Since mix_4 got fully translated (link) so I decided to write some afterthought – I noticed that last time I almost omitted Mafuyu, so I will make it up this time. Besides, I want to thank everybody who liked or reblogged my previous post – it is really encouraging ^^
Firstly, I want to explain why I focus more on parallels between Shizuragi and Akigetsu than Shizuragi and Akiharu. I don’t want to say that it is wrong to interpret it that way, but I am not sold on that due to storytelling reasons. These similarities don’t exist in vacuum – they are for specific purpose and are related to main protagonist of the story – Mafuyu. I find both Yukimafu and Akigetsu similar, and I think that Mafuyu learning of Akihiko’s and Ugetsu’s story was important in his arc, because it reminded him of tragedy of his past. Without doubt Shizu’s words had effect on him for the same reasons.
In this chapter Mafuyu mostly listened passively and didn’t have too much to say. It seems that he was stunned, because he didn’t expect Shizu to have thoughts like that and also bringing out Yuki in conversation thrown him out of balance. Overall it resemble of another occasion where Mafuyu was like that – mostly listening to other’s story – during chapter 17. Imo these both scenes have the same goal in storytelling sense – to remind Mafuyu of his fears and past relationship with Yuki. It is even more interesting if you see both scenes as metaphorical descent to underworld:
In the archetypal hero’s journey, the katabasis, or journey to the underworld, is an iconic component for the hero’s process of transformation. The underworld, of course, can be an actual underworld, or it can be interpreted as a state of darkness for the individual.
Of course, in Given it is metaphorical – chapter 17 took place in Ugetsu’s basement (which is half-underground and was described as devoid of light) and in mix_4 Mafuyu and Shizu were sitting at end of descending stairs during the night. Not to mention that both Ugetsu and Shizu are rather in dark state of mind – feeling low and unworthy of love.
The unknown reflects the underworld journey inward into the place of one’s own fears and shadows, haunting even the most optimistic adventurer. These shadows reflect the mythical aspect of the human condition: the repressed, often frightening elements of the psyche. The shadows, according to C.G. Jung, also symbolize “natural attempts to reconcile and reunite opposites within the psyche,” and naturally “heal the split” within one’s soul.
It connects nicely with Strawberry Swing, where it was revealed that Mafuyu has wound inside his soul. It can be interpreted both as loss of Yuki and as his shadow – repressed feelings caused by this tragedy - his guilt of what happened, the fact that he is still not ready to forgive himself and Yuki as well as the fear that this situation will repeat in the future. Both chapter 17 and mix_4 remind Mafuyu of these feelings and since he is still processing his trauma – he is a bit withdrawn in both situations. Shizu’s words about “stopping for his own good” with band or Ritsuka “if he is not ready or have tenacity” are most likely Mafuyu’s own doubts about this situation.
In the underworld lies truths that cannot be hidden because within the dark, everything can come to light. This is where the underworld journey can take flight. Being courageous to look at the darkness within allows for a conscious transformation to take hold, a death of the shadow and rebirth into a new way of living.
In hero’s journey there is always ascent after descent - just like it was after chapter 17. In next one there was argument between Mafuyu and Ritsuka. As Mafuyu spent more and more time on learning music, it created a rift between them and Ritsuka was feeling uneasy about it. It is really just like in the past situation with Yuki. What’s important is that Mafuyu took action and tried his best to resolve this issue and not repeat his past mistake.
So for mix_5 – maybe we will see Mafuyu taking action again? I would like to get that ^^ New chapter is in few days, so there will be answer soon.
On larger scale I want to Mafuyu be able to talk about Yuki freely. In chapter 23 he couldn’t find words about his feelings about past relationship and also clock that reminded him of one in Yuki’s flat caused him distress. But since he is learning to express his feelings more and more, it will happen that he will be able to talk it out. Personally I want him to pass his and Yuki’s story to others as means to help “those in darkness” like Ugetsu and Shizu. I think it would be great way to show how much he grown up - at beginning of story Mafuyu mostly leaned on others support, but as story progressed he started to wanting help others around him. And sharing his life experience and personal tragedy would show as well that he is finally ready to move forward. In addition, it would cause that Yuki would be not forgotten and be alive even if only in this way as story passed to others. If I were Kizu Natsuki, I would do this that way ^^
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