In the manga, "Nisekoi" by Naoshi Komi, the author uses multiple blushy faces combined with figurative language to portray Marika's true feelings as well as display the purity of kawaiiness. Throughout the manga, the author employs allusions, foreshadowing, and symbolism to show Marika's development from a side character to a main love interest.
During the Valentine's event, Naoshi Komi uses an allusion to the famous sculpture, the Statue of David, in order to reveal the depth of Marika's love for Raku-sama and the hardwork that she puts into everything that she does. On Valentine's Day, it is traditional for girls to give chocolates to their male significant other in order to display an act of communion. Marika's gift to Raku takes the form of a sculpture that bears striking resemblance to the Statue of David. Therefore, the reader can conclude that Naoshi Komi wants to allude to the State in order to redefine the beauty and purity in which love can take form. This establishes the fact that Marika's love for Raku is the most pure hearted out of all the female love interests. Also, the fact that Marika still holds large reserves of energy when giving Raku-sama her chocolates despite her hard work and physical condition shows the passion in which she hold for Raku. Thus, the sculpture given to Raku is the author's way of saying that Marika's love is a work of art and shows that Marika will do whatever it takes to win Raku's favor. In addition to Naoshi Komi's use of allusions, he also imbues foreshadowing into the his manga and reveals small hints that clue the reader in on Marika's mysterious background.
Throughout the Nisekoi manga, the author has given multiple hints as to what Marika's life might be and how her fate is tied to Raku. As the story envelops, Marika begins to show increasing signs of physical strain on her body due to her illness and weak body despite her strong will and fierce determination. During her getaway with Raku to a beautiful island, Raku and Marika find themselves stranded alone. Despite Raku's teasing and struggle to keep his composure since being so close to a goddess such as Marika, Raku ultimately decides, internally, that his fate lies with Marika. Raku's interal struggles with Marika foreshadow how closely woven their fates are, like a lock and key. Later, Marika is found unconscious after trying to find food and is rescued by Raku. This intimate moment between the two of them combined with Honda later addressing Raku that "she does not have much time left" shows that an impending doom or misfortune would strike Marika and only Raku, her one true love, could save her as he is her knight. It is later revealed to be true as Marika is forced into a arranged marriage; thus, the author's use of foreshadowing has played a key role in showing the depth and mystery that many do not know about the character, Marika.
Symbolism. Symbolism has played a key role in determining Marika's future as well as becoming the primary premise and driving force behind the entire manga. Naoshi Komi uses the inanimate objects of a key and a lock to symbolize not only love but also Marika and Raku's fates which are entwined. The lock and key in the manga and throughout history has been represented as a truth behind the blindness of the world. The key being what is used to unlock a lock can be compared to Marika opening Raku's eyes on the truth and reality of the world they live in. The author also employs symbolism in order to propose Marika and Raku's fated love and how she has 'unlocked' the lock which seals Raku's heart. When her key is finally placed into Raku's lock, their fates will has been revealed and add another layer to Marika's development no matter the outcome. It is important to note the irony that the key and lock play because, in literature, the key represents the male and the lock represents the female. This is usually coupled with passion. The truth behind this irony is that the clique behind a male's role in a relationship is to be the more forward individual; however, Marika's overwhelming love for Raku shows that she is the key and plays more of the dominant role. This builds on the fact that Marika is a strong-willed individual who has pure hearted passion for those she cares for.
The implications that Naoshi Komi puts into developing Marika's character brings more than just simple interactions but also creates allusions to famous pieces, foreshadowing of a darker side of life, and symbolizes passion and purity. The depth that goes into Marika's character goes deeper than simple anime/manga characteristics but puts Marika on a level of realism and representation alike to reality. Her dual nature despite fun and humorous to watch gives deeper meaning to not only Marika's true emotions but also society iteself. |
