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Émile Durkheim

Asuka Langley Sohryu

  • Japanese Name: 惣流・アスカ・ラングレー (Sōryū Asuka Rangurē)
  • Designation: Second Child, Pilot of Evangelion Unit-02
  • Franchise:Neon Genesis Evangelion

Émile Durkheim
Born
David Émile Durkheim

(1858-04-15)15 April 1858

Épinal, France
Died 15 November 1917(1917-11-15)(aged 59)

Paris,France
Nationality French
Alma mater École Normale Supérieure
Known for Sacred–profane dichotomy
Collective consciousness
Social fact
Social integration
Anomie
Collective effervescence
Scientific career
Fields Philosophy, sociology, education, anthropology, religious studies
Institutions University of Paris, University of Bordeaux
Influences Immanuel Kant, René Descartes,Plato, Herbert Spencer,Aristotle, Montesquieu, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Auguste Comte. William James, John Dewey, Fustel de Coulanges, Jean-Marie Guyau, Charles Bernard Renouvier, John Stuart Mill
Influenced Marcel Mauss,Claude Lévi-Strauss, Talcott Parsons, Maurice Halbwachs, Jonathan Haidt, Lucien Lévy-Bruhl,Bronisław Malinowski, Fernand Braudel, Pierre Bourdieu, Charles Taylor, Henri Bergson, Emmanuel Levinas, Steven Lukes, Alfred Radcliffe-Brown, E. E. Evans-Pritchard, Mary Douglas, Paul Fauconnet, Robert N. Bellah, Ziya Gökalp, David Bloor, Randall Collins, Neil Smelser[1]

Appearance

Asuka is characterized by her striking red hair and bright blue eyes, embodying her passionate and fiery nature. She typically wears her school uniform or her iconic plugsuit, which features a bold red design that reflects her confident persona. Her appearance, coupled with her bold attitude, creates a memorable visual that resonates with fans. Asuka’s design symbolizes both her strength and her fragility, making her an emblematic character in the Evangelion series.

A collection of Durkheim's courses on the origins of socialism (1896), edited and published by his nephew, Marcel Mauss, in 1928

With a fierce expression despite her injury, Asuka Langley Sohryu stands defiant, her wounded eye a testament to her struggles and unyielding spirit in the face of adversity.

Background and Role

Asuka Langley Sohryu, a vibrant and headstrong 14-year-old, serves as the Second Child in the Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise. As the pilot of Evangelion Unit-02, she is introduced as a key figure in the fight against the Angels. Asuka is the product of a complex upbringing, marked by high expectations and a deep-seated desire for validation. Her mother, a former EVA pilot herself, suffered a mental breakdown, leaving Asuka to grapple with feelings of abandonment and inadequacy.

Asuka’s brash personality and competitive spirit often mask her vulnerabilities, leading her to assert dominance over her peers, particularly Shinji Ikari and Rei Ayanami. Her intense drive to prove herself can lead to confrontations, yet it also fuels her determination to excel in battle. Asuka’s fierce ambition and outspoken nature make her one of the most memorable characters in the series.

Personality and Development

Asuka’s character is defined by her fiery disposition and fierce independence. She is often portrayed as arrogant and self-assured, driven by the need to be the best. This exterior, however, conceals her deep-seated insecurities and fear of failure. Asuka’s relationship with Shinji is particularly complex; she simultaneously seeks his admiration while feeling threatened by his existence. Their dynamic explores themes of intimacy, loneliness, and the struggle for acceptance, showcasing how deeply their pasts shape their interactions.

As the series progresses, Asuka’s vulnerabilities become more pronounced, especially during pivotal moments of conflict with the Angels. Her internal struggles culminate in her mental and emotional unraveling, particularly during the events of The End of Evangelion. This descent into despair forces her to confront her fears and insecurities head-on, making her one of the most tragically relatable characters in the series.

Role in The End of Evangelion

In The End of Evangelion, Asuka’s journey reaches a critical juncture. Her character arc culminates in her emotional breakdown, which underscores the psychological themes that permeate the film. The intense battles she faces, both against the Angels and her internal demons, lead her to a profound moment of vulnerability. This struggle emphasizes her humanity and the depths of her character, providing a poignant commentary on the nature of suffering and the search for meaning.

Legacy

Asuka Langley Sohryu remains a pivotal character in the Neon Genesis Evangelion narrative, representing the multifaceted nature of identity and the complexities of human emotions. Her story—marked by ambition, rivalry, and eventual introspection—resonates deeply with audiences, reflecting broader themes of acceptance, fear, and the quest for connection. Asuka’s legacy endures as a testament to the intricacies of the human experience, making her an unforgettable figure in the world of anime.

Trivia

Cultural References: Asuka’s name, “Sōryū,” translates to “flowing dragon,” which signifies her fierce and dynamic personality. Her Germanic surname, “Langley,” reflects her mixed heritage, further enriching her character’s complexity.
Symbol of Resilience: Asuka’s journey can be interpreted as a representation of the human struggle against personal demons, showcasing how resilience and vulnerability coexist.
Influence on Anime: Asuka has become a cultural icon within the anime community, often referenced in discussions about strong female characters and their portrayal in media.