Geto, a character from the popular manga series “Jujutsu Kaisen,” undergoes a dramatic transformation throughout the story. Initially introduced as a kind and idealistic jujutsu sorcerer, he descends into a path of darkness, becoming a major antagonist.
The complex reasons behind Geto’s descent, examining the psychological, societal, and philosophical factors that shaped his transformation.
Early Life and Idealism: The Seeds of Disillusionment
Geto’s backstory reveals a childhood marked by tragedy. Witnessing the horrific deaths of innocent people at the hands of cursed spirits instilled in him a deep desire to protect the vulnerable.
This trauma fueled his determination to become a jujutsu sorcerer, a powerful warrior tasked with exorcising these malevolent entities.
Geto’s idealism is further emphasized by his relationship with his best friend, Satoru Gojo. Together, they envisioned a world free from the scourge of cursed spirits, a world where jujutsu sorcerers wouldn’t be burdened by the constant threat. This shared dream became a driving force for Geto in his early days as a sorcerer.
The Duality of Jujutsu Sorcerers: Walking a Tightrope Between Good and Evil
The world of Jujutsu Kaisen presents a morally ambiguous system. Jujutsu sorcerers wield cursed energy, a potent but inherently dangerous force derived from negative emotions.
This creates a constant internal struggle – the very power they use to protect humanity stems from darkness itself.
Geto, while initially resolute in his ideals, becomes increasingly disillusioned by this inherent duality.
Witnessing the toll jujutsu sorcery takes on his colleagues, both physically and mentally, chipped away at his optimism. The constant exposure to malice and suffering began to warp his perspective.
The Savage Inequality: A Catalyst for Discontent
The Jujutsu society in “Jujutsu Kaisen” is far from egalitarian. The powerful jujutsu families hold immense sway, wielding influence and resources that leave non-sorcerers and weaker sorcerers vulnerable. This hierarchical structure frustrated Geto’s sense of justice.
He witnessed firsthand how ordinary people were treated as pawns in the fight against cursed spirits.
This disregard for the very people they were sworn to protect fueled Geto’s anger and resentment towards the established order.
He began to question the purpose of the jujutsu system, a system that perpetuated a cycle of violence and discrimination.
The Slippery Slope of Utilitarianism: Justifying Means by Ends
Geto’s disillusionment with the jujutsu system led him to embrace a radical philosophy. He developed a utilitarian viewpoint, believing that the ends justified the means.
In his distorted perspective, achieving a world free of cursed spirits, even if it meant resorting to extreme measures, was the ultimate good.
This warped sense of morality led him down a dark path. He began to see non-sorcerers, those who lacked the power to defend themselves, as expendable.
He believed their sacrifice was necessary to eradicate cursed spirits permanently, a twisted logic that fueled his descent into villainy.
The Gojo Incident: A Turning Point Fueled by Despair
A pivotal moment in Geto’s transformation is the Gojo Incident. The details surrounding this event are shrouded in mystery, but it involved a large-scale culling of non-sorcerers by rogue jujutsu sorcerers.
While Geto’s exact role remains unclear, it is heavily implied that he was involved in some way.
The Gojo Incident likely served as a point of no return for Geto. The act of harming innocents, perhaps even on a massive scale, solidified his transformation from idealistic hero to villain. The guilt and despair from this event may have further fueled his extremist ideology.
The Legacy of Geto: A Cautionary Tale and a Spark for Change
Geto’s tragic descent serves as a cautionary tale in “Jujutsu Kaisen.” It highlights the dangers of disillusionment, the corruptive influence of power, and the slippery slope of extremism.
His story reminds us of the constant battle between good and evil that rages within even the most well-intentioned individuals.
However, Geto’s actions also become a catalyst for change. His rebellion against the established jujutsu order sparks discussions about reform.
The question of how to protect both jujutsu sorcerers and non-sorcerers becomes a central theme in the narrative, a debate ignited by Geto’s descent into darkness.
FAQs
What initially motivated Geto to become a jujutsu sorcerer?
Witnessing the devastation caused by cursed spirits fueled Geto’s desire to protect the innocent. He believed becoming a sorcerer would allow him to fight these malevolent entities and create a safer world.
Did anything in the jujutsu world itself contribute to his change?
Absolutely. The constant exposure to darkness within the jujutsu system, where even the power used for good stems from negative emotions, began to chip away at Geto’s idealism. He saw the toll it took on his fellow sorcerers and the inherent inequality within jujutsu society.
How did the jujutsu social structure play a role?
The dominance of powerful jujutsu families and the disregard shown towards non-sorcerers disillusioned Geto. This hierarchical system clashed with his sense of justice, making him question the very purpose of protecting people within such a flawed structure.
Did a specific event push him further towards darkness?
The Gojo Incident, shrouded in mystery, is believed to be a turning point. It involved the large-scale culling of non-sorcerers by rogue jujutsu sorcerers. Whether Geto actively participated remains unclear, but his involvement likely solidified his descent into villainy.
What was Geto’s justification for his actions?
Geto developed a twisted utilitarian viewpoint. He believed that even extreme measures, such as harming innocents, were necessary for the ultimate good – the eradication of all cursed spirits.
Does Geto’s story have a wider impact on the narrative?
Yes. His rebellion against the established order sparks discussion about reform within the jujutsu system. The question of how to protect everyone equally becomes a central theme, a debate ignited by the darkness within Geto’s heart.
Geto’s transformation from hero to villain in “Jujutsu Kaisen” is not simply a case of good versus evil. It’s a complex narrative driven by a multitude of factors – psychological trauma, societal inequality, and a warped sense of morality.
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