my roman empire is the fact that dr. ratio couldn't get into the genius society because of how much he cares for others. my roman empire is the fact that the way that he loves and has too much empathy will be his own downfall. my roman empire is the fact that he spent so long thinking that he was enough only to be hit with the reality that the world and life is cruel and his heart is too soft for the universe he was born into.
my roman empire is that dr. ratio cares. he cares so damn much. he loved too much that it held him back from his ultimate goal.
DR. RATIO ANALYSIS: The hard Truth who Uncovers the sweet Lies | Awareness vs Foolishness
Hello everybody, and welcome back to my analysis of Dr. Ratio in: "Crown Of The Mundane And The Divine". In this post, as a follow up to my previous one about his introductory cutscene, I will talk about Dr. Ratio in "When The Stars Of Ingenuity Shines."
Disclaimer: Whilst it is not needed to read my first post, I recommend you to do so to understand the context of some comments I will do here. Also, everything said in this post is subjective, as my own, personal interpretations, and must not be treated as canon or taken as face value. I don't pretend to know Dr. Ratio better or that my speculations for him are the right ones. I will also often compare the EN lines and the CN lines, and will automatically take the CN as a base for my analysis of there are differences. Thank you <3
1- Strict education or narcissistic correction?
We will start off with the dialogues before the boss fight.
EN: "Are you waiting for a sign? Time is ticking. Descend via the elevator - what you seek is there."
CN: 愣著做什麽，你時間很多嗎？我看不像。坐電梯下去，你要找的東西就在那裡。
CN translation: "Why are you standing in a daze, do you have a lot of time? Doesn't seem like it to me. Take the elevator down - what you're looking for is right there"
The differences here are not that significant, they both kind of give the same message: Hurry up. Right from the start, we're embarked in the action, we have no time. Dr. Ratio's impatience is showing very much right there, a feeling that is much more pronounced in the CN but fairly condensed in the EN.
Though what is interesting to note in the CN is that the part" do you have a lot of time" is very sarcastic and self-explanatory in itself: Traiblazer doesn't have a lot of time. Yet, Dr. Ratio still reinforces the comment with " Doesn't seem like it to me ". Which highlights quite well his critical and observant stand point.
At the end of the cutscene, Dr. Ratio told Traiblazer to get thinking. Then, his first line is basically:" hurry up !". Which relate to the two values I've pointed out in his cutscene: the mind and time.
Then, the last line is strictly informative. He's a guide; he knows Traiblazer's goal, he knows what to do and he gives the direction (remember, always two steps ahead. I will say that a lot with him). It kinda gives off the vibe of your typical game quest cursor which shows you where to go or what to do but doesn't actually actively help you do it. Once again, Dr. Ratio is an observer and not active.
Of course, Traiblazer gets curious and can ask one of the three questions: Who are you ?/ Why are you here ?/ Do you know what I'm looking for ?
Dr. Ratio then answers:
EN: "Have you considered whether the answer to your question will be of any relevance to our current predicament?"
CN: 提問之前，不如先想一想，答案是否對你要解決的問題有益。
CN Translation: "Before asking a question, it would be better to first consider whether the answer will help the problem you want to solve"
There is a heavy difference between the two in my opinion. The EN line is confrontational and even slightly accusatory, as if it should have been obvious that this question shouldn't have been asked. However, in the CN, there is a more technical (professional) approach to it. That's not an attack or an accusation, more like a recommendation. "Have you...?" will imply a sort of expectation while "It would be..." will sound like a suggestion. EN's structure and tone gives off a similar one to "why are you even doing that?" or "That's completely useless right now." while CN is more like "it's best not to do that." or "That's not what's needed right now."
Do you see the difference? There's one word that perfectly describes that difference and it is harshness; Dr. Ratio is not meant to be harsh, he's meant to be eccentric, strict and slightly nonchalant.
EN: "If a question is of no help, then don't ask it. Time is clearly precious to the both of us."
CN: 如果沒有，最好別問，顯然你我的時間都很寶貴.
CN Translation: "if not, it's best not to ask--clearly, both your time and mine are valuable."
In itself, the sentence is the same. However, in CN we find that instructive and even slightly advisatory tone and structure instead of much more condemning one. "Don't ask it" vs "it's best not to ask". It's subtle but it makes all the difference sometimes, especially with a character that is already strict and serious, adding more to that will naturally unbalance the equilibrium between Dr. Ratio's intolerance and his casualness.
Now, putting that aside, Dr. Ratio is right on one thing: That will not help trailblazer to know who he is exactly, what he's doing here or how he knew what their goal was. The thing here is that he's not saying "I expect you to follow my every word because I'm right", more like: "I'm not important, you don't have to trust me, but hurry up, time's running".
Time is extremely important and to make sure to not waste it, we may be confronted with a situation where we have to dive into the unknown and be in a place where we don't know what's trustworthy or not.
EN: "...Never mind. Allow me to clarify something. I know exactly who you are, and I'm aware you are in Ruan Mei's employ. This was not my intended destination — I just happened to find my way here during my visit and saw what she was up to."
CN Translation: "...... Never mind, just treat this as a demonstration: I know who you are, and I know you're working for Ruan Mei. I was originally a visitor of the Space Station but accidentally ended up here and witnessed her experiment."
Here, Dr. Ratio acknowledges Traiblazer's confusion and need of some answers. So, instead of ignoring it, he takes time to address it. He, at first, tried to advise Traiblazer about oral efficiency by explaining it but then the "never mind" comes a change of method to adapt at a situation. He's thoughtful.
There's one important difference in the first line, which reinforces the tone difference for the two previous lines: "Allow me to clarify something." vs "just treat this as a demonstration:"
Since in the two previous lines the EN went with a more harsh and accusatory structure, here, to follow the steps, when Dr. Ratio answers to dissipate Traiblazer's confusion by giving actual needed answers, it feels like he's putting up with it just because they asked first. It's an abrupt transition that doesn't make sense. Why is he explaining itvwhen right before he was condemning it. As if: "Since you already asked, i'll answer it then"
While, for the CN, since the structure was instructive, it is a continuation of the previous lines, which transforms a mere suggestion/comment into a demonstration. His answers are not simply there to answer Traiblazer in a relevant manner, he's using this opportunity to teach what he had already begun to teach before (crazy when he's a professor right).
He knows Traiblazer, he knows Ruan Mei, he knows there's an arrangement between them, he's a visitor to the space station (subtly telling that he isn't someone trying to attack it, he was invited), he was there first and saw Ruan Mei's experiment and that's why he's there. All that information in two simple sentences. That's his demonstration.
EN: "My goals are roughly aligned with yours. Since you're here, I won't intercede... but should you fail, I will be forced to prevent some avoidable misfortunes."
CN Translation: "My goal is roughly the same as yours. Since you're here, I won't interfere. But if you fail, I will step in forcefully to prevent any unnecessary trouble."
The sentence is kinda the same, the only difference is that for EN, Dr. Ratio says he will be forced to step in rather that he's the one that will forcefully step in.
What he's saying there is that while he'll stay on the sideline, because that's how Dr. Ratio operates, failure is not to be feared. He's kind of telling Traiblazer that there's a safe net below them. If they fail, he will be there to take the torch and arrange everything. It's not only a way to show Dr Ratio confidence in his own abilities WITHOUT arrogance and narcissism (pride and confidence does not equal those), as well as it hints at us that he alone is capable of dealing with this mess, but it is just a show of how Dr. Ratio methods' and mindset fundamentally work: "Failure is not the end, there's always another option after it."
EN: "That's all you need to know. Just two paragraphs. Very effective communication."
CN: 你知道這些就夠了--- -共兩句話，非常有效率的溝通
CN Translation: "Knowing this is enough for you--just two sentences in total, very efficient communication"
Both mean the same. However, without the instructive tone given by the first lines, the last two can't be perceived as educational and ends up feeling like showing off and putting up with the interlocutor (something that can be seen as a burden), which naturally leads to believing he's arrogant and narcissistic. Because, he isn't really praising himself there, he's demonstrating remember, but since the EN didn't utilize the right structure, it can end up being read differently.
Two of the threes choices to say after are either "Thank you for telling me that" or "You're not a bad person after all". Because Traiblazer's curiosity reflected their doubts and distrust to a literal stranger. Dr. Ratio knew and acknowledged that while giving a lesson. And you may remark that Traiblazer still doesn't know anything about Dr. Ratio! All Traiblazer needed to know was that Dr. Ratio is not a menace to their goal, which he delivered. Efficiency ++
If "Thank you for telling me that" or "You're not a bad person after all" then:
EN: "I can't stand discourtesy - even when it comes from myself."
CN: 因為我討厭不知禮數、惡言相向的人一富然，也包括我自己。
CN Translation: "Because I despise those who lack manners and speak harshly--myself included, of course."
A very, very important line that I feel like a lot of people overlooked and partially because of EN. Oh, what do I read here......."AND SPEAK HARSHLY" Crazy! Why would someone who's harsh hate people who speaks harshly? Maybe because he's not supposed to be harsh to begin with! I'm just sayin."What if he is hypocritical?" Ahahahahah. No. The last sentence literally is there to reject hypocrisy.
Anyway. Dr. Ratio explains that he despises - here, the characters 讨厌 (simplified) describe a sentiment between mild dislike to intense dislike, the end of the phrase softens the tone by mixing a sense of humility with strong critique- those who lacks manners; in other words, disrespect and rudeness.
Dr Ratio would have been 'rude' had he not given answers to Traiblazer's questions or reassured them that he wasn't an enemy. After all, while it was a question for an unnecessary answer, it was still a reasonable one. That's why despite his lesson about it, he still actually answered, while turning it into something that both of them could profit for: for Ratio, he proved his sincerity and his alliance, and Traiblazer gained an ally and a free lesson on time management (lol).
And he PRECISES that he also dislikes people who speak harshly. The phrase itself is pretty clear, but the characters 恶语相向 (simplified) also form an idiom in Chinese that refers closely to being cruel, being verbally offensive on purpose and lashing out. So mean and harsh comments. And I think we can't make it more obvious that Ratio is not mean, harsh or cruel in any way. Dr. Ratio is sarcastic, strict and negative minded, but he isn't cruel or harsh about it.
Lastly, "myself included, of course". Self-awareness. Dr. Ratio quite literally tells in black and white that he doesn't like harshness and rudeness, especially from himself. "Of course" there emphasizes the fact it should be a banality, a norm and obvious. Of course it concerns himself! He represents truth, why would truth be hypocritical and insincere? No, truth is strict, straightforward and simple, yet also detached, neutral and helpful. That's who Dr. Ratio is.
(If "Why do you wear an alabaster head...." Then:)
EN: "Because I can't bear to see idiots. Of course, they wouldn't want to see me either."
CN: 因为我见不得蠢材，当然，他们也不想见我 。
CN Translation: "Because I can't stand fools, and of course, they don't want to see me either."
Fortunately, CN and EN are nearly identical on this one, both in tone and structure, because it is a very important line. The characters 见不得 for“l can't stand" are very strong: they imply heavy dislike, absolutely no tolerance or even aversion. But the key word here is intolerance. It's not a surprise when Dr. Ratio constantly expresses his intolerance for foolishness (a.k.a, arrogance and ignorance as we concluded on the last post).
What's funny is that so far he only complains about foolishness, waste of time or mean behavior. And I think we can take those as some sort of standards. And yes those standards, paired with biases Ratio has for the cosmos (but as Truth, how can he not?) kind of honestly nurture a sense of unconventional "self-centeredness" (in the sense that he acts only based on his standards and biases) that isn't associated with selfishness, arrogance or narcissism. Quite paradoxical? That's the point, Dr. Ratio's entire character is ironic and paradoxical, while embracing a complex, perfect imperfection. (note: will be heavily developed later).
The other part is as important and impactful:"Of course, they don't want to see me either." "Of course" implies some sort of expectation, norm once again, while the rest brings forth a direct confrontation.
While Dr. Ratio critics fools he also admits mutual dislike. There's a clear and poignant duality that we were already able to read in his cutscene, because to cure foolishness is a battle of the self and one must go through it the hard way (practice and negativity) to let go of ignorance and achieve awareness. What I find extremely interesting is that the sentence itself is written in stone, it won't change: the confrontation between Dr. Ratio and fools are inevitable. And if we look at it through my personal theory, that Dr. Ratio is the personification of Truth (as a concept itself) then this sentence is even more meaningful. Because it isn't just Dr. Ratio vs fools, it's Truth against Arrogance (foolishness). Fools, ignorant and arrogant people, hate to be told the truth or to confront the truth. Truth is self-aware, fools are not and that's what sets up the global norm to what people are in Ratio's point-of-view: Fools and everyone else. Simple as that.
EN: "Go. Take the elevator and bear witness to this "Genius' Masterpiece.""
The CN is identical.
What I want to talk about for this lines is what represents the "Masterpiece Of Genius" and how it sets the beginning of Dr. Ratio's lesson that will happen in "Mundane Troubles". What Ruan Mei created is mindblowing of course, but also extremely dangerous and that's what "Masterpiece of Genius" represents: it shows Geniuses' habits to selfishly produce danger without them necessarily caring. And that will be one of the points that will lead Dr. Ratio to question their hierarchy in the cosmos and people's careless, blind faith in them, in "Mundane Troubles".
2- Cutscene: Final Observation
In the cinematic, Dr. Ratio stands far and above, with an absolute view of everything. Not only does it showcase exactly Dr. Ratio's methods (remember, standing back and observing) but the fact he is there, like an instructor yes, but the settings itself give him a sort of charisma.
Well, I may be biased on that one because there's no denying Dr. Ratio's attractiveness and charisma. But, my point is that even when he was only in a secondary plan in this situation, his presence still feels significant.
He does a standard, clinical observation about what happened at the end of the experiment. Once again the fact he's the one confirming that the threat is over instead of Traiblazer who had been fighting or Ruan Mei who is the author of it, shows some kind of importance for his character, his role and what he represents (here, can be read as truth).
Then, immediately and without hesitation, it's time to get going. There's no need to linger there or to ponder about further things, no time to waste; again, Dr. Ratio and time management.
3- RUAN MEI: Truthfulness vs Falsehood
For this last section, I will talk about two of Ruan Mei's dialogue moments. You may ask yourself "but why talk about Ruan Mei in a Dr. Ratio's analysis?" Well, let me show you. But before that, keep in mind that what's told below is based on the idea that Ratio is Truth.
I find this specific line to be very interesting, because I think it kind of give an idea of what Geniuses stand for and we can make (and even see) an opposition with Dr. Ratio which ends up being quite ironic (just like his character hm). Trailblazer asks Ruan Mei about life outside of research and Ruan Mei basically answers that she has none and that it's how she wants it.
It seems like Genius Society members dedicate their entire life and existence to research and some extent, to finding answers, so 'truth'. While, on the other hand, from everything that we are able to observe about Ratio in all the contents he's appearing in, it seems like Dr. Ratio is dedicating research to Life. Not in the same way Ruan Mei does. Life as in humanity and civilization throughout the cosmos.
And that's one of the dualities that is present in "Crown Of The Mundane And The Divine". Dr. Ratio, who is pretty self-aware and represents truth, dedicates his existence to the assistance of civilization and their evolution. While geniuses who dedicate life to research don't have much knowledge of civilization (the Mundane) and sometimes even less of the self. There's a clear opposition between them and it may be what's actually the cause of Dr. Ratio being unable to draw the gaze of Nous. I will talk about it in more detail in another post.
Traiblazer talks one last time with Ruan Mei, and it is revealed that she gave the "Anti-Truth" she gave them has more abilities than she had told. Traiblazer will slowly forget about Ruan Mei in order to protect her secrets because she isn't someone who trusts easily.
I find this moment extremely interesting and meaningful in its contrast with Traiblazer's whole interactions with Dr. Ratio.
On one side, we have Dr Ratio, who can be considered the personification of Truth and was there to point out Ruan Mei's lies and guide us to the real truth; on the other side, Ruan Mei, a Genius, uses "Anti-Truth"to conceal her lies and secrets after they had been discovered and dealt with.
We have Dr. Ratio who is often villainized and is eccentric, while Ruan Mei is praised and delicate.
Dr. Ratio (or truth) is straightforward and can be perceived as ruthless, while the Anti-Truth is described as slow and sweet. Almost like a metaphor to truth being hard to accept while lies are sweet and easily deceives.
And finally, Ruan Mei, who lied, tried to conceal the truth (and her identity) while being bare-faced with us. However, Dr. Ratio, who guided tb to truth, had his identity hidden throughout the quest. It's funny when bareness is a typical symbol associated with Truthfulness and their personifications, but Ratio had his identity covered while Ruan Mei was not hiding it. There's actually a story about the Truth Goddess Ratio may be inspired from; about her counterpart (falsehood) pretending to be her (Truth). One of the moralities in those myths and stories is often that lies may start off as successful but Truth will always prevail. Which I think is quite fitting in this situation
CONCLUSION:
As a continuation to his introductive cutscene, we have the start of a slow development of Dr. Ratio's main traits and characteristics. It's diverting to realize, after all the other quests and looking back at the first ones, that early on there were already the hints and showcases of Dr. Ratio's personality and values. Throughout the quest, Trailblazer interacted with an unknown man (Dr. Ratio), and it was that same unknown man that helped Traiblazer uncover the affairs of someone Traiblazer already knew and trusted!
Here, Dr. Ratio may have represented Truth, not in its bare state as he usually does. It's interesting to note that Dr. Ratio tells himself that he could show his true colors but that it ends up being rather counter productive. Just like the fact Truth itself is better represented bare but few people actually can handle it that way. That's also a morality brought forth in the story of Truthfulness and her Counterpart, the one where Falsehood pretends to be Truthfulness by wearing her clothes, Truthfulness was naked and tried to convince Men that it was a trick but Men condemned Truthfulness, preferring a beautiful lie than the bare truth.
Dr. Ratio wearing an Alabaster Head most of the time might be a reflection to that but a little bit twisted, in order to prevent counterproductive results; a covered truth is still truth. Hiding his sight (truth) from fools doesn't prevent them from learning and trying to find it behind the barriers he puts. I also think the alabaster Head is simply a reference to him being the personification of Truthfulness, since one of the myths about the goddess speaks of her being a statue originally.
Here's the points to remember:
Time is extremely important and should be used efficiently. Which we were already aware of, but the fact time is such a close and important concept glued to Ratio's character might have something to do with him being Truthfulness, as whilst one version tells that the goddess was created as a statue, another says that she was the daughter of Cronus (the time titan/god)
Dr. Ratio is an educator first and foremost. He is strict and intolerant but not harsh and cruel. His manner of speech will often be straightforward, simple, instructive and effective. But it doesn't exclude things like sarcasm, a touch of humour without losing that gloominess that surrounds his character.
His intolerance with fools is strong and reciprocal, which could represent, through a metaphor, the confrontation between arrogance/foolishness and truthfulness.
We are shown the premises of Dr. Ratio's methods more clearly: practice and detached observation.
And lastly, The way both Dr. Ratio and Ruan Mei were portrayed in constant opposition from one another foretells of the duality that Crown of the mundane and divine is inherently about and will be plainly talked about in Mundane Trouble
I hope you enjoyed this long but hopefully interesting and insightful post! I always end up writing so so much ahah. Next, I will dive into the very important quest: "Mundane Troubles'
If you like my analyses, and if you're interested to know more, stay tuned!
can we talk about the isolation that comes with being a genius? can we talk about the reason why dr. ratio might come off as cruel and harsh is because he never had any friends nor learned how to be kind? can we talk about how he's stern because he wants his students to succeed, but never learned how to say it in a gentle manner? can we talk about how he's probably autistic, and how that made things worse for him in the social department?
can we talk about the dehumanization that comes with being a person with intellect. the loneliness and the way that it eats at you.
it must have been so fucking lonely, being a middle school kid who's up in university level classes. surrounded by people who are so much older than you, and since you're a kid, nobody wants to talk to you. you can't talk to the kids your age because you're too busy studying.
what else is there to do but improve, and live up to the expectations set for you?
DR RATIO'S ENG AND CN LINES DIFFERENCES ARE SIGNIFICANT !
I am currently studying Dr Ratio like a madman, and uuuuuuugh. . . I've noticed a few more or less subtle differences about the ENG and CN lines. Why does the ENG version tries to make Ratio sound / speak more unnecessarily smart and sure of himself? I think it only fuel people's belief that he is arrogant and narcissistic. Especially when in the CN, Ratio is much more casual and straightforward!
I will talk about one moment in particular:
This dialogue comes from the Crown of the Mundane and Divine continuance quest. Right after Dr Ratio's interrogation, he tells the TB to follow him. In return, the TB as two choice of dialogue and regardless of what they say, Ratio answer this dialogue above.
Yes, it's a prettily turned out phrase, it is fancy and it does sound intellectual. But check out what's his CN line:
Which means: [ Otherwise, should we let them run around, with "The space station is in trouble" written on their faces? ]
Not only it is hilarious, but there's no fancy words, no complicated turn of phrase, no, just straightforward sarcasm, no more no less. Plus, there isn't that confrontational aspect brought by the "do you have a better solution then?" done in the ENG dialogue; a tone that I've remarked is often added to Ratio's ENG lines for some reason???
I've seen instances where ENG version makes Ratio talk in "I" instead of "We", trying to emphasize his pride in himself and capacities while the CN simply points out that a task is easy for THE BOTH OF THEM.
Or moment where the ENG add humor (sarcasm) where there's none originally, or the contrary, where they erase it while in the CN there is.
I don't think Ratio should sound fancy and complicated when he's supposed to represent the bare and straightforward truth. Him being simple and casual is better in my opinion, what do you think?
sometimes i think and then i realize dr. ratio at one point must have been consumed by his self hatred and wilted like a lotus without water, withering into ashes like his pride with the slow marching of time showing him the true meaning of his name - a concept none could really understand.
anyways how are all of you aurae is back at it again
[learn your gacha: reference, explanation, interpretation- #2]
Dr. Ratio: Splash Art And Newton's Law
Mathematics are a core part of Dr. Ratio's character ! Especially his promotional elements. But what are those complicated numbers ? Because, yes, they actually mean something !
Let's dive together into the signification of one of Dr. Ratio's splash art equation !
NEWTON'S LAWS
On the top right of Dr. Ratio splash art, we can read: F= dP/dt.
This is a form of Newton's Second Law of motion.
What is it ?
Newton's Laws of motion are three physical laws about the relation of the motion of an object and the force acting on it. They originates from the Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica (1687), which also contains Isaac Newton's law of universal gravitation. This book written in Latin was one of the most important work published in the history of science.
The Second Law of motion applies when forces are unbalanced, causing the object to be in motion.
The Second Law then is thus: the change of momentum is proportional to the force acting upon it.
Mathematical explanation:
Momentum depends on the matter, the speed and the direction of the object, which influences its value with time. This phenomenon in math is also called [time] derivative and can be applied to any variable.
In modern form, momentum is calculated like this: P= mv
Or: momentum = mass x velocity
Generally, mass doesn't change with time but velocity does (acceleration); thus force is calculated like this: F= m dv/dt
Or: force= mass x time derivative of velocity
[dv/dt > which is the acceleration]
So: F= ma
( ma stands for mass x acceleration )
In modern form, the Second Laws says that the time derivative of momentum is the force.
So: F = dP/dt
Note: it can also lead to incorrect results when variable mass is added to the equation ( time derivative of mass ). The variables must be included in the equation if mass changes with time.
So: F= dP/dt
And: P= mv
Thus: F= d (mv)/dt
So: F= dP/dt = ma OR F= ma
So; F is the net force. Then: acceleration is proportional to the net force and inversely to the mass of the object.
F= ma so a= F/m and m= F/a
With physic quantity, it is thus: N = kg x m/s²
Or: 1 Newton [net force] equals 1 kilograms [kg] multiplied by 1 metters per second squared [m/s²]
Ex: 1N = 1kg x 1 m/s²
Demonstration:
1)
Aventurine rolled his fucking 2 kg dice at an acceleration of 5 m/s², what is the net force aventurine applied to the dice?
F= 2x5 so....
Yes ! 10N ! He fucking won millions !
2)
Boothill throws goddamn bullets with a fudging net force of 12N at an acceleration of 10 m/s², what's the freaking mass of his bullet ?
m= 12/10 so.....
Boothill throws 1.2 kg bullets, wow ! Deadly !
3)
Sampo kicked a 6 kg bomb into the crowd of Belobog, his net force was 12N ! What was the acceleration ?
a= 12/6 so.....
Lame ! Only 2 m/s² !
Conclusion:
In other words, Newton's Second Law says:
" the lower the mass the greater the acceleration, and contrarily, the greater the mass the lower the acceleration. "
Which is why F1 cars have such low mass, so they can have more acceleration speed !
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Wow! I really struggled with that one because math isn't my forte at all. But I did my best to inform myself, understand it and then explaining it in a simpler and more entertaining way I hope.
For those wondering, learn your gacha is a concept I came up with where I explain, teach and interpret references in Honkai: Star Rail. I'm in no way an expert in all the subjects I talk about, but I do my best to thoroughly learn about it as accurately as I can !
I hope you enjoyed it and see you for the next one !
Hello everybody, and welcome back to my analysis of Dr. Ratio in: "Crown Of The Mundane And The Divine." Today, I will do a complete breakdown of Dr. Ratio's first introductory cutscene that appears in the sub-quest: "When The Stars Of Ingenuity Shines".
Disclaimer: everything written in this post is subjective. It is my own views and interpretations and is absolutely not supposed to be claimed as canon or truthful over other opinions. Some things are also only speculations and must not be taken as face value. I don't pretend to know Dr. Ratio better, nor think that my interpretations are the right ones for him.
For Context: The cutscene appears after the Traiblazer had investigated Ruan Mei's doings and more or less discovered what she was up to. Once Traiblazer had come back to the main-hall of the Seclusion Zone, Dr. Ratio is there.
We'll put aside the fact Dr. Ratio acted like a mysterious entity by being the first to enter Ruan Mei's labo, logically meaning that he was still down there when Traiblazer arrived at the Seclusion Zone for the first time_ otherwise they would have met him_ yet somewhat managed to revert their positions. Impressive really. But I do think that it underlines the impression that Dr. Ratio is always two steps ahead, something quite repetitive throughout his apparitions.
Now, let's begin!
Scene 1
The camera angle points on his right side, as Dr. Ratio is facing a chessboard. What we can note is that he has a relaxed posture despite the circumstances he is aware of. It isn't a surprise when it is clear that he is a character that keeps his composure; as a doctor or as a person, he has equanimity. However, it goes beyond that as well, as we will later on remark that what lays behind eccentric professionalism and strict composure is actually indifference and nonchalance.
For that specific scene, the focus is on his hand; fingers rhythmically tapping his own knee, like the hands of a clock ticking: time's passing. He's waiting but isn't particularly impatient about it. Though his gestures are sharp and quick.
Note: It's a nice way to introduce Dr. Ratio's relationship with time. He values it greatly, and it does make him patient yet with touches of impatience; he knows how important it is to use it to its fullest yet don't tolerate wasting it. Quite paradoxical? You'd be surprised how paradoxical and ironic of a character Dr. Ratio can be!
Scene 2
Next, there is a nice zoom of his left side. First, the angles are opposite from one scene to another, emphasizing Dr. Ratio's game against "himself" by giving off the impression that there's two playing instead of just one.
Also, the vibe changes: instead of having the importance of time shown, we now have a slow show of thinking. Thus, we have the first side waiting, while the other is thinking. Right from the start, we are shown two of Dr. Ratio's greatest values: time and the mind.
Lastly, we have the appearance of that alabaster head, quite a simple yet impactful way to reveal Dr. Ratio's eccentric side.
Note: What I want to bring forth, though, is the fact that Traiblazer first met him with his alabaster head on. Currently, Trailblazer knows nothing of his identity, of his goals or where he's coming from. Remember that closely, because it will be very important for my next post.
Scene 3
The plan is on the chess pieces and most especially the move that is being done. Before diving in, I have just to comment that the chess-game animation in this cutscene doesn't make any sense at all (and yes, it is an animation flaw). I will not talk about it here, if you're interested, I invite you to check my "Dr Ratio's chess game cutscenes doesn't make any sense????" post. And despite knowing that the animation is flawed, I will still try to read some things about the chess game.
From this perspective, we can see that Dr. Ratio (as himself) plays on the black side, so we will call his opponent "alter-ego", who plays the white side. Because yes, some might argue that it doesn't matter because that's still Dr. Ratio, but I'm telling you here that alter-ego is a satirical personification; Dr. Ratio is kind of "roleplaying", his real self is the black side, the white one is alter-ego. In future quests, we will often see Dr. Ratio refers to himself as mundane or avoids terms like "genius" when talking about himself or his deeds. So it is not far-fetched to assume that here is not "him" talking but alter-ego, which may represent something else at this instant (that I will explain few paragraphs later).
In this scene, Alter-ego moves his white rook with his left hand and says: "Here, a genius move!"
Note: The fact that the first thing we see Dr. Ratio doing is playing chess, is not a mere little fun hobby of his. For chess reflects perfectly a very important part of Ratio. Chess history and creation symbolizes a duality of the bad and good (ying-yang), space unity and the everlasting and ever-changing life. While, on a technical part, practice is how one learns chess the best, refining the control of the Self and discipline of logic. A trait that Dr. Ratio shares and will be revealed in the quest "Mundane Troubles".
Scene 4
We have a zoom on Dr. Ratio's alabaster head, once again, with a slow and smooth demeanor reflecting the confidence of alter-ego, who then asks "and how will you counter it?". The whole sentence in the last scene and this one seems quite arrogant and challenging, as if expecting an impossibility to get out of this situation.
In return, Dr. Ratio stretches his neck in a quick and sharp manner (see a pattern here?) and says: "only an idiot would ask such a question."
This scene is interesting because we see the direct confrontation Dr. Ratio has indirectly with himself, or more precisely, a confrontation with him and alter-ego. Dr. Ratio's retort is offensive, it is mocking, calling alter-ego an idiot, or foolish. Because that is what it represents: Alter-ego is arrogance and foolishnes; and Dr. Ratio is mocking and condemning it.
His neck-stretch, a movement usually associated with muscle aches, also can imply that this arrogance and foolishness is burdening him. Not as him having it, but within other's. It is an exterior factor and that's why he's battling with "himself" (alter-ego) in a way that makes it as something visible and outward, because the problem isn't withing him but around him.
Scene 5
We have a focus on the board and the piece Dr. Ratio moves. Do you notice how he plays it with his right hand? It's a nice detail to have him play with a different hand for each side, it emphasizes that impression of two players instead of one and also separates the two.
Let's talk a little bit about the two pieces moved before talking about the move itself. In the previous scene, alter-ego played his white rook and Dr. Ratio played his black knight. In chess symbolism, a rook represents the wall and fortress, both a defensive and attacking piece yet still quite predictable. Speculation: Alter-ego playing a white rook may symbolize the defensive position of fools about their self-proclaimed righteousness.
On the other hand, in chess symbolism, knights represent horse-riders offense, but in game, knights are played offensively as an out-post to corner the enemy's pieces. It is unpredictable and can jump over obstacles. Hmm, doesn't it remind you of Dr. Ratio own methods? Because, in my view, it does as hell!
However, there's an irony in this: Dr. Ratio plays the black side, which is often considered the enemy's side, black pieces symbolizing the "bad" while Dr. Ratio is actually an educator and doctor. He is is often antagonized and hated, but his methods indeed are quite negative! Him playing as the black pieces makes every sense to me, as much as fools playing the white pieces.
Note: For the following comment, I only take into account the board as it is in its final state, since throughout the cutscene, as I said before, it is flawed and doesn't make sense (check my chess-game post to have a reference of the final sequence board).
And the best part has to be that according to the final sequence chessboard, Dr. Ratio has the upper hand! He did actually make alter-ego strategy backfire to him PLUS, both sides have the exact same number and exact same pieces: a perfect equality in this conflict, and Dr. Ratio is winning it.
Scene 6
His (alter-ego) reaction correlates with my last argument: he is perplexes, even caught off guard by this unpredictable move Though I must praise Dr. Ratio's acting skills ahah!
Malus point, Alter-ego was about to play with his right hand so my comment about different hand playing is a bit obsolete though it still stands in my opinion. Things that may have not been intentional can still be seen, read and interpreted after all!
Anyway, Trailblazer arrives and that's the end of the act. No more slow or impatient demeanor, he returns to an upright, professional stance; once again, perfect composure.
Final scene
Dr. Ratio walks up to the Traiblazer, saying to them: "You look distressed."(it's said as a fact), then: "Something the matter?" while he asks that, Dr. Ratio doesn't really look at the Traiblazer, as if not really interested, or rather, being indifferent to the answer. And for a fact, he doesn't even wait for an answer and hits directly with the "you better get thinking" since he surmises what Traiblazer had just seen and has a route in his mind he hopes the Traiblazer to follow (two steps ahead remember)
He isn't giving them an answer, instead chooses subtly guide them into the right path. Remember about chess being learned best through practice and not spoken lessons, with self-control and discipline of the logic? See the little things linking it together? Don't worry, we will soon see how it is a fundamental part of Dr. Ratio's education means.
In conclusion: Trailblazer encounters Dr. Ratio, who in their eyes is an unknown man that mysteriously comes and goes while guiding them (I would call it a certain way but it's not yet the time to
suggest it ehe.....).
On another hand, the cutscene itself is an introduction to who Dr. Ratio is as a character and what he will stand for. It is not meant to be precise, but it roughly gives directions:
To treat time correctly and to think efficiently is most valuable and an active part of his traits.
His methods are already hinted to be negative with a positive outcome (as translated by the fact he has actually the upper hand in an equal setting). He's not meant to be good and kind, and it will show later on.
We have the slight show of his intolerance to foolishness (and indirectly arrogance) through a brief conflict, while also reflecting the battle of the Self.
Personality wise- we have glimpses of equanimity, strictness and indifference. With a heavy touch of eccentricity.
I hope you enjoyed reading this long and probably insanely too imaginative analysis of a mere 26 seconds long cutscene. I always love interpreting things to an almost absurd extent, trying to find ways to make my view of something or a character logical and understandable.
Next, I will do Dr. Ratio dialogues and role in "When The Stars Of Ingenuity Shines". So, if you're interested, stay tuned!
DR RATIO'S CHESS GAME CUTSCENE DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE ????
Hello everybody ! I initially intended to make a complete analysis of the quest: Crown of the Mundane and the Divine, however, as I analyzed more thoroughly the first cutscene where Dr ratio appears in, I remarked something quite humours and, also, ridiculous !
The chess game is messed up
Based on these two images ( at the end of the cutscene ) :
Here's what Dr Ratio's chessboard looks like in what we will call the " Final sequence " :
Now, here we go !
First sequence
This is the first scene and right from the start, we can see that something is wrong : there is no double white pawns in the final scene.
We can surmise that more moves had been done off-screen, but it doesn't make sense at all when we can literally see him do only two moves during that cutscene.
We can also observe that the positions of the rooks and the knight are slightly off compared to how they are supposed to be in the finale scene. And the cause of that is the positions of the pawns and the white rook: considering the build of the chessboard, the black pawn is standing at the very corner, while it shouldn't ?
Second sequence
Then we have Ratio who makes his move.
In this sequence, the white rook is near two black pawns, at the other side of the board is the black king.
However, first of all, it should be impossible when both the white rook and the black pawn in first sequence were supposed to be in the corner of the last line, how can there be other pieces behind ? But it actually fixes the positions of the black rook and white knight that are now at the same places as the last sequence, but there's still so much things wrong.
According to the final sequence, the two black pawns are supposed to be around the black king, not far.
From the first image and the second one, the white rook is supposed to be at the same line of the black pawn, one case away from the white knight, and the black pawn on the left is supposed to be on the same line with the black king. Ratio moves the white rook one case forward, which aligns it with the white pawn and should make the white rook face directly the white knight.
However, for both second and final sequence, the white rook is standing at the exact same case where it was moved to ? How paradoxal ! It didn't move at all but it also did ???
Let's not comment on the fact there's no black bishop there either but there's one in the final sequence ?
Sequence 3
Here, it's even more confusing because we are obviously looking at Ratio sitting on the black side, as he was before.
However, the chessboard is inverted ! The black king stands more on his left white it was supposed to be on his right. Based on the second sequence, Ratio played the white rook ( that stood on the right side of board ) with his left hand meaning that the two pawns were to his right hand but suddenly they are aligned with his left arm ?
Sequence 4
And that's where it gets really messy ......
The only right thing there is the black knight that is correctly placed according to the next move Ratio will do and will be essentially the one and only piece logically placed from this sequence to the last.
Now, why the fuck is the white knight now standing diagonal to the black rook when the final sequence clearly shows that it's supposed to in front of it ?
And suddenly, there's a white bishop right in front of the black pawn and no double white pawn in sight. . . Where did they go ? What happened there ????
Let's not forget that according to the last sequence, the white bishop isn't even supposed to be there but next to the black rook.
Do we really need to point at the fact that in the last sequence the white rook stopped in the line of a white pawn but now it's standing in the line of a black one ?
Sequence 4
Ratio does his move, putting the black knight in the last line, in diagonale to the right of the black rook.
And it's now revealed that the piece right next to the black rook and facing the white knight is. . . A white pawn ? According to the first sequence there should have been a white pawn in the same line of the black rook but not right next to it, there should be a case between them, which mean it is supposed to be one of the missing white pawn from the first two sequences. One of them still missing since it had been replaced by a white bishop instead.
Now keep in memory that Ratio is standing on the black king side since the beginning.
Sequence 5
????? Why is he now sitting on the white side of the board ???
Okay, let's hypothesize that he turned the board around to play both sides. It doesn't even logically is possible. First of all, according to the last sequences, both the white and black kings stand on the left side of the board ( while Ratio is on the black side of it ).
Let's not comment on the fact the white king isn't remotely close to the corner as it may be hinted at with this image. But by simple physics of things, if he had indeed turned the board around, then the white king should be on his right side, not the left.
Then, right after, the traiblazer arrives in Ratio's vicinity. And guess what ....
Final sequence
But let's see the differences now, because there are more yes ! Let's zoom on the right side. Oh, what do I see ? Now the white knight is back in front of the black rook and the piece standing right at the side of the black rook isn't a white pawn but a white bishop ! Ah ??? And now there's a white pawn back and the black pawn disappeared replaced by a black bishop ! Where the fuck it had been pulled out from ? Now the white rook is in the same line of it.
We're back at the black side of the board ! Aya, bad cut isn't it.
Well, white rook sure had a lot of different partners in this cutscene !
I had made chess simulation pictures to show the evolution of Ratio chess game through the cutscene, unfortunately, trumblr doesn't allow more than 10 imported images. You may see it on my hoyolab post or the one I will do on my side account on TikTok.
Anyway, hoyo I hope you did not think nobody would notice that! Because I sure did! (I am insane)
