In my opinion, one of the main themes in Rurouni Kenshin revolves around the concept of moral dilemmas: The internal struggle one has to experience in carrying out his actions because of the tremendous influence his actions have on the lives of others (And many times in the chaos of a revolution in its era, tantamount to deciding between the lives and deaths of others). Even despite the eventual success in one's endeavours, a person with a conscience cannot live without the knowledge that his/her actions which had led to his/her success was taken at the cost of others who had opposing ideologies. In this article, I shall elaborate on the moral dilemma faced by the sword creator, Arai Shakku. More about Arai Shakku could be seen in episode 40 of the anime in the video below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPvbPqCby_w
In the manga/anime Arai Shakku was a blacksmith and creator of weapons in the ranks of the Isshin Shishi and in the times of the Bakumatsu, was the mastermind behind the creation of many swords of his time. In his time he had forged many of the most unique, efficient and deadly weapons, earning himself fame and notoriety as their creator. Upon the completion of his last sword at the end of the revolution (which was ironically a reversed blade sword whose potential for murder is largely diminished) he carved upon the following words on the sword:
Each blade I have forged has slain me little by little.
Though my child may despise me,
It was for my grandchild's generation.
These few words have spoken volumes of the tremendous emotional turmoil Arai Shakku had to endure in carrying on his role as a blacksmith as well as his infallible resolve in doing what he believes is best for his people.
Interpretation:
Contrary to the public scrutiny and opinion of Arai Shakku as an eccentric man obsessed with the creation of better weapons of murder, Arai Shakku was a man keenly aware of consequences of his actions. The knowledge of the consequences would hurt him deeply, as if each weapon he forged had killed a part of him little by little.
He forged on despite the negative opinion that the public or even his own son possess with regards to his actions, for he believed that his actions would, in the hands of the revolutionaries, in turn bring about a better era for his people.
Despite drowning amidst the misconceptions of the public opinion, he set his sights on the betterment of his society that would only begin to surface some time into the future, and worked towards that future as he struggled with his conscience.
''Rurouni Kenshin'' or ''Samurai X'' stands as one of the best manga I have ever read. I believe it is a sentiment shared by many, seeing that is an extremely popular manga of its time. Like any masterful piece of literature, there is much to be uncovered and learnt. Rurouni Kenshin deserves to be dissected and scrutinised in many aspects. I shall attempt to uncover the underlying philosophy and hidden beauty of this manga and describe it to the best of my ability.
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