Denji's path forward in Chainsaw Man may be based on real-life philosophies

Modified Nov 19, 2024 06:17 GMT

One of the most beloved narrative aspects of mangaka Tatsuki Fujimoto’s Chainsaw Man manga series is the character growth and development that protagonist Denji undergoes. While there are many trials and tribulations along the way that force readers to see the fan favorite in true emotional pain, fans are almost always happy with the end result.

Generally speaking, Denji’s latest moment of growth in Chainsaw Man received the same reception for the most part, with some dissenters not quite sold on it yet. One reason is that Denji’s development seems to be pulling from real-life philosophies, which suggests that he’s not quite happy despite his words.

Disclaimer: This article contains canon typical mentions of sensitive topics. Readers’s discretion is advised.

Chainsaw Man’s next steps for Denji may involve tenets of Albert Camus’ Absurdism

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Albert Camus’ Absurdism philosophy essentially claims that life’s literal meaning is doing whatever gives you the will to live and go on, rather than abandoning life altogether. Camus would later posit the question of whether he should take his own life or have a cup of coffee, which highlights the meaning of his words; the meaning of life is making conscious action to find meaning in one’s existence, whether it’s in a cup of coffee or something greater.

In this way, Fujimoto seems to be setting up the Chainsaw Man protagonist for such a mindset based on his words in chapter 183. Denji recognizes that life is hard, and his life especially is plagued by misery, but he still has reasons to live, even if they’re as simple as delicious food and beautiful women. This is his cup of coffee, what keeps him going through the absurdity that is his own life.

Likewise, living for and experiencing these desires serve as micro goals per Camus’ philosophy, which forces conscious action on the person in question. This leads to Camus’ definition for success, which he calls performing conscious actions which revolt against the absurdity of life. These actions likewise protest that life is worth living even with all its tragedy and insanity, which can be further related to the sentiment Denji is currently feeling.

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Denji’s path forward in Chainsaw Man could likewise be influenced by nature of seeing him try to focus on smaller, more attainable goals rather than grand lifestyles. This seems especially likely since his desire for a normal life concluded in a disastrous way. Further supporting this idea is the fact that Denji specifically told Pochita that his next dream was to be the titular hero, a much more straightforward, attainable, and graspable goal than a “normal life.”

In turn, giving Denji an Absurdism-like element to his character would work perfectly with his current growth trajectory and larger, overarching goals. It’ll also likely lead to him being a happier person overall, especially considering how heavily he’s clearly been impacted by the trauma he’s faced thus far.

Final thoughts

Aki and Power's role in Denji's life have helped push him to his current mindset (Image via MAPPA Studios)

While Fujimoto’s directions for Denji are often the most unpredictable aspect of the manga, it seems likely that Camus’ Absurdism is at least influencing his current trajectory. Largely supporting this is how well it plays into the lesson Denji just learned, and what he told Pochita his next goal would be. Fans should have a better idea of what’s next for the protagonist in chapter 184’s official release on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 12AM Japanese Standard Time.