#saikoroshi

[notalicorn]

There's a discussion to have about how Ryukishi tends to think that victims have a responsibility in their abuse, even children.

Like that Ange has a responsibility about Eva's mistreatement (because she rejected her). Or in Saikoroshi, that Rika's isolation (and her abuse from Satoko) is her fault, because she was too centered on herself. I don't remember how much he thinks that Satoko has a responsibility in Satoshi's disappearance.

He write very good tales of abuse and bullying. He always takes abuse seriously. He also develops the thoughts of the abusers without endorsing or condoning. He's very good at describing bullying as a power relation. And abuse as a cycle where abusees can become abusers.

But I think there's something we don't talk about. It's that they are always causes from abuse that we can find in the perpertrator, and the victim also. And several times he blames the victim for their behaviors. Even when the victim is a literal child who just did things that are very normal for children.

[mbharestuff]

cinematic parallels.

[malualeatory]

[thewhitefluffyhat]

Actually, while I'm on the thought of the original Higurashi VNs - where does one get Saikoroshi-hen?  I've been using the MangaGamer Steam release with 07th mod, but I don't think those have that arc yet.

If I can't find the actual game I'll probably resort to finding a Youtube play of it, but I have a feeling that's going to be rough if my read speed doesn't match whoever is playing.

[notalicorn]

Let me explain why I'm fascinated by Saikoroshi. And how this episode contains a line that haunts me.

Saikoroshi is the story of Rika who is sent in an alternate reality. In this world, she doesn't have any friend. She's bullied at school. She lives with her parents, and they're relationship is tense.

Because it's a story with two realities, it can be taken on two perspectives. The first, straightforward, is the perspective of Rika. She's rejecting this world. It's not hers. It's not her friends. She took the place of "Rika Furude" of this world and killed her.

But the perspective from people of this world is compelling. As she acknowledge, nothing looks supernatural to them. It looks like she's just an isolated girl.

And OMG, when Rika talks about Hanyū to Dr Yamamoto, he asks to see her. Rika shows the crystal ball that she uses to communicate with her... and Hanyū doesn't talk. Conveniently, the ball is not charged enough. From his perspective, it's exactly what a girl with an imaginary friend would say.

As we discussed with @anawkwardlady, this episode can be taken as a metaphor of dissociation, with depersonalization. There is a link to make with maladaptive daydreaming, but I'll link her post.

Now, it's time to go to the line

It happens during the discussion between Satoshi, Mion, Reina and Rika/Bernkastel. I've included two screenshots for context, but look at what Reina says.

"Rika-chan, you think it doesn't have anything to do with you. ... Am I right?"

Rika uses dissociation to distance herself from the world and her responsibility. But the narration won't let her.

I think that I understand now: "Frederica Bernkastel" did not kill "Rika Furude". They share the same personality, the same flaws. (Important disclaimer: I'm relating what Ryukishi says, but I don't agree. No, I refuse to blame Rika for her bullying.) Whatever "Frederica" says, it's still about her.

There is no contradiction between the two perspectives I talk before, and they merge at this line. (Again, brilliant VN even if I don't agree with all of the moral of the story.)

To sum up, Ryukishi makes a story about alienation by literally sending Rika in a universe she doesn't belong to. It could weaken his point (like "of course none of what happens is about her"), but no, he develops the story in the most clever way possible. It will never cease to drive me crazy.

[notalicorn]

I should make a "Who am I" collection, but for Higurashi.

[notalicorn]

Ryukishi described Saikoroshi (the bonus arc where Rika is sent in an alternate reality after a car accident) as thematically heavy. And. Yes, absolutely.

So much happens, so many themes are explored, when I first read it I felt like I didn't really "get" the chapter. Similar to the state of confusion I was at the end of Umineko. AND IT'S ONLY A 6 HOUR LONG CHAPTER

I just re-read it and wow, everything feels clearer. But wow, this episode is mesmerizing

[notalicorn]

Reading a discussion about Saikoroshi and wow, this arc is really deep. I think I didn't understand most of its themes.

I ranted about how I was disappointed by the resolution of the bullying plotline, but I should give it another chance.