Understanding the Seven Deadly Sins in Re:Zero
From the moment he’s thrust into the fantastical world of Lugunica, Subaru Natsuki’s life has been a whirlwind of challenges, betrayals, and agonizing deaths. He’s a seemingly ordinary high schooler armed with the extraordinary ability to “Return by Death,” a power that grants him a second chance after each demise. This ability has become both his greatest asset and his ultimate curse. But beneath the surface of this resilient hero, a darker force lurks – the shadow of the sin of Gluttony. This article delves into the moments where Subaru’s character begins to mirror the traits of Gluttony, exploring the psychological toll of repeated failures, the manipulation of memories, and the consuming nature of despair within the world of *Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World.*
The narrative of *Re:Zero* is deeply intertwined with the Seven Deadly Sins, a concept borrowed from religious traditions and adapted into a cornerstone of the Witch Cult’s motivations and actions. These sins, representing the worst aspects of human nature, are embodied by certain characters and wielded as powerful weapons or destructive curses. Among these, Gluttony stands out as a particularly insidious influence, characterized by an insatiable hunger, a desire for consumption, and the ability to manipulate memories. This sin, within the context of *Re:Zero*, often manifests through the consumption of names and memories, stripping victims of their very identities.
Subaru, on the other hand, initially seems like the antithesis of Gluttony. He is defined by his selflessness, his desperate attempts to protect his friends and loved ones, and his willingness to suffer endlessly to achieve his goals. However, the constant cycle of death and rebirth, the weight of responsibility, and the relentless torment he endures begin to chip away at his core, opening him to the allure of the very sin he struggles to combat.
The Set-Up for Gluttony’s Influence
One of the key elements that sets the stage for the potential emergence of Gluttony within Subaru is the presence of memory-related events. He’s repeatedly exposed to characters and situations where the manipulation of memories is central to the conflict. These experiences, especially when coupled with the consequences of his own repeated failures, begin to warp his perspective.
The White Whale Arc and Memory Erasure
Consider the White Whale arc. Subaru, along with the other combatants, is pitted against a monstrous beast capable of erasing the existence of those it devours. The memories of the White Whale’s victims are devoured, as if those people never existed. This directly affects the other characters, making them feel like they’re constantly being gaslit and forced to re-examine all of their personal beliefs. The very essence of what makes someone *them* can be easily removed by such a power. Subaru’s own experiences with this erasure, watching friends and allies disappear from the memories of others, undoubtedly affects him on a profound level. He is constantly fighting to preserve the truth, the reality of their existence, in a world that seems determined to undermine it. This constant struggle, and the pain of knowing he may be unable to fully protect them even with his power, begins to take a toll.
Interactions with Memory-Consuming Characters
Furthermore, the interactions with characters who possess the ability to “consume” memories further blur the lines between hero and potential villain. The very act of consuming, whether it be memories or the very existence of a person, is something that Subaru can be forced to come into contact with on a repeated basis. The act can lead him to feel as if *he* needs to find some way to combat it.
Battles between Sins
The battle between the sins of Greed and Gluttony creates another opportunity for Subaru’s own perspective to shift, as he begins to question the nature of his own actions and the motivations that drive him. He observes how the ability to consume others is weaponized, how identity is broken, and he must consider the consequences of the actions that take place around him.
Key Moments of Gluttony’s Influence
The influence of these events on Subaru’s mind is compounded by the sheer trauma he endures. He is, after all, a teenager constantly facing life-or-death situations. The constant fear, the physical and psychological suffering, the betrayals, and the loss of loved ones would break even the strongest of wills. Each death chips away at his sanity, and the very act of “Return by Death” becomes a double-edged sword. It grants him the opportunity to retry, but also forces him to relive the horrors of his failures, leading to a cyclical pattern of despair and self-doubt. The very essence of Gluttony is a consuming hunger, and the relentless pressure of his circumstances cultivates this hunger in Subaru. He begins to crave a solution, an easy way out, a means to finally succeed and protect those he cares about, even if it means sacrificing a part of himself.
The moments where Subaru’s actions begin to reflect the characteristics of Gluttony are subtle yet telling. He experiences periods of intense obsession. He fixates on specific goals, often to the exclusion of everything else. He resorts to manipulative tactics to achieve his objectives. Though his intentions are usually good, the methods he employs are sometimes questionable. In his desperation, he may begin to control the narrative, shaping the truth to achieve his goals. This distortion of his true self is a clear indication of the Gluttony’s allure.
Subaru in a Gluttonous Role
Consider the instance when Subaru is forced to play the role of a Gluttonous individual, and the consequences this has for the world around him. The character is forced to take on the identity of the evil character for the sake of a greater good, but in doing so, he starts to question his own motivations and beliefs. This moral dilemma could be considered a point where Subaru truly starts to consider all the aspects of Gluttony.
The Impact of Return by Death
Subaru’s reliance on “Return by Death” plays a critical role in his descent. While it’s his most powerful weapon, it also leads to a twisted sense of immortality, a feeling that he can fail again and again until he succeeds. This often leads him to believe that he can “consume” knowledge, “consume” time, or “consume” others’ efforts in his quest for victory. This can lead to an increasingly selfish mindset where he prioritizes his own objectives above the well-being of those around him. It’s a dangerous path that echoes the core principle of Gluttony – a desire for relentless consumption.
Consequences on Relationships
The true consequences of these actions manifest in his relationships. His reckless actions, his secrets, and his manipulation erode the trust that has been painstakingly built with Emilia. This erosion of trust creates a rift between them, a barrier that prevents him from sharing his burdens and seeking her support. Subaru has to learn to stop consuming the relationship he has with Emilia, and instead, he has to learn how to build her up. This is something that he must continuously battle against in order to move forward with his life. His friends become suspicious, weary of his constant secrecy and apparent knowledge of future events. They see a change in him, a darkness they struggle to understand, which ultimately distances him from the very people he is trying to protect.
Internal Conflicts and the Struggle
The internal conflicts Subaru endures are perhaps the most poignant demonstration of the struggle against Gluttony. He recognizes the darkness within himself, the creeping temptation to sacrifice his values and consume others to achieve his goals. He is tormented by the fear that he is becoming what he hates, a person driven by selfish desires masked by a veneer of heroism. This internal battle is not just a physical one; it’s a spiritual one. It is a war for his soul, for the essence of who he truly is, and the battle is one of the most defining aspects of *Re:Zero*.
Overcoming Gluttony
Subaru’s path is rarely straightforward. He is challenged with having to continuously battle against the impulses of Gluttony, with all the pain and anguish that comes with the fight. He is not always successful. There are moments when he falters, when despair consumes him, and his actions veer dangerously close to the very sin he is trying to overcome. At other times, he displays remarkable strength, pushing back against the darkness and finding the courage to trust others, to seek help, and to embrace his flaws.
He must learn to adapt his tactics so as to not be consumed by his own desire. He realizes the futility of his solitary struggle and embraces the help of his friends. He learns the importance of communication, of sharing his burden, and of trusting others with his secrets. He embraces the fact that he does not have to conquer the world alone.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the journey of Subaru in *Re:Zero* is a testament to the enduring human struggle against darkness. The question of *when does Subaru become Gluttony* is not a simple one. It is a gradual process, a series of small steps and choices that lead him closer to the edge. It is a state of mind he has to fight against. The influence of the sin is undeniable, and the constant battles he has with it are what truly set the story apart. While he may not fully become Gluttony in the traditional sense, the characteristics of the sin are always present, threatening to consume him and his relationships. The true measure of Subaru’s strength lies in his ability to recognize and resist these temptations, to maintain his humanity, and to choose hope over despair.
How will Subaru ultimately navigate the treacherous path, resist the allure of Gluttony, and find a way to build a future filled with happiness and not with pain? The answer, as with Subaru’s entire journey, remains a mystery, shrouded in a fog of trials and tribulations.
