Shinji and Asuka's Relationship
Despite not joining the cast until Episode 08, Asuka quickly becomes a pivotal figure in the narrative, both in her own right and in her interactions with Shinji. The complex dynamics of their relationship quickly become the heart of the show. Most aspects of the relationship, however, remain unspoken or denied. Thus it is up to the viewer to piece together their motivations from the unspoken or implied aspects of their actions.
It is often only by looking at the wider details of a scene, such as background conversations or framing that their true feelings are revealed. In many cases the clues to unraveling a scene can only be found in conjunction with other scenes. Finally, it is often the case that important information is transmitted visually rather than through dialog, so examination of screenshots is necessary.
Are They a Couple?
The short answer is yes, but certainly not as traditionally portrayed in this sort of story. As stated above, there is no closure such as their accepting their feelings and acknowledging them to each other and possibly to others as well. Rather, it is the evidence presented in the show makes it clear that they are the show's primary couple.
Through the action arc and into the beginning of the downswing their interactions follow many conventions of romantic comedy. They have an eventful first meeting, complete with instant dislike and sexual misunderstandings. Circumstances force them into continued proximity, with sexual tensions and slowly building mutual acceptance. Friends see a relationship of which the character's themselves are blind, either teasing or offering advice.
For example, this from Episode 17:
| The classmates always know first | ||
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The pause in the second image before they deny their relationship typically shows that Toji's observation is correct. They are quarrelling like a married couple. | ||
Another example would be in Episode 09. Misato has momentarily substituted Rei for Asuka in the synchro-attack training and Rei aces it the first try. After Asuka runs from the room Hikari says to Shinji: "Go after her! You made a girl cry!". On the surface, it's hard to understand exactly how Shinji is responsible. If anyone made Asuka cry it was Misato. Then you realize that Hikari has already figured out that they are a couple, and feels that it is Shinji's responsibility to protect Asuka from this sort of humiliation.
Finally they have their first kiss... at which point the trouble starts.
This is also supported in a more subconscious manner via clever use of cuts during important moments to force a parallel between the Shinji/Asuka relationship and that of Misato and Kaji. In episodes 9 and 15, for example, kiss attempts between Shinji and Asuka are immediately followed by scenes of Kaji and Misato engaged in the same. In episode 11 both pairs end up in compromising positions.
| Shinji/Asuka and Kaji/Misato | ||
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comparison shots from episodes 9, 11, and 15 | ||
The theory will also take into consideration the correlation between Asuka's feelings for Shinji and her feelings for Kaji and to a lesser extent Rei's part in it.
Episode 08: Introductions
Marking the appearance of Asuka Soryu Langley, in Neon Genesis Evangelion, episode 8 is mostly used to introduce us to the personality of the german pilot. Set on the battleship carrying her Eva, Asuka meets Shinji, Toji and Kensuke who were brought by Misato to visit. Initially mistaking Toji as the third pilot, Asuka then proceeds to express disappointment at the thought of someone as unremarkable as Shinji having being chosen as one; a very underwhelming first impression. The episode also introduces Kaji Ryoji, Asuka's ex guardian and a man she is shown to have feelings for. It is during an exchange between the two that Asuka learns about Shinji's surprisingly high synchronization, renewing her interest in him and prompting her to show off her superiority as a pilot: with words, at first and eventually in the battle against Gaghiel.
In what is one of the most recognizable moments of the episode, Asuka forces Shinji to join her in her mech (while also forcing him to wear her plugsuit), to fight the angel, in order to further prove to him her skill. Despite the initial issues in reaching an acceptable level of synchronization, it is only thanks to their combined effort that they eventually succeed in winning. Asuka's arrogant, bossy and rivalrous personality introduced under these circumstances, will prove to be one of the biggest hurdles in their relationship, while, at the same time, their combined victory hints at the potential for them to reach harmony and stability. The duality of their relationship is, as such, introduced from the very first time they meet.
| Asuka is Not Impressed | ||
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Episode 09: Once Again They Must Work Together
Second episode dedicated nearly in its entirety to the duo. Starting off with Asuka moving to Shinji's school (and eventually his house), the episode focuses on the previously introduced theme of synchronization. We are given some insight on Asuka's school life, thanks to a series of pictures taken by Kensuke. Worth noting is her rejection of the many love letters received, hinting at her self-imposed maturity; she perceives herself as an adult and well past the point of being interested in childish love letters.
The first fight of the episode, against the angel Israfel, turns out to be a quick loss. Asuka and Shinji are employed together, but she proceeds to charge the opponent on her own, forcing Shinji to cover her, with the sole purpose of proving to him and everyone else her superiority. Her rash decision leads them both to a defeat when the angel proves capable of duplicating itself. It is at this point, after the two of them receive an earful from Fuyutsuki, that Misato decides to make them train to reach better synchronization with each other. During a dance session, in front of Hikari, Toji, Kensuke and Rei, meant to make them move in synch, Shinji proves himself too slow to keep up with Asuka, leading her to get angry at him. Misato comes in Shinji's defense asking Asuka to adapt to him, which she refuses to do, and then replacing her with Rei, in an attempt to poke Asuka's pride and make her compromise. The result is opposite, though, and Asuka leaves the house angered. Encouraged by his friends, Shinji follows Asuka outside and manages to get her to go back to training. In the scene in question, Asuka expresses to Shinji her determination to succeed as a pilot, while Shinji is shown to look up to her, expressing admiration for her confidence and strong personality. The rest of the training, which had them perform everything together, proceeds smoothly, with the two having seemingly succeded in finding coordination.
The evening before the fight, Asuka and Shinji are left alone at home by Misato. After hinting at them being alone for the night, Asuka, without giving Shinji the opportunity to respond, proceeds to take her futon away from the living room bringing it to Misato's room and shutting the door. She then compares said door to the "unbreakable Walls of Jericho", ordering Shinji not to enter. The scene in question is referenced by the mind-violation sequence in ep.22 (Asuka vs Arael), with the strong implication that Asuka was in need of Shinji's support and help due to feeling lonely and (potentially) anxious for the battle of the next day. Her inability to accept the idea of relying on others, which is at the foundation of Asuka's personality, was what pushed her to shut herself inside Misato's room instead of seeking Shinji's company. The reference to the "Walls of Jericho" (famously destroyed in the battle of Jericho), could be seen as a reference to Asuka needing someone to push though her barriers and truly understand her. During the night Asuka visits the bathroom while half-asleep and then subconsciously lies next to Shinji. Seeing her asleep, the boy, tries to kiss her, only to then be interrupted by Asuka crying and calling for her mother. The obvious purpose of the scene is to express Shinji's attraction for her and to hint at Asuka's loneliness. The battle of the next day proves to be a victory, they succeed in reaching harmony (temporarily). It's worth noting that, during a discussion between the two pilots, Asuka gets Shinji to admit he tried to kiss her, giving her a confirmation of his interest (at least physical) in her (which will be relevant in future episodes).
| Temptation | ||
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Asuka pretends to be fine, leaving Shinji alone in the living room. In truth she had been feeling lonely and in need of company. | ||
Episode 10: If at first you don't succeed...
The episode opens with Kaji and Asuka on a date of sorts, as Asuka is getting ready to go to a school trip. She brings Kaji to a swimswit store in an attempt to impress him or interest him with her choice of bikini. Unluckily for her she fails to do so, leaving her quite disappointed. The scene in question proves to be more meaningful than immediately apparent, as it introduces a theme that will show up in later parts of the series: Asuka feeling rejected by Kaji and the way that relates to her relationship with Shinji.
Another relevant scene of the episode is Asuka's reaction when Misato lets her know that she won't be able to attend the school trip, as pilots have to be ready for emergencies. Asuka expresses her disappointment and tries to get Shinji to support her point of view but fails to do so, as Shinji seemed to have already accepted that scenario. This is an additional hint of Asuka's need for other people's support. Instead of going to the school trip Asuka, Shinji and Rei spend their time at the swimming pool. Asuka tries to make up for the incovenience by looking for Shinji's attention by making fun of him for having issues at school (as she had already completed university studies) and provoking him with her swimsuit, as she explains to him the basic concept of thermal expansion. This is where the scene with Kaji, at the beginning of the episode, becomes relevant. Shinji is used, by Asuka, as a replacement for Kaji, in that she tries to affect him with her swimsuit after Kaji had showed no interest.
The third pilot essentially becomes someone Asuka falls back on when things don't work out well with her ex-guardian. Shinji's reaction isn't particularly amusing for Asuka, as he doesn't quite know what to say and blushes, prompting Asuka to call him a "boring little boy". Still better for her than Kaji's indifference. She then proceeds to call for his attention again as she dives in the swimming pool. In a way she seems to be having fun. It should be pointed out that Shinji is scared of water and Asuka is likely showing off to him her diving knowledge, to further prove her superiority to him (playfully). In the last part of the episode Asuka volunteers to fight the angel (Sandalphon) in a volcano, winning the confrontation but losing the safety cables that kept her from falling deeper in the volcano. It is at that point that Shinji rescues her, gaining her gratitude and improving her opinion of him. Proving to Asuka her importance to him and making his future failures (to help her) even more frustrating.
Episode 11: I'm in Charge!
Another episode that deals with the theme of cooperation. Asuka, Rei and Shinji find themselves having to deal with a blackout at the base, while having to reach their Eva in order to confront the angel attacking (Matarael). The situation is used to offer us additional insight on Asuka's bossy behaviour and reckless attitude, which leads the three the wrong way, and on Asuka's dislike of Rei. Eventually, they reach the headquarters and manage, with a group effort, led (this time successfully) by Asuka, to defeat the angel. In the fight Asuka puts herself in danger, to protect Shinji, returning him the favour from the previous fight; arguably marking the first and only time she does something for him. The last scene in the episode sees the three lying on a hill, looking at the city with no lights on and expressing the way they feel. Shinji enjoys it, as it allows him to see the stars, Asuka finds it unpleasant. She thrives when the lights are on (her), she likes the attention.
Episode 12: Rivals and friends
In this episode the rivalry between Asuka and Shinji once again finds its way into the story. Shinji is shown to have further made improvements and, while still worse than Asuka, he is given all the praise. Asuka sarcastically expresses her envy and resentment for the praise Shinji receives, only to then head home on her own. As Misato is accompanying Shinji home, he expresses to her how he didn't enjoy being praised due to Asuka's angry reaction, showing concern for her. When they are all back, they throw a party for Misato's promotion. Kaji shows up with Ritsuko, which leads Asuka, who had been anticipating his arrival, to have a jealous reaction. This, along with Shinji's improvement as a pilot, act as elements of foreshadowing for painful and negative experiences Asuka will go through in later stages of the story.
The fight of the episode offers the three pilots another opportunity, once again successful, to cooperate. Shinji also asks Asuka the reason why she pilots, shortly before the fight. She also seems to show a hint of possessivity when she learns he had asked Rei the same question too. She then proceeds to inquire about his reasons to fight only to then make fun of him for his answer. The last scene of episode has Misato and the three pilot eating together, in a chinese noodle stand Asuka had picked for the occasion. It's worth noting that Asuka made that choice so that Rei, who doesn't eat meat, could join them and to let Misato save some money. Hints of kindness that unluckily will prove inconsequential.
Episode 14:
Asuka once again expresses envy when Shinji is given more attention than her, as he is testing Rei's evangelion. In the last scene she is shown to say, thinking about Rei's identity:"Misato and Kaji-san won't tell me anything. Shinji knows nothing". Implication being she had asked around for information about the First.
Episode 15: Is it just a kiss?
A very important episode for Asuka, completely devoid of any angel fights. The very first scene concerning the girl sets the theme for the episode. She is calling Kaji on the phone but fails to get through to him, forcing her to leave a message. It is interesting to note that, in the message, where she pretends to be stalked by a pervert just to get Kaji to pick up, she shouts for his "help". It is the only time Asuka ever utters the word (excluding the mind-violations). After putting down the phone, she is shown to feel quite depressed and rejected. Hikari then asks her to go on a blind date, which she agrees to. The date proves to be a failure and Asuka dumps the guy because she deems him "boring".
When she gets back home in the evening she hears Shinji playing his instrument, seemingly being pleased by his performance. As the two are waiting for Misato's return (she was attending a friend's marriage, along with Kaji), Asuka asks Shinji to kiss. She assumes a provocative/cold attitude, bringing boredom as the excuse for it. Thanks to the mind-violation sequence (ep.22), we know that boredom was just a small part of it. In truth she was seeking some love and help from Shinji. It should be remembered that Asuka, at this point in time, is feeling especially rejected and ignored by Kaji and sees in Shinji someone who cares about her; a potential replacement for her ex-guardian. As expected, Shinji agrees to kiss her but, despite Asuka prolonging the exchange for as long as Shinji could breath, he fails to understand its real meaning and to provide her with the support she needs. Asuka, frustrated with his passivity and cluelessness, proceeds to run to the bathroom to hide her pain. Noisily rinsing her mouth and letting him know how bad of an idea it was to kiss him.
This is certainly one of the scenes in which the duality of their relationship is most obvious. Asuka tries to deceive Shinji as to the reason why she kisses him and yet at the same time she hopes, deep down, that he is able to realize her deception and break through her barriers. His acceptance isn't enough; she needs more. Unluckily for Asuka, it is not over.
When Kaji arrives home with Misato, she quickly puts up a smile and tries to get him to spend some time with her. As she is close to him, holding his arm, she smells Misato's perfume on his jacket and realizes something happened between them. Immediately letting go of him, she freezes up and doesn't even say goodbye. Shinji, who was observing the scene, inquires as to Asuka's well being, only to have her blame their kiss as the cause of her pain. It's interesting to see how she brings up the kiss, instead of simply telling him how it was none of his business. It expresses Asuka's awareness that she can "hurt" Shinji, by making him feel bad about it, while at the same time confirming that it did bother her quite a bit (though not as much as discovering Kaji and Misato's relationship).
An interesting detail about the events of the episode is that they follow a circular structure. The episode begins with Asuka feeling rejected by Kaji, then bored by the date, not feeling understood by Shinji and ends with her, once again, feeling rejected by Kaji.
| Misunderstood Intentions | |||
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Shinji believes Asuka's lie that her kiss was just to relieve boredom, but once again in Ep. 22 we find it meant a lot more. | |||
Episode 16: Asuka Surpassed
The opening scene of the episode introduces Asuka as being in a very volatile mood. Likely a consequence of her experiences in the previous episode. Starting off with Asuka attacking Shinji for being too quick to apologize, only to then express her jealousy and frustration at Misato, when she tries to defend the boy. The key moment in the episode, concerning Asuka and Shinji's relationship, is her loss to the boy in the synchronization test. Strongly foreshadowed in previous episodes, the impact of said development on their relationship is truly destructive. In a sense, by failing to understand and support Asuka before ep. 16, Shinji also failed to create strong enough foundations to their relationship to prevent it from crumbling under the pressure of the defeated Asuka's resentment. It is important to remember that Asuka's only way to prove herself her value is being the best pilot. Taking that away from her, forces her to confront herself with all her insecurities. Kaji and Shinji, for different reasons, couldn't offer her an alternative source of support; as such, the girl receives the full impact of the blow.
In two instances in the episode we see Asuka addressing Shinji sarcastically as Shinji-sama; first, in a burst of anger as she is in the locker room (with Rei) and then during the fight against Leliel. In that instance Asuka provokes Shinji to charge the angel on his own, causing him to get trapped and nearly costing him his life. It's interesting to note that Shinji attacks the angel with the express intention to prove himself to Asuka. After Shinji's safe return, she is shown to further express envy for the attention given to him, when Misato hugs him in tears, by saying to her:"Didn't you say you would scold him?".
In spite of that, the episode ends on a somewhat positive note, when Asuka awkwardly tries to check on Shinji's well being, without being noticed, at the hospital. Of course she gets caught, prompting Shinji to laugh for the first time in the series. The clear implication of the scene is that Asuka felt guilty for her over-reaction and that she still cares about the boy.
Episode 17
The only relevant scenes in the episode concern Asuka and Shinji being accused by Toji of fighting like a married couple, which they both deny and Asuka trying to spend some time with Kaji at the end of the episode. As Asuka is outside of Kaji's office she is shown to look depressed. It's only after she takes a deep breath and puts on her best smile that she enters the room. It is the first time we get a clear look at the way Asuka truly feels in relation to Kaji. The happiness she shows him is, and always has been, to an extent, forced. She tries to be at her best in order to appeal to him, but in truth she feels hurt and rejected. This further reminds us of how important Shinji's role as Kaji's replacement is and how in need of affection and company she is.
Episode 18: Cluelessness
Another episode that is relatively light on Asuka-Shinji. Asuka is shown to go out of her way to avoid Misato and Shinji, as she clearly has yet to accept having "lost" to them. It is hinted at that Shinji has yet to understand Asuka's jealousy for Kaji, as he is shown to ask Misato why Asuka is trying to avoid her. It is in fact his cluelessness that becomes the main theme of the episode. In an exchange between Hikari and Asuka, the second pilot refers to Shinji by saying: "Actually, he's the most dense of them all. And he's an idiot to boot. He doesn't know how to relate to people." She will also express her annoyance at Shinji having yet to learn the identity of the fourth pilot (Toji). It is interesting to see how, after the kiss, Asuka seems to be even more frustrated by Shinji's density. Further reminding us of the main issue in their relationship; he just doesn't get it and he is too passive to make up for it.
Episode 19/20
Worthy of note is the fact that Shinji proves once again his superiority to Asuka by defeating Zeruel, who proved to strong for the second pilot. At the end of the fight Shinji remains stuck inside his eva. Asuka is shown to suffer deeply after her loss to the boy, being more concerned by her failure than by Shinji's well being.
Episode 22: A subconscious need
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Arguably the most important episode of the series for Asuka's character as we are offered an even more intimate exploration of the struggles she is experiencing. The episode opens with a flashback, focused on Asuka and Kaji, before they get to Japan. In it, Asuka confesses her feelings to the man and receives a clear rejection; she is too young for him. The scene is meant to remind the viewer of the importance Kaji has for the girl. She was willing to open up to him, only to be hurt in return. As it was hinted at, in ep.18, Asuka had been feeling rejected from the first moment we see her in the series. Connected to the flashback is the following scene, in which Asuka, at a station, is trying to call Kaji on the phone but fails to get through to him. A long time has passed and yet Asuka hasn't given up on her feelings. As she looks up, she notices Rei and Shinji talking (the first time since Shinji's incident), prompting an annoyed reaction: "He spent an entire month dissolved inside Eva and he's already back to his old ways. After all, I lost... and to the likes of you."
Asuka's resentment is clear; she still feels defeated by Shinji, as Misato will also point out later in the episode, and she hates the fact that he was able to go back to his normality so easily. Yet, she may also be feeling a bit jealous of the attention Shinji is giving to Rei, even though Asuka is the one that distanced herself from him, to begin with. Once again the duality of their relationship comes into play to complicate things.
As Misato, Shinji and Asuka are sharing their first dinner together since the incident, Asuka is shown to still feel jealous of Kaji. When they receive a phonecall at home, Asuka suspects it could be her ex-guardian wanting to talk to Misato. It proves to be her stepmother instead. After she is done talking on the phone, Shinji tries to learn more about her family. Asuka seems to be opening up to him, only to stop when she realizes what she is doing. The implication here is, once again, Asuka's need for someone to open up to and to confide in. Shinji could be that person, but Asuka can't seem to accept it.
The key moment of the episode is Asuka's mind-violation sequence (during the fight against Arael), as it allows us to take a peek into her subconscious. Asuka's loneliness and need for help and love, is the main focus of the scene. She is shown to reach out to Kaji, calling desperately for his help, only to be met with his rejection. He uses the same words he had used to reject her romantic confession. It is only at that point that Shinji appears behind Kaji, looking at her, prompting Asuka's frustrated reaction: "You won't do anything! You never help me! You won't even hold me!". As she states that, we are shown flashes of instances, throughout the series, in which Asuka had been in need of Shinji's support: the "walls of Jericho" and the kiss, being the most relevant. Once again, Shinji is portrayed as a replacement for Kaji. He is not as important to Asuka, he appears behind Kaji in the scene and only after she is rejected by the man, yet he still seems to have a meaningful place in her heart. She had been needing Shinji throughout the series, yet, due to his passivity and cluelessness, she never felt understood and supported by him. She knew that he cared, as suggested by a flash of Shinji smiling and the volcano scene from ep.10, but that was never enough for her. For different reasons, the two most important male figures in her (anime)life fail to give her the love she needs.
It is important to note that, in the second part of the mind-violation, Asuka denies feeling lonely and reaffirms her independant attitude. The mind-violation doesn't help Asuka better accept herself or Shinji, it simply serves the purpose of allowing the viewer to better understand her.
At the end of the sequence a broken Asuka is shown to once again cling on to Kaji, despite his absence, in an attempt to seek comfort:"My mind has been sullied.
Kaji-san, it's polluted.What should I do? My mind has been polluted". The last scene of the episode has Shinji try to comfort Asuka, only to be pushed away by her. She
is not yet willing to accept his help, not while blinded by her hatred.
Episode 22 Flash-Sign Montages
See this page: User:Ran1 for a complete interpretation of this following piece.
Asuka, during the Episode 22 mindrape, is forced to come to terms with the nature of her relationship with others and society, trying to reject others but the eventually having to come to terms with her inability to remain alone.
Episode 24: Hopelessness
In the initial scene, it is implied, once again that Asuka is clinging on to the hope of Kaji getting back. During a fight with Shinji, he tells her about Kaji's death. The scene in question seems to be referenced in EoE, albeit with a different result. It seems like Shinji had been trying to reach out to her only to be met with Asuka angrily rejecting him and expressing her concern for Kaji. Learning about the man's death causes her to break down in a definitive way.
An association can be made between the act of Shinji strangling Asuka, that we see in Eoe (as it did not happen in ep.24), and Asuka being told about Kaji's fate. In the same way Shinji strangling Asuka ended their sequence in EoE, so is Asuka's life, in the series, metaphorically ended by Shinji when he lets her know what happened to Kaji. An association between physical and emotional pain, which is at the foundation of Asuka and Shinji's relationship.
EOE
One More Final
(coming soon)
For more information, less accepted alternatives and objections, see http://forum.evageeks.org/viewtopic.php?t=3758
References
