an essential part of the human experience.
Violet's Transformation and Emotional Growth
Watching Violet's transformation and emotional growth throughout the series is incredibly rewarding. She transitions from a stoic, emotionless soldier to a compassionate and empathetic individual capable of understanding and expressing her own feelings. This growth is not linear; it's marked by moments of confusion, frustration, and heartache. However, with each new experience, Violet learns more about herself and the world around her. She begins to understand that emotions are not weaknesses, but rather, essential components of the human experience. This realization allows her to connect with others on a deeper level and to find meaning in her life.
One of the most significant milestones in Violet's emotional growth is her ability to cry. Initially, she is unable to shed tears, a physical manifestation of her emotional suppression. However, as she begins to process her past traumas and understand the emotions of others, she slowly learns to cry. These tears represent a release of pent-up emotions and a newfound capacity for empathy. They are a symbol of her transformation from a weapon into a human being. Similarly, her ability to smile is another indicator of her emotional growth. At the beginning of the series, her smiles are often forced and unnatural. But as she learns to experience joy and happiness, her smiles become genuine and heartfelt.
Moreover, Violet's relationship with Major Gilbert plays a crucial role in her transformation. His words, "I love you," are the driving force behind her quest to understand love. As she learns to empathize with others, she begins to understand the depth of his feelings for her. She realizes that his love was not a command, but a genuine expression of care and affection. This realization allows her to come to terms with her past and to move forward with her life. In the end, Violet's journey is not just about understanding love, but about understanding herself. She learns to embrace her emotions, to connect with others, and to find meaning in a world that once seemed cold and indifferent. Her transformation is a testament to the power of human connection and the capacity for growth, even in the face of immense trauma.