My In-Depth Analysis of Sosuke Aizen
This is for anyone who says Aizen is not a nuanced character, and also to show why he is one of my favorite antagonists in all of anime/manga.
"The Flower"
Most people in society will follow those stronger, brave, or smarter than them as they are fearful that they're unable to reach those same heights. These "people" admire the "flower", as the flower is not fearful of reaching for new heights, seeking to break out of what is "comfortable." Aizen wants to become that "fearless flower", and reach and step out into the sky; to reach the pinnacle.
Beyond Our Reach
Those heights that people are unafraid to reach for themselves and would rather see and admire others (i.e. the "fearless flower/people), definitely relate to this panel. The other soul reapers come to understand that Aizen is not on their level anymore, they are viewing him as the flower on the edge of the cliff, unable to step into the sky.
Stand At The Top
Aizen knows and understands what he wants. As the others look up to him from the ground, similarly to how the "people" viewed the "flower" at the edge of the cliff, Aizen states that "No one has ever stood atop the heavens before". The flower was described as "fearless", and wanting to stand at the top himself was a very fearless responsibility taken up by Aizen. Those gazing upon Aizen (the flower) can never understand the courage it takes to step out into the sky; and reach the top. All of those reach a pinnacle in this panel.
Adoration
Adoration is defined as: "love, respect, a possible form of worship". Whereas it is perfectly appropriate to have appraisal and respect for a moral exemplar (i.e. the "flower"/role model), the attitude of 'admiration mixed with wonder' does not equal understanding and has morally objectionable features that are easily overlooked. Those gazing upon the "fearless flower" (Aizen) have this attitude of 'admiration mixed with wonder' but they do not have understanding.
Body and Spirit
To even further reinforce that Aizen is a literal (perfect if I may say) representation of "God", in this panel, Ulquiorra asks Orihime to offer her body and spirit to Aizen. This is in direct correlation with the Bible: "May your whole spirit, soul and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus" (I Thessalonians 5:23) Christians and Catholics offer their body and spirit to Jesus and God, as most religions do. This is just one of the many religious connections to Aizen throughout Bleach.
Superiors
Most people, if not all who follow religion(s), place their faith and trust in a "higher being". Aizen believes himself to be that higher being. Others trust others to become stronger; and yet Aizen differs. Aizen trusts in only his own strength. "They can't survive if they don't follow blindly." Aizen is saying that people blindly follow others due to "trust". And without a higher power to look up to, people cannot survive. That is the entire concept of his dialogue with Shinji
Gods are Born
It's a non-stop cycle of worship and "trust". It will continue, even when you reach the top and become a king, you will seek a "higher power" to look up to. Aizen wants to be this "higher power", a "God". He believes that he alone is fit for that role, as he has no trust to place in anyone, no "burden". This is all captivated in the "...Gods are born" panel.
It's all human nature, without a "God" to worship, one cannot live as it feels meaningless, they lack a "purpose." Aizen truly believes he is the one to become this "God" as he is adamant on his morals and ideals being correct about the world. Aizen's "Gods are born" speech holds the concept that the way "Gods are born" is due to people's need to rely on a higher being or power; people created the concept of "God."
Cruel
Aizen wanted to become God with his will, to replace the current God in which had no will (Soul King). Aizen wanted do establish a purpose for all, including hollows; and as we know, hollows are those born without a clear purpose. This panel puts into question the morals of Soul Society and Aizen, which side is truly "cruel"? One who destroys hollows due to their nature that is unfortunately perceived as dangerous, or one who gives hollows a purpose?
Facts
"There are no truths or lies in this world. The only thing that exists is harsh reality. And yet, everything that exists in this world lives by conveniently believing a few untruths. That's the only way they know how to live. But for the weak, who make up the majority of the world, some facts are simply too painful to believe."
Aizen is saying that the people in the world only believe in the "truths" that are only convenient to them. There are not "truths" and "lies", as both of those can be interpreted differently and twisted by people; rather the only thing that truly exists is "harsh reality." Aizen wants all to understand the "harsh reality", what truly exists and is.
Reason
When someone wants to go to the "edge" of something, they want to challenge it; challenge their own limits. Aizen, by going to "the edge of reason", wants to directly challenge reason, something people have never even considered challenging, as at the end of the day it is "reason". So why challenge something that makes perfect sense to them?
In this panel, Aizen says "Reason... is but a shield for those who cower behind it." Aizen is stating that people, as shown when he talked about "harsh reality", only truly believe in their own "truths"; and therefore they're protected (shield) by "Reason". Then again, Aizen wants to challenge all of this, as he truly believes he is above this thought process, as he believes in "harsh reality" rather than any falsely interpreted "truths" of his own.
I Despise You
Aizen is asking Kisuke why he does not want to change anything, and why he accepts the "Status quo". The "Status Quo" is what everyone is comfortable with, what currently exists. Aizen wants to change this "Status Quo", and therefore despises Kisuke (and anyone fo that matter) who understands the corruption and problems in the world but does not wish to fix to address them.
It is Idealism vs Realism, with Aizen representing the former. Aizen is in pursuit of his goals, his ideals; he wants to change what exists. Kisuke represents Realism as it rejects any sort of idealization and accepts what currently exists (Status Quo).
Losers Logic
Firstly, shown by Aizen's normal eye and his Hogyoku eye, it represents Aizen still clinging on to his "false reality". This is shown right before he's finally sealed by him covering up his normal (human eye), not wanting to accept the "harsh reality". His Hogyoku eye represents what he ascended to with his ideals, his "false reality"; what Aizen wants to see.
Not only does that perfectly represent Aizen's hypocrisy, but rather his dialogue too. "That's the logic of a loser!" Aizen was defeated and sealed by Kisuke and Ichigo. Aizen is referring to someone else as a "loser" while losing. By wanting to deny his true nature, Aizen failed.
Escapism, also defined as the "tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities" is also beautifully portrayed by Aizen. Aizen sought relief and "distraction" in his false reality, while denying his true nature and what truly exists and is. Finally, shown by "... How the world is but how it should be", Aizen then again shows that he was denying the "Status Quo" (Is) and wanted to change it to how he thought it "should be".
Aizen & Kisuke; Plato & Socrates
Aizen's dynamic with Kisuke is a reflection of Plato's relationship to Socrates. The interesting plot twist of Bleach is that Plato's world of God, which he calls the intelligible world, has been destroyed and corrupted by the Original Sin of the Shinigami. Realizing that fact brought about the actual philosophies of Kisuke and Aizen. Kisuke reacted with acceptance, displaying a Nietzsche-like approach. God is dead, literally; and this grants us freedom, but it also means that we need to work and fight. It is important to realize that Nietzsche's ideals were not negative, his nihilism is surprisingly realistic and optimistic, placing all power and freedom in the hands of men. A call to wake up from praying to God, and rely on yourself and work hard.
Aizen pushes his ideals and beliefs onto others, similar to Plato. Kisuke did not force his beliefs onto others, similar to Socrates; one who believes that people should form their own individual opinions and not be forced into believing things they do not believe in. Also, similarly to how Socrates was put on trial for "corrupting the youth", Kisuke was removed from Soul Society for "corrupting" the visored and going against the set laws. Both Kisuke and Socrates accepted their punishment, and both of them were incorrectly accused by the same world they dedicated themselves to.
As a representation of Socrates, Kisuke refuses to push his belief on others, believing that individuals should form their own thoughts without influence from others. Aizen wanted to force the world to see society's lack of progression by killing the "Soul King", and in doing so, hopefully, humans would see the error in their beliefs and correct them. A direct opposite, Kisuke maintained peace within society by following the set laws and rules without disputing any of them. This dynamic is beautiful as it is a representation of not closing yourself off from others' beliefs and an amazing critique on blind faith and religion.
"If I am unjust, and promise justice, a God-like life is promised." Aizen is perceived by society as someone who would be "morally wrong", would this mean he is injust? Well, Aizen also promises justice, and to relate to this quote from Socrates, if Aizen promises justice, a "God-like life" is guaranteed to him.
Another quote I find interesting is one from Plato, which is "... In different Gods from those recognized by the State." To relate to this quote, the "State" can be seen as the Status Quo and the world, and their "God" is the Soul King. Aizen wanted society to recognize him as the "God", a different God from those recognized by the state.
"Each form of government enacts the laws with a view to its own advantage... and the man who deviates from this law they chastise as a wrongdoer." The form of "Government" in this quote is the Soul Society, and they enact their laws and policies with what they interpret as beneficial. Aizen, one who deviates from their interpretation and the laws and policies entirely, is seen as a "wrongdoer" for doing so.
Ichigo & Aizen
During Ichigo and Aizen's battle, Aizen is in his third form, which has a closed eye on his forehead. This represents the opposite of the "spiritual third eye", which is opened through enlightenment, as it is a spiritual internal eye, not a physical eye. This is the opposite with Aizen, as he awakened his "third eye" on his forehead through rage, not enlightenment.
Aizen attained transcendence via the Hogyoku, as opposed to Ichigo who is a hybrid being, attaining power that was beyond that of a Shinigami, Hollow, and even a Quincy. A natural evolution is made through Ichigo's willingness to sacrifice and Ichigo's struggles; a contrast to Aizen's forced evolution he attains.
In Buddhism, transcendence is achieved through the absence of suffering, only then can the state of "Nirvana" be achieved. It is Ichigo's powers that thrust him into the frontlines of battle which cause him to feel suffering. Ichigo chooses to relinquish his powers by learning the final Getsuga Tensho; he attains "Nirvana". And just like in the Buddhist interpretation of transcendence, this is temporary, and only reserved for mortal beings. Ichigo returns from this evolved state after a fierce battle with Aizen, and Aizen is forced to relinquish his new form once his loneliness overcomes his heart.
Aizen became a "false God" that was consumed by his false sense of enlightenment, he was defeated by the self-aware Ichigo and banished to the lowest prison in Soul Society. It is ironic that Aizen was one who desired to "Stand Atop the Heaven" and "Reach heights that Gods could not reach" but instead Aizen is banished to the realm of reality.
Aizen constantly spoke on transcendence and leaving the shackles of your soul, yet the first one to truly achieve this state of selflessness in a higher dimension was not him, it was Ichigo; the kid he looked down upon. This showed us that this "all-powerful being" has a match in the most unexpected of places, and more than anything else, highlighted Aizen's loneliness. Being different is more than enough reason to be distant from others.
However, Aizen was truly unique. The way Aizen viewed the world was simply way too out of line with the way the rest of society viewed the world. And this part of Aizen could not stand that there was possibly someone else out there similar to himself (Ichigo).
In fighting Ichigo, a moment where he should have ascended to "godhood", we see Aizen's most "human" moments in the series. Aizen has changed as a person because of his encounter with Ichigo, and this is seen in his final speech on courage and how it shows Ichigo when he says the word "Courage".
By calling "people" "apes", Aizen is saying that despite people having evolved physically, they have not evolved mentally; we have remained stagnant in our thought, still in need of reliance on someone or something higher. By saying "All Gods, imitations of people", Aizen is saying that Gods are only people's interpretation; "Gods" are the result fo humans. Within Aizen's "Gods are born" speech, the concept is that Aizen believes people created the concept of "God" as people always are in need of a higher power. Therefore all gods are "imitations of people" as they are created by people's own ideas.
Aizen & Plato's Cave
In this cave, the shadows represent the falsehoods that people live and follow in our world (society). Plato. Plato's cave is supposed to show how humans can truly believe anything without any doubt, dispute, or questioning. This relates to Aizen specifically as Aizen believes in the "harsh reality". It also relates as it represents "blind faith", and as we know, Aizen's character is a critique of just that.
Aizen wants to challenge the status quo, he disputes what he was told to believe (i.e. the Soul King). A perfect representation of these shadows in Plato's cave is Aizen's illusions he created with complete hypnosis; something that completely confuses your five senses into believing in a false reality (falsehoods).
Aizen - TYBW
This demonstrates to us that Aizen still holds on to his beliefs on the way the world should be, but has accepted that he cannot achieve his desires. With his failure combined with his desire for progression, Aizen is able to show his growth in this final speech about "Courage". Describing in effect the most admirable aspect of the world he wished to alter. With this, the "Four Noble Truths" of Buddhism bring a lot of insight into Aizen's characters.
To accept the first noble truth, you realize that whatever happiness you strive towards; it will not last. All moments in life come and pass; so too will we. The second noble truth is understanding that our suffering is a result of our attachment to our desires. The third noble truth speaks to the end of suffering, which will result in ultimate freedom or the state of "Nirvana", which means freedom from suffering, worries, and pain. This state cannot be comprehended by those who have not attained it. This state explains Aizen's thoughts and progression and how he related the fear of dying at any moment, to his own progression.
When he is reminded of his mortality, he realized was he was made to suffer. This ceases when he rids himself from his attachment to life and reaches a heightened state of being through evolution after Gin's betrayal. Suffering ends when we rid ourselves of our attachments to our desires; our selfish cravings lead to our demise. This is exactly what happened to Yhwach.
In his final speech on Courage, Aizen merely comments on the necessity of death in relation to making progress and living fearlessly. This speech is also a callback to the "fearless flower". By saying "that would be very different from walking onward and conquering their own fears", Aizen is then again still maintaining his belief of becoming that "fearless flower" and reaching new heights, but this time gives this belief a name; Courage. It is a beautiful conclusion.
Aizen & Yhwach
Aizen and Yhwach have exactly opposite ideas. Yhwach believes in creating a "New World" where the fear of death does not exist. And in doing so, humans would not make any progress; they would not evolve. As Aizen told Gin, he believes fear is a tool merely for human progression and evolution. Therefore, Aizen shares the goal of stopping Yhwach with the shinigami as he wants to prevent Yhwach from creating this world, a world in which humans remain the same; stagnant.
Control
Aizen states here that he does not seek to benefit, yet says his only purpose is to "crush those who seek to control him". Is this not hypocritical? By crushing those who seek to control him, would that not benefit him? Aizen wants to differ from the rest of society and their blind obedience of the "Soul King", he wants to be able to act freely upon his own will; something the Soul King does not have. Aizen does not want anyone to control him, rather he wants to be in control; similar to how he controlled Ichigo's life and the events of Rukia's execution.
Aizen's Message
The messages one can take from Aizen as a character is insane. Do you blindly obey those above you without questioning anything? Are you merely admiring others without aspiring to reach the pinnacle of your own potential? Will you challenge the Status Quo and seek to change it? Or will you sit idly by and remain stagnant? Do you truly believe in "truth", or do you believe in what you perceive as "truth"; what's convenient to you? Do you want others to control your will or will you be the one who acts of your own free will? These questions not only reflect on us as individuals but religion and society as a whole.