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SnK 131
Quick spew of my thoughts.
This chapter was exactly what I thought it would be from the spoilers- one that shows the reality of the atrocities Eren has unleashed, and the emotional state of those living in it. The awful death of those two boys, Eren and his chaotic mental state, and the moment he has with Armin really set the tone so well for the worldbuilding Yams has created. It was powerful and emotional and so well done.
We see Erens mindset in the way we haven’t for so long. We’ve been wondering what he’s been thinking, how he’s really feeling about killing so many, and now we see- He’s stuck in that childish mindset chasing that feeling of “freedom” he idealized in his mind in his youth. Realizing the reality and his fantasy are so far separated from one another has essentially driven him to a state of madness, where he accepts that what he’s doing could be the only possible solution. And yes, he does clearly feel guilt and some part of him recognizing it’s wrong (the apology to Ramsay) but the guilt of his actions is still not enough to crack that thick mindset he has.
I believe the only one now that’s could ever possibly reach Eren with any impact would be Armin. He’s the only one Eren called to through the paths in that moment of bliss & “freedom” he was experiencing. Armin was the one to put the fantasy of the outside world into his head- so Armin is the key to all of this. And that brings me to what may be one of my favorite moments thus far in the manga: Armin face to face with the bird.
Two consistent images have been constant through the story- birds & flowers. Right from the very first panel, down to the survey corps logo, they have been the symbol of freedom. And now Armin is face to face with that. It’s clearly so intentional and symbolic and I couldn’t help but take a moment when I saw it and let it soak in. I personally read it as Armin facing the reality of this all and the fantasy of freedom they held on to for so long. He does still have that hope (the last words of the chap saying so), but can by no means dream of a world he once did ever again.
This chapter got to my emotions. Most do since I’ve been so invested in this story for so long.... but man. Those brothers. The hopeless people in their final moments. Child Eren.
Incredible. As always, can’t wait for more. And how I tend to end most long posts nowadays- my apologies if this reads a bit weird or isn’t explained well, I like just summing up my first quick thoughts. Feel free to talk about it with me! AoT is forever a favorite topic.