The final two episodes of Neon Genesis Evangelion, particularly episode 26′ (also known as The End of Evangelion), depict the Instrumentality Project, a forced evolution of humanity into a single, unified consciousness, orchestrated by SEELE. Shinji Ikari, at the center of this cataclysmic event, is ultimately given the choice to either embrace this unified state or reject it and allow humanity to retain its individual, flawed existence.
The Human Instrumentality Project Unveiled
The conclusion of Evangelion isn’t a straightforward narrative but rather an intensely psychological and symbolic exploration of humanity’s flaws, desires, and potential. SEELE, the shadowy organization pulling the strings throughout the series, aims to achieve Human Instrumentality, a process designed to eliminate individual suffering and conflict by merging all human souls into a single being. They believe this is the next step in human evolution, a transcendence of the limitations of the human form.
SEELE’s Motives and Gendo’s Counterplan
SEELE’s motives stem from a desire to overcome the loneliness and existential angst inherent in being human. They see Instrumentality as a way to end suffering by eliminating the boundaries between individuals. However, Gendo Ikari, Shinji’s father and commander of NERV, has his own agenda. He intends to use Instrumentality to reunite with his deceased wife, Yui Ikari, effectively twisting SEELE’s plan for his personal gain. This creates a complex power struggle within NERV and sets the stage for the apocalyptic events to come.
The Role of Lilith and Adam
At the core of Instrumentality lies the manipulation of the Angels, the beings descended from Adam, and Lilith, the mother of humanity. SEELE seeks to bring Adam into contact with Lilith, triggering a massive chain reaction that will initiate the Instrumentality Project. This involves using the Evangelions, bio-machines derived from Adam, and the Spear of Longinus, a powerful artifact capable of piercing even the most potent AT Fields (absolute terror fields).
The Final Battles: Misato and Asuka’s Last Stand
As SEELE’s forces attack NERV Headquarters, Misato Katsuragi sacrifices herself to protect Shinji, urging him to fight for his own life and the future of humanity. Simultaneously, Asuka Langley Soryu, having overcome her psychological trauma, reactivates Evangelion Unit-02 and engages in a brutal battle against the Mass Production Evangelions. Her fight represents the struggle to maintain individuality against the overwhelming force of Instrumentality. Ultimately, she is defeated, symbolizing the initial inevitability of SEELE’s plan.
Shinji’s Choice: Acceptance or Rejection
Shinji, overwhelmed by the events and his own inner turmoil, finds himself at the center of Instrumentality. He is confronted by visions of himself and others, forced to confront his deepest insecurities and desires. He interacts with Rei Ayanami and Kaworu Nagisa, who serve as guides, showing him both the allure and the potential pitfalls of unified consciousness.
The Illusions and Realities of Instrumentality
Within Instrumentality, Shinji experiences a world where pain and suffering are nonexistent. He can communicate directly with the minds of others, sharing their thoughts and feelings. However, he also realizes that this unity comes at the cost of individuality, personal growth, and the very essence of being human. The lack of boundaries, while seemingly appealing, ultimately leads to stagnation and the loss of self.
The Beach Scene: A New Beginning?
Ultimately, Shinji chooses to reject Instrumentality, opting for the imperfect, flawed reality of individual existence. This decision allows others who desire to return to their individual forms to do so. The final scene on the beach, with Shinji and Asuka, is deliberately ambiguous. Their interaction suggests a difficult but potentially hopeful future, one where they must learn to connect with each other despite their past traumas and personal shortcomings. This scene is not necessarily romantic; it symbolizes the potential for human connection and understanding after the cataclysm. The “kimochi warui” (I feel sick) that Asuka utters to Shinji has numerous interpretations, but signifies a complex emotional response to the reality of their relationship now that Instrumentality is over.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the ending of Evangelion to further clarify its complexities:
Q1: What exactly is Human Instrumentality?
Human Instrumentality is a forced evolutionary process aiming to merge all human souls into a single, unified consciousness, eliminating individual suffering and conflict by dissolving the boundaries between individuals. This collective consciousness would supposedly exist free from pain, loneliness, and the inherent limitations of the human form.
Q2: Why did SEELE want to initiate Instrumentality?
SEELE believed that humanity was inherently flawed and destined for self-destruction. They saw Instrumentality as a way to transcend these flaws and create a perfect, unified being. They sought to overcome the inherent loneliness and existential angst of being human.
Q3: What was Gendo Ikari’s role in the Instrumentality Project?
Gendo used SEELE’s plan as a vehicle to reunite with his deceased wife, Yui Ikari. He manipulated the project to achieve his personal goals, believing that by merging with Yui within the unified consciousness, he could be with her once again.
Q4: What is the significance of the Spear of Longinus?
The Spear of Longinus is a powerful artifact with the ability to penetrate even the strongest AT Fields. It was intended to be used to control Lilith and ultimately initiate Instrumentality. Its removal from Lilith by SEELE was a crucial step in their plan.
Q5: Why did Asuka fight the Mass Production Evangelions?
Asuka’s fight represents the struggle to maintain individuality against the overwhelming force of Instrumentality. She had overcome her own internal demons and was determined to fight for her own existence and the existence of humanity as individuals.
Q6: Why did Shinji have so many internal conflicts during Instrumentality?
Shinji’s internal conflicts stem from his deep-seated insecurities, his feelings of inadequacy, and his inability to connect with others. Instrumentality forced him to confront these issues directly, leading him to question the value of individual existence.
Q7: What was the purpose of Rei Ayanami and Kaworu Nagisa’s roles in Instrumentality?
Rei and Kaworu served as guides for Shinji during Instrumentality, showing him both the allure and the potential downsides of unified consciousness. They represented different perspectives and helped him to make his ultimate decision.
Q8: What does the final scene on the beach symbolize?
The final scene symbolizes a difficult but potentially hopeful future for humanity. It suggests that even after the trauma of Instrumentality, individuals can still connect with each other and build relationships, despite their flaws and past experiences.
Q9: Why does Asuka say “kimochi warui” (I feel sick) to Shinji at the end?
The phrase “kimochi warui” has multiple interpretations. It could signify Asuka’s discomfort with the vulnerability of being alone with Shinji after Instrumentality, a feeling of unease with the raw emotional landscape they now face, or even a more literal disgust at Shinji’s earlier actions during the Instrumentality sequence. It’s a deliberately ambiguous line that encapsulates the complexities of their relationship.
Q10: Did everyone who was part of Instrumentality return to their individual forms?
The ending implies that anyone who desired to return to their individual forms could do so. However, it’s left ambiguous whether everyone chose to return. The implication is that free will is restored, allowing individuals to make their own choice.
Q11: Is the series truly over with The End of Evangelion?
While The End of Evangelion served as a more definitive conclusion than the original TV ending, the Rebuild of Evangelion film series offers a new interpretation of the story, with its own unique ending. Whether the series is “truly over” is a matter of personal interpretation, but the Rebuilds definitely offer further exploration of the Evangelion universe.
Q12: What is the ultimate message of Evangelion‘s ending?
The ultimate message of Evangelion‘s ending is a complex and nuanced one. It suggests that while humanity is flawed and prone to suffering, the beauty and potential of individual existence are worth fighting for. It emphasizes the importance of connection, understanding, and personal growth, even in the face of adversity. It highlights the value of the imperfect over the illusion of perfection.