Elena Gilbert’s tumultuous journey with vampirism reached a pivotal moment in The Vampire Diaries Season 4, Episode 20, “The Originals,” when she finally flipped her humanity switch back on. This episode marked the culmination of intense emotional turmoil and manipulation, ultimately leading to a cathartic release that restored Elena’s capacity for empathy and compassion.
The Catalyst: A Loss Too Great
Elena’s decision to turn off her humanity followed the tragic death of Jeremy Gilbert, her younger brother. The overwhelming grief proved too much to bear, prompting her to suppress her emotions with the help of Damon Salvatore. This drastic action, however, had far-reaching consequences, turning Elena into a detached and often ruthless version of her former self. She became impulsive, self-serving, and even violent, causing pain and destruction in her wake.
The “Originals” episode saw Elena and Damon traveling to New Orleans in search of Katherine Pierce, hoping to find a way to force Elena to turn her humanity back on. Their efforts, however, initially proved futile. Elena remained resistant, even seemingly enjoying her newfound freedom from emotional restraint. The turning point arrived when Damon, desperate and heartbroken by Elena’s behavior, manipulated her by threatening to kill Matt Donovan, one of her closest friends, whom she had dated prior to meeting the Salvatore brothers.
This threat forced Elena to confront the reality of her actions. She realized the extent of the damage she was inflicting on those she cared about, even in her emotionless state. The fear of losing another loved one, compounded by the underlying grief for Jeremy, finally broke through her carefully constructed defenses. In a moment of intense anguish and remorse, Elena’s humanity returned. The switch flipped, and she was once again capable of feeling the full spectrum of human emotions.
The Aftermath: Rebuilding and Redemption
The restoration of Elena’s humanity wasn’t a simple return to normalcy. She was immediately overwhelmed by the grief she had been suppressing, forcing her to confront the pain of Jeremy’s death and the consequences of her actions while her humanity was turned off. This led to a period of intense emotional processing and self-reflection.
Elena had to grapple with the memories of her callous behavior, the hurt she had caused her friends, and the guilt associated with her inability to protect Jeremy. The road to recovery was long and arduous, but it ultimately led to personal growth and a deeper understanding of herself. She had to actively work to rebuild trust with those she had wronged and to learn to cope with the grief that had initially triggered her decision to turn off her humanity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does it mean to “turn off” humanity in The Vampire Diaries?
Turning off humanity is a coping mechanism for vampires in The Vampire Diaries universe. It essentially shuts down their ability to feel emotions, particularly negative ones like grief, guilt, and remorse. This allows them to detach from the consequences of their actions and avoid dealing with painful experiences. Vampires who turn off their humanity typically become more reckless, impulsive, and self-serving.
How common is it for vampires to turn off their humanity?
Turning off humanity is not uncommon among vampires in the series, especially those who have experienced significant trauma or loss. It is presented as a way to survive the challenges of immortality and the intense emotional baggage that comes with it. However, it is also portrayed as a dangerous path that can lead to self-destruction and harm to others.
Were there any other attempts to turn Elena’s humanity back on before Damon’s threat?
Yes, several attempts were made. Stefan Salvatore, in particular, tried desperately to reach Elena and remind her of the person she used to be. He used memories and shared experiences to try and trigger an emotional response, but these efforts proved unsuccessful until Damon’s manipulation in New Orleans. Caroline Forbes also tried to appeal to Elena’s sense of friendship and compassion, but Elena remained detached and unmoved.
Why was Jeremy’s death the trigger for Elena turning off her humanity?
Jeremy’s death was the culmination of a series of traumatic events in Elena’s life, including the death of her parents and the loss of her Aunt Jenna. As a vampire, Elena’s emotions were amplified, making the grief of losing Jeremy even more overwhelming. This, combined with the fact that she had lost her entire family, pushed her to the point of breaking. Turning off her humanity was, in her mind, the only way to cope with the unbearable pain.
Was Elena truly emotionless when her humanity was turned off?
While Elena appeared emotionless, it’s more accurate to say that her emotions were suppressed rather than completely absent. She still experienced a form of satisfaction from indulging in her desires and engaging in reckless behavior. However, she lacked the empathy and compassion that defined her character. She was also more susceptible to manipulation and less concerned about the consequences of her actions.
Did turning her humanity back on automatically undo the damage she had caused?
No, turning her humanity back on did not erase the consequences of her actions while it was switched off. Elena had to face the repercussions of her behavior and work to repair the relationships she had damaged. She had to confront the pain she had inflicted on her friends and loved ones and earn back their trust.
What were some of the specific actions Elena took while her humanity was off that she later regretted?
Some of Elena’s most regrettable actions included threatening Bonnie Bennett, physically harming Matt Donovan, and generally displaying a callous disregard for the well-being of others. She also engaged in reckless behavior that put herself and others in danger. These actions haunted her after she regained her humanity, fueling her guilt and remorse.
How did Stefan and Damon react to Elena turning her humanity back on?
Stefan was relieved and hopeful that the Elena he knew was finally back. He was cautiously optimistic that they could rebuild their relationship. Damon, while initially pleased, also felt guilt for manipulating her into turning it back on. He was aware that his actions had caused her pain and that she would likely resent him for it.
Did Elena’s humanity stay on permanently after this episode?
While Elena experienced moments of struggle and temptation throughout the series, her humanity remained on after the “Originals” episode. She learned to cope with her grief and trauma in healthier ways, and she remained committed to protecting her loved ones. She became stronger and more resilient as a result of her experiences.
Did other characters in the series ever turn their humanity back on after turning it off?
Yes, several other characters in The Vampire Diaries turned off their humanity at various points, including Damon Salvatore, Caroline Forbes, and even Stefan Salvatore. The process of turning it back on was often complex and emotionally challenging, but it was ultimately possible for those who were willing to confront their pain and embrace their emotions.
How does the concept of “humanity” differ between human and vampire characters in The Vampire Diaries?
For humans, humanity refers to their natural capacity for empathy, compassion, and moral reasoning. For vampires, humanity is a conscious choice. It’s the decision to retain their moral compass and to prioritize the well-being of others despite their supernatural urges. Turning off their humanity allows them to temporarily bypass these moral constraints.
What does Elena’s journey with her humanity tell us about the overall themes of The Vampire Diaries?
Elena’s journey with her humanity highlights the central themes of The Vampire Diaries: love, loss, redemption, and the importance of human connection. The show explores the complexities of good and evil, and the constant struggle to maintain one’s morality in the face of temptation. Elena’s experience demonstrates that even in the darkest of times, hope and redemption are always possible.