The Role of Perception in Anime 'Monster'

How Perception Shapes the Narrative

A closer look at the power of perception and its impact on the story of 'Monster

Introduction: 

In our previous article, we delved into the ethical dilemma of Dr. Tenma in 'Monster'. In this blog post, we'll explore another aspect of this critically acclaimed anime series: the role of perception. We'll take a closer look at how the perception of different characters shapes the narrative, and how this affects our understanding of the story.

What is Perception? 

Perception refers to the way in which we interpret and make sense of information from our environment. It's influenced by our experiences, beliefs, and expectations, and it plays a significant role in shaping our understanding of the world around us. In 'Monster', perception is a central theme, and it's used to create a complex and multi-layered narrative.

The Perception of Johan: 

One of the most intriguing characters in 'Monster' is Johan, the series' enigmatic antagonist. Johan's perception of the world is shaped by his traumatic past, and he sees humanity as fundamentally flawed and irredeemable. This perception drives his actions throughout the series, and it's the source of his power over others. Johan's perception of himself is also important, as he sees himself as a monster, and this perception influences the way he interacts with others.

The Perception of Tenma: 

In contrast to Johan, Dr. Tenma's perception is shaped by his experiences as a doctor. He sees his role as a healer and protector, and this perception drives him to try to stop Johan's reign of terror. Tenma's perception of himself is also significant, as he struggles with guilt over the patients he couldn't save. This perception affects his decision-making throughout the series, and it's a key aspect of his character development.

The Perception of Other Characters: 

The perception of other characters in 'Monster' is also important. For example, Detective Lunge's perception of Tenma as the prime suspect in the murders drives his pursuit of him, even when evidence suggests otherwise. Eva Heinemann's perception of Johan as her beloved twin brother blinds her to his true nature, even when presented with evidence to the contrary. The perception of minor characters also shapes the narrative, and it's used to create a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty throughout the series.

Conclusion: 

In conclusion, the role of perception in 'Monster' is crucial to the story's development. It's used to create a complex and multi-layered narrative, and it's central to the character development of the series' main protagonists and antagonists. By understanding the power of perception, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the themes and motifs of 'Monster', and we can develop a more nuanced understanding of the story.

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out our previous blog post on 'The Ethics of Dr. Tenma's Dilemma' in 'Monster'.