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Émile Durkheim

Norman

  • Role: Deuteragonist ofThe Promised Neverland
  • Traits: Highly intelligent, strategic, loyal, self-sacrificing, and compassionate

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]

Storyline Highlights

  • Discovery of Grace Field’s Secret: Alongside Emma, Norman is shocked to learn the horrifying truth about Grace Field House. This revelation compels him to join forces with Emma and Ray to develop a plan to escape and rescue the other orphans.
  • The Sacrifice: Norman is faced with a heart-wrenching choice when he is scheduled to be “shipped” out before his 12th birthday. In an act of profound self-sacrifice, he agrees to leave, accepting his fate to give Emma, Ray, and the other orphans a better chance to escape.
  • Λ7214 and Rebellion: Rather than being killed, Norman is sent to a sinister experimentation farm known as Λ7214, where he endures cruel treatment but ultimately escapes. Upon witnessing the true horrors of the demon-controlled system, Norman’s perspective shifts, and he becomes determined to eradicate the demons entirely, striving to create a safe haven for all humans trapped in the demon world.
A collection of Durkheim's courses on the origins of socialism (1896), edited and published by his nephew, Marcel Mauss, in 1928

With a more mature and intense gaze, teenage Norman displays the intelligence and determination that have only grown stronger over the years, marking him as both a brilliant strategist and a resilient survivor.

Personality and Traits

Norman is a calm, kind, and perceptive individual with a natural gift for strategy. Though he possesses a gentle demeanor, he can be extremely determined, especially when it comes to protecting his loved ones. Norman’s intelligence and planning abilities set him apart from his peers, earning him the title of a “premium quality good” at Grace Field House alongside Emma and Ray. His unwavering dedication to his friends often leads him to put their safety above his own, even if it means risking his life.

Norman’s logical thinking balances Emma’s idealism and Ray’s pragmatism. His empathy and genuine concern for others drive him to seek solutions that benefit everyone, making him both a cherished friend and a crucial leader in the quest for freedom.

Relationships

Emma

Norman deeply cares for Emma, admiring her kindness and optimism. Their partnership is built on mutual trust and a shared resolve to protect their family. His affection for Emma fuels his desire to sacrifice himself for her safety and the success of their escape plan.

Ray

Norman shares a close friendship with Ray, and their contrasting strengths create a powerful alliance. Norman’s calmness balances Ray’s cynicism, and though they occasionally disagree, their bond is rooted in a deep respect for each other’s abilities and loyalty.

New Allies

After his escape from Λ7214, Norman gains new allies who share his goals. These companions, many of whom have also experienced the harsh realities of demon rule, become an extended family as they work toward a common mission.

Post-Escape Goals

After enduring the hardships of Λ7214, Norman’s view of the world is transformed. He sets his sights on creating a safe haven for humans, free from demon rule, even if it means confronting his former allies with difficult choices. Although his methods become more extreme, his core motivation remains the protection of his loved ones and the innocent children who remain vulnerable.

Trivia and Insights

  • Symbolic Number: Norman’s identification number, 22194, adds depth to his character, subtly reminding viewers of his status within the farm’s system.
  • Chess Metaphor: Norman’s exceptional planning and strategy often evoke a chess master’s mindset, and his intelligence and foresight can be seen as him playing a game of chess against the demons’ system.
  • Selflessness: Norman’s sacrificial nature is a recurring trait throughout the story. Even when facing potential death, he is more concerned about ensuring the safety and freedom of his friends than his own survival.

Norman’s journey from a compassionate boy to a determined leader embodies both the cost of survival and the lengths one will go to ensure freedom for those they hold dear. His character represents sacrifice, resilience, and the complexity of moral choices in the face of an unforgiving world.