A representação simbólica do mal em a viagem de Chihico: uma interpretação através da trajetória da personagem Kaonashi

Abstract

This work is a study about the representation of evil in the animation Spirited Away (2001), observing in the plot the development of the character Kaonashi based on his relationship with Chihiro Ogino. To this end, we sought to understand through a symbolic character, how evil is constituted in the work by analyzing the elements that demonstrate the aspects of bad moral and customs that influence the spirit9s freedom of choice, causing changes in its personality and behavior that transforming it into an aggressive monster, which, in contrast to Chihiro's kindness and good use of her free will, needs to follow a path of redemption so that it can return to its passive state. Besides, this research was based on the studies of Paul Ricoeur (1988, 2013), who discusses both the symbolic language of evil and evil as a cause of suffering in the human experience; and also on the work of Saint Augustine (2021), who discuss how the misuse of free will is related to the existence of evil. Furthermore, some concepts from the work of Jean Chevalier and Alain Gheerbrant (2001) were also incorporated into this analysis, as they expose the deep character of symbolic language, covering the most diverse meanings of the symbol. As such, this research discusses some aspects of the origin of evil present in Hayao Miyazaki's film production as they integrate propositions that accompany human beings throughout their lives, requiring them to make different readings of their surroundings in order to understand their path in this world and the consequences of their choices in their becoming.