Misae Ikari
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Misae Ikari is a fictional character from Satoshi Kon's animated thriller Paranoia Agent. She is the wife of Detective Keiichi Ikari, one of the detectives assigned to the Shonen Bat case. She is featured prominently in Episode 11, and is a strong presence in the final episodes. Although Misae is a character who appears rather late in the series, her actions may affect the outcome of the plot more so than any other character save Tsukiko.
Contents |
[edit] Revelations
[edit] Showdown
Walking home from the store, Misae hears countless speculations as to the legend of the Shonen Bat. As Misae comes home, she is greeted with a terrifying sight; Shonen Bat is waiting for her in her house. Misae seems strangely unmoved and unaffected by Shonen Bat. She commands Shonen Bat to sit down. Shonen Bat seems powerless and unable to hurt Misae. With no other choice, he sits, as Misae claims that she will explain to him that humans aren't as "sordid and weak as you seem to think."
Misae engages in a fierce duel of the mind and spirit as she explains the misfortunes of her life. Misae was born with a weak body and is unable to bear children. Misae was told at a very young age that she would not live as long a life as other people. Seemingly cursed, Misae lived a reltively quiet existence, enjoying what moments she could. Misae then reveals the identity of her husband, Keiichi Ikari, who had investigated the Shonen Bat case and failed. This cost him his police career, and Ikari must now work as a lowly traffic guard doing menial tasks. Shonen Bat is at first surprised by the identity of her husband, but this later turns to glee at the mention of his failure and of Misae's despair.
Meanwhile, Shonen Bat begins to show signs of becoming impatient and, annoyed at the fact that he can't hit Misae, he begins to take his rage out on the surrounding room. However, no matter what he does, Misae is unfazed and untouched. The Shonen Bat disappears when Misae decides not to be unhappy anymore.
Misae is suddenly enveloped by a beautiful forest, complete with a rainbow overhead. At this sign of final and ultimate understanding, she proudly proclaims that she will have the surgery which she before believed would be too expensive. She looks past the self-pity and finally comes to terms with her life. In the process, she becomes possibly the only human in all of Tokyo to face down Shonen Bat and defeat him.
[edit] Fate
Tragically, although Misae is now mentally complete, she comes to her decision far too late and dies from a heart attack. Before she leaves this world and her beloved Keiichi Ikari, she vows to rescue him herself from his sadness. Ikari finally comes to his senses due to Misae's undying love. Tragically, however, her form disappears as she claims that her time is over. In the emergency room, Misae flatlines. Misae's love and devotion gives Ikari the strength to resist Maromi and the Shonen Bat.
[edit] Symbolism and Analysis
Misae seems to represent the concept of inner strength. Having long since lost her beauty, and being unable to bear children or live an extended life of her own, somehow this courageous woman is able to resist what countless others could not. The turning point in the series comes when she proves that humans have the ability to face reality and sort their own problems out. Misae shows us that if one looks at life as a dead end, that's all it will ever be. Misae, on the verge of death and having lived a life of humiliating limitations, is able to explore herself and find the pride within to overcome her problems. Rather than look for an escape, she tells us that the only true way to overcome life's problems is to confront them head on.
[edit] External links
- [1] Fan speculation.
| Paranoia Agent |
|---|
| Characters |
| Shougo Ushiyama | Misae Ikari | Tsukiko Sagi | Maromi |
| Episodes |
| Enter Lil' Slugger | The Golden Shoes | Double Lips | A Man's Path | The Holy Warrior | Fear of a Direct Hit | MHz | Happy Family Planning | ETC | Mellow Maromi | Entry Forbidden | Radar Man | Final Episode |
| Other |
| Paranoia Agent Original Soundtrack | Satoshi Kon | Susumu Hirasawa |
