#which is why lelouch continues that even confronting schneizel

[alicent-vi-britannia]

My interpretation of this fragment of the opening "World End": the ideological confrontation between Schneizel, Charles and Lelouch

This fragment is my favorite part of the fifth opening of Code Geass, "World End", performed by FLOW. After having thoroughly analyzed the series, I think I finally understand the meaning of these shots.

Considering that the openings of an anime are in relation to the ongoing events of the same, I'm sure that this set of shots makes a direct allusion to the clash of perspectives of Charles, Schneizel and Lelouch that will manifest in the two deeply ideological confrontations that occur in the finale: in the Sword of Akasha with Charles in episode 21 and the battle for control of the world with Schneizel in the remaining episodes. What is at issue here? Human nature, as it couldn't be otherwise. I explain…

Both Charles and Schneizel feel enormous contempt for the human race for different reasons.

For Charles's part, he believes that men are liars. His philosophy is based on the fact that the suffering of the world comes from lies and, for this reason, his plan is to destroy the Collective Unconscious, which is a collection of masks and characters that people use in front of others, to eliminate the anyone's ability to pretend to others and, therefore, force people to be themselves. The problem with this plan is that Charles would be altering human nature, since, as Lelouch says in their discussion, lies are part of human beings. So would be suppressing free will.

On Schneizel's side, he thinks that men are too stupid and selfish and it is for that reason that he creates the Damocles, this floating fortress armed with F.L.E.I.J.A warheads, to force peace. However, it wouldn't be a true peace, in reality it would be a form of control through fear, because, basically, the Damocles would be like a gun at the back of everyone's head: "obey me or suffer the consequences." In certain way, Schneizel's plan also nullifies individuality and free will.

Hence Charles and Schneizel and the world where they stand are painted in two colors. They both have a very petty, Manichean view of human beings. "Men are bad and only I, who am good, know what is best for them."

And then Zero/Lelouch appears, emerging as the champion of humanity. Lelouch's entire plan, in fact, is based on the will of human beings because, technically, the Zero Requiem doesn't bring peace, but rather clears the way for peace to be the easiest and most convenient option for everyone, does it? And how do he do it? Unifying all powers through hatred towards a common enemy, disarming said powers by making them ally with the United Nations Federation and unleashing a war so fierce that it would push everyone to their limit to the point of attrition.

It's at this point where the subnormal on duty comes in to say: "and why didn't Lelouch stay as emperor of the world, if he was the most intelligent and the most capable? Ha, ha, ha! How stupid." Because that is the core of his narrative arc and the beautiful reflection that Code Geass leaves at the end, Larry. If Lelouch used his powers (both the politician and the Geass) to strip the world of all its means to fight and take it hostage, how was he different from the villains?

Precisely, the world could have entered another war and Lelouch's sacrifice could have been in vain. However, Lelouch had full confidence that people would choose peace because, as he explains to his brother in the battle for control of the world, people continually and actively seek happiness.

Lelouch understood that peace couldn't be imposed, even with the best of intentions. Not just because the world couldn't progress like that, but because that wasn't the way to address the problem.

The route Lelouch took was the only one that addressed the root of the problem. He understood that the world had fallen to a state where fighting one's neighbor was the immediate response to disputes. Even if Lelouch took away their weapons, as long as there was a reason to fight, people would do it.

Lelouch knew this, so he took away that reason by becoming a greater evil than all that came before him and by removing them from the equation, he could set the world on the path to recovery. Conflicts would still occur, yes, that is inevitable; but the world would have the opportunity to make changes to ensure that is the last resort. Instead of forcing the world to change, Lelouch would give their political landscape a factory reset and make the world want to change itself.

Lelouch understood that human beings are quite complex and that they value willpower. For that reason, he relinquishes control and leaves the decision to do what they want with the world in the hands of people. Lelouch surely thought that within a few years a war could happen. He wasn't so idealistic. He knew that the Zero Requiem and hope were no guarantee of eternal peace. But Lelouch had faith that the people left behind (Zerozaku, Kallen, Cornelia, Nunnally, Ohgi…) would do everything they could to make things better. And, therefore, various colors illuminate where Zero is standing. The people aren't white or black, they aren't red or blue, not even gray, they are of various colors, which seems to me to be a symbolic sample of the optimistic approach of the anime and which also serves as a nice reminder of the first Code Geass opening: "Colors".

That's what Code Geass is about, Julia. Recognize and admire the power of the will. Beautiful, if you ask me.

#code geass: hangyaku no lelouch #lelouch lamperouge #code geass: lelouch of the rebellion #code geass #lelouch vi britannia #lelouch

[a-particular-quetzalcoatl]

Small brain: Lelouch is dumb because he moves his king first, which is normally disadvantageous in chess

Big brain: Lelouch is a master at chess—enough so that he can carry his ideals in reality onto the chessboard to make a point without a fear of losing.

#code geass #lelouch vi britannia #all hail lelouch #schneizel el britannia #chess is an ideological weapon #which is why lelouch continues that even confronting schneizel