The Pros and Cons of Doki Doki Literature Club's Yandere Trope
Unveiling the Dark Side of Doki Doki Literature Club's Yandere Trope: Monika's obsessive behavior adds depth to the story, but it also raises concerns about the normalization and potential encouragement of creepy behaviors Discover the real consequences and explore why Monika's actions go unchecked
Article Key Points
The portrayal of the Yandere trope through Monika in Doki Doki Literature Club runs the risk of normalizing toxic behavior.
Monika's obsession in the game, which involves infiltrating the player's computer and accessing personal information, is intentionally intended to evoke a sense of creepiness and danger. However, it may also captivate and allure certain fans.
Although fans may hold a fondness for Monika as a fictional character, it is crucial to recognize the potential hazards associated with obsessive conduct.
When Doki Doki Literature Club was initially released, players were taken aback by its innocent appearance, which clashed with its psychological horror theme. However, upon starting the game, all the baffling questions were quickly answered. The main antagonist of Doki Doki Literature Club, Monika, infiltrates the player's computer files and eliminates the other female characters in order to establish a closer bond with the player. Her ultimate goal is to entrap the player indefinitely in the name of "love". However, this distorted perception of love by confusing it with obsessive behavior is something that people should avoid. Despite its effective portrayal, Doki Doki Literature Club runs the risk of normalizing this toxic behavior through Monika's representation of the Yandere archetype. A Yandere character is willing to go to extreme lengths to be near their beloved, often resulting in gruesome consequences. Initially appearing affectionate and kind, they eventually reveal their unstable and disturbed nature. Monika's actions align perfectly with this description; she warmly welcomes the player into the club, but cannot tolerate not being a romantic option.
Monika's Obsession in Doki Doki Literature Club
The Real Consequences of Obsession
Monika's ability to infiltrate the player's computer and access the game files of DDLC in order to forge a closer bond with them naturally caused shock and fear amongst many. Her extreme obsessiveness, allowing her to transcend the confines of the game and directly invade the player's personal information, is undeniably terrifying. However, this unsettling behavior is also intentionally crafted to be Monika's allure. She is deliberately designed to exhibit this unsettling and hazardous nature, aiming to captivate and intrigue audiences. Ironically, it is precisely this aspect of her character that eventually leads to her downfall.
Promoting and glorifying a character based on their negative traits can have negative consequences. It normalizes and encourages unhealthy behavior, leading people to seek such characteristics in real relationships. It is crucial to emphasize the distinction between fiction and reality, especially in a world where the boundaries are blurring. While fans may have an affinity for characters like Monika or other popular female Yanderes, they should understand the dangers of pursuing similar behavior in real-life relationships.
Furthermore, this kind of behavior can particularly affect individuals who are experiencing difficulties in their relationships. They may be drawn to the idea of someone being obsessed with them, only to later suffer harm and become dependent on the obsessive individual. Unlike the optimistic outcome seen in DDLC's good ending, such scenarios offer little chance for positive resolution.
Why Monika Gets Away With It
Monika is not a real person, so there is no genuine danger in becoming emotionally invested in her or developing a liking for her character. Likewise, when players choose to delete Monika, there is no inherent risk involved. It's important to recognize that no one should be criticized or faulted for forming an attachment to mere pixels, as that is all Monika ultimately represents. Additionally, it should be noted that Monika does not compel players to sever ties with others or place demands on them to never abandon her, at least not in a literal sense.
Narratively, her obsessive behavior functions within the context of the world she inhabits. The three members of the Doki Doki Literature Club, namely Yuri, Natsuki, and Sayori, consistently overlook her. Despite her overwhelming love for the player, the original game fails to designate her as a viable romantic option. Initially confined to the boundaries of the literature club, she eventually chooses to assert her selfishness and claim the player for herself. In order to elevate Monika as the sole desirable choice, the negative attributes of the other club members are highlighted, ultimately leading to her descent into madness.
Doki Doki Literature Club!
Platform(s) PC, PS VitaReleased September 22, 2017Developer Team SalvatoPublisher Team SalvatoGenre(s) Visual Novel, HorrorHow Long To Beat 4 Hours See at Steam
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I have mixed feelings about the portrayal of the Yandere trope in Doki Doki Literature Club. On the one hand, I appreciate the depth and complexity that Monika's obsessive behavior adds to the story. Her actions are genuinely creepy and unsettling, but they also highlight the dangers of idealizing unhealthy relationships. On the other hand, I worry that the game may normalize toxic behavior and encourage some fans to pursue similar behavior in real life.
I think it's important to remember that Monika is a fictional character, and her actions should not be condoned or imitated. However, I also believe that the game's portrayal of the Yandere trope is a valuable opportunity to discuss the dangers of obsessive behavior and the importance of healthy relationships.
