The Serious Side
I recently played an Eva-word association game with a friend online. He would give me the name of a character and I gave him the first word that came to mind. When he gave me Kaworu, I responded with “Strength”. Yes, there is a reason for me putting this on my website.
Kaworu is a pillar of strength. He was able to pull Shinji out of his slump for a few brief moments. He had the ability to become his best friend in a matter of minutes and stay there, even at his death. Many people argue that Kaworu had betrayed Shinji, but in a way, he hadn’t. It wasn’t his fault that he was created as an Angel, just a fact of nature (sort of like Xellos not wanting to be born a monster in Slayers, it just happened).
If I had to pull a second word for Kaworu, it would be healing. For those two days, Kaworu was able to heal Shinji’s wounds from Touji’s crippling and Askua’s mind rape. For 48 hours, someone who truly cared for him wanted him to be happy. Did you realize that he smiled?
In return, Shinji changed Kaworu. He was sent to cause Third Impact and mass destruction, but realized that he didn’t want that to happen. He knew the future if he had touched Lilith would be really bad (even though at first, he didn’t care). Basically, he defied himself to save Shinji’s life, which is pretty commendable. After all, it isn’t every day someone you care for kills themself to save your life.
Some other redeeming characteristics…he’s gentle. Extremely good listener…and he knows exactly what to say to make anyone feel better. He’s not exactly an optimist, but he always saw a future for anything. (Cue Sappy Music here).
As for the gay issue…in my opinion, he’s bisexual. Angels are androgynous beings and can take form as either a male or female. In Shinji’s case, Kaworu was male, but Shinji really needed that at that time (after all, he was surrounded by females-Askua, Rei, Misato, Ritsuko…). Next topic…
I’ve had questions about the title of my page. “Before the Song Dies” is part of a lyric from the song “Your Eyes” from Rent. Anyway, this is a very poignant song where Roger is singing to a dying Mimi the one song he was able to write. Why did I choose this particular song? I just think it reflects what was running through Kaworu’s mind during the last 60 seconds of his life about Shinji, life, love, the Evangelions, everything that he knew and loved. Yes, I know I used “love” twice in the same sentence, but that’s the way I am. Anyway, the song playing is “Finale B” from Rent. Hey, no day but today.
And before the song dies…
I should tell you, I should tell you.
I have always loved you.
You can see it in my eyes…