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Abstract

This thesis explores the iconic anime Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995-1996) and its cinematic counterpart The End of Evangelion (1997) through the philosophical lens of Georges Bataille. Centered on Bataille's ideas of transgression, continuity, and the sacred, the thesis examines how the anime's existential and psychological depth reflects core human dilemmas: the tension between individuality and the yearning for unity.The study focuses on the Human Instrumentality Project, a controversial plotline aimed at merging all human souls into a singular collective entity, erasing individual boundaries. Drawing on Bataille's works, specifically Erotism, The Accursed Share, and Inner Experience, the thesis contextualizes Evangelion's narrative as a meditation on the dissolution of boundaries and the sacred-profane dichotomy. Through critical analyses of key scenes—such as Shinji Ikari's dissolution in LCL and ultimate rejection of Instrumentality—this thesis demonstrates how Evangelion interrogates the cost of transcending individuality in pursuit of collective continuity. By integrating Bataille’s philosophical framework, the thesis positions Evangelion as a profound cultural text that challenges viewers to grapple with the paradoxical allure of connection and the pain of isolation. This novel interpretation not only deepens the scholarly understanding of the series but also reaffirms the relevance of Bataille’s insights in modern media studies. Ultimately, the thesis contends that Evangelion exemplifies the enduring human struggle to reconcile the boundaries of identity with the desire for transcendence.

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