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Start for freeExploring the Core Themes of the Succession War Arc
The Succession War arc in Hunter x Hunter presents a rich tapestry of themes, central among them being humanity's perpetual struggle to maintain peace amidst the inevitable collapse of order. This arc serves as a broader examination of society and the inherent flaws of mankind that drive us towards violence and chaos, despite our desperate attempts to establish systems of peace and balance.
The Illusion of Order and the Reality of Chaos
From the outset, the Succession War arc emphasizes the global scale of maintaining balance, with the colonization attempts of Kakin sending ripples through the established V5, leading to the formation of the new V6. This sets the stage for the journey of the Black Whale, a ship carrying representatives from all levels of society. This microcosm allows us to witness how natural human tendencies can turn man against man in real-time.
The ship's initial structure, designed to maintain order among the princes, military, and mafia families, quickly proves to be a facade as disruptive forces begin to emerge. The arc cleverly divides the ship into three main sections - the top level with the princes, the bottom levels with the mafia, and the middle level serving as a fail-safe. However, as the Succession War and mafia wars intensify, it becomes evident that this illusion of order is fragile.
The Role of Characters in Unraveling Society
The large cast of characters in the Succession War arc is not just for show; it enables Yoshihiro Togashi to effectively depict a structured society's unraveling. Characters like Kurapika and the mafia leaders, Henry and Zeniwang, strive to achieve a balance and ceasefire, but their efforts inadvertently fuel the fire of conflict. Their belief in creating a stalemate through equal access to nen powers and strategies only adds complexity to the arc's central theme - the difficulty of maintaining societal order.
Greed, Selfishness, and the Desire for Power
At the heart of the Succession War's thematic exploration are the traits of greed, selfishness, and arrogance among those in power. These traits are epitomized by characters like Princes Benjamin, Camilla, and Tserriednich, who seek supreme power regardless of the cost. The arc also delves into the motivations of characters across the societal spectrum, from noble-minded princes to the downtrodden individuals of the lower levels, all driven by a mix of noble intentions and vengeful desires.
Revenge as a Driving Force
Revenge emerges as a prominent theme, shaping the arc's direction and the actions of its characters. From Morena's quest for revenge against a society that marginalized her, to the Phantom Troupe's vendetta against Hisoka, revenge acts as a catalyst for much of the conflict. This focus on revenge, coupled with the concept of nen becoming stronger after death, underscores the arc's message about the cyclical nature of violence and the challenges of achieving lasting peace.
The Fragility of Peace and Order
Kurapika stands out as a pivotal character in the pursuit of peace and balance, yet his own deep-seated desire for revenge poses a potential threat to the very order he seeks to maintain. This duality highlights the arc's exploration of how even the staunchest advocates for peace can be driven to violence, illustrating the fragility of societal order and the complex web of human motivations.
In conclusion, the Succession War arc of Hunter x Hunter offers a profound examination of the struggles inherent in maintaining societal peace and the myriad ways in which human nature drives us towards conflict and chaos. Through its intricate plot and well-developed characters, the arc paints a cynical yet realistic picture of society's inevitable descent into disorder.
For a more detailed exploration of these themes, watch the original video here.
