[Part 2] Does Episode 5 of Violet Evergarden Endorse Child Marriage?

Hello! This is Part 2 of my thoughts on whether episode 5 of Violet Evergarden is an endorsement of child marriage. Make sure to read Part 1 first here!

[Part 1] Does Episode 5 of Violet Evergarden Endorse Child Marriage?

Let’s address the elephant in the room. Is episode 5 of Violet Evergarden an endorsement of child marriage and marriage with big age gaps? I’m sure this issue is something that has been widely discussed, so I’ll try not to reiterate what is already out there. 

Note: This article is divided into two parts. This is Part 1. Click here to read Part 2. The link to Part 2 is also provided at the end of this post.

[Part 2] Violet Evergarden Episode 5: You Write Letters That Bring People Together?

This episode's analysis is divided into two parts. This post is the second part. Click here to read the first part.

[Part 1] Violet Evergarden Episode 5: You Write Letters That Bring People Together?

Note: This episode's analysis is divided into two parts. Click here to access the second part. I have put the link at the end of this post as well.

We seem to have jumped ahead quite a bit in time in Episode 5 of Violet Evergarden. Violet is apparently skillful and capable enough to take on a request from Princess Charlotte of the Drossel Kingdom. (I don’t think Violet would be entrusted with such a heavy responsibility if she’s only got like, less than five experiences under her belt.) Violet is tasked to write public love letters to Prince Damian of the Flugel Kingdom, to whom Charlotte is engaged.

Thematically, the episode generally explores authenticity. Although letters can help people express their feelings, it’s not always the case that people will always write authentically. It’s not always the case either that beauty or overt displays of emotion is a sure indicator of its authenticity. Though this theme is mainly presented through Princess Charlotte and Prince Damian’s story, I’d like to propose that the same theme is echoed through the princess’ relationship with her lady-in-waiting, Alberta.

[Part 2] Violet Evergarden Episode 4: You Won't be a Tool, but a Person Worthy of that Name

Iris and Violet on the train home from Kazaly

This episode's analysis is divided into two parts. This post is the second part. Click here to read the first part.

[Part 1] Violet Evergarden Episode 4: You Won't be a Tool, but a Person Worthy of that Name

Note: This episode's analysis is divided into two parts. To my own surprise, I had a lot of things to say. Click here to access the second part. I have put the link at the end of this post as well.

Iris and Violet on the train to Kazaly

After her graduation from class in episode 3, Violet now finds herself in the middle of a mother-daughter conflict. Iris, Violet’s coworker, receives her first job request as a doll from her hometown – Kazaly. But alas! Disaster strikes. Iris hurts her right hand thanks to a fall down the stairs. As a result, Violet accompanies Iris on her trip back home to act as her hands. The business trip, however, forces Iris to face her feelings about herself, her feelings about her hometown, and her strained relationship with her mother.

Violet Evergarden Episode 3: May You Be an Exemplary Auto Memory Doll

 

Violet's well-earned brooch

In Episode 3 of Violet Evergarden, we follow Violet as she attends a class for aspiring dolls. The main focus this time is Violet’s relationship with Luculia, a fellow student. It is in this episode that Violet experiences her first successful “mission” as a doll – the first of her many other successes in the future.

Violet Evergarden Episode 2: Not Coming Back

 

I consider Episode 2 of Violet Evergarden as the start of a format that will be used for most of the remaining episodes: Violet's relationship with one other person becomes the main focus. This episode focuses on Violet's relationship with Erica. Violet’s unwavering resolve in the face of difficulty in her doll training actually impacts Erica in a positive way. I think this line from Cattleya will help us to understand Erica’s character deeper: “What people say isn’t everything. That’s a human weakness. We affirm our own existence by testing other people. Contradictory, isn’t it?”

Violet Evergarden Episode 1: "I Love You" and Auto Memory Dolls

Episode 1 introduces us to the main character, Violet Evergarden. Having spent pretty much her whole life in the army, life to Violet is a series of orders and missions to be obeyed. She has lost her own sense of agency. In Hodgins’ words, Violet has no will of her own. She needs someone to tell her what to do, and that figure was Gilbert. Her attachment to Gilbert runs so deep that even a trivial decision, such as picking a doll, is made in relation to him.