Self Sacrifice in YTTD

I'm not entirely sure how to use the Blog feature, but I figured I'd go on a tangent about YTTD and Self-sacrifice since it's what I'm interested in right now lol

warning: spoilers for Your Turn to Die (just assume it's the entire game)

In your turn to Die, Self-sacrifice is clearly a core theme. We see this with the 'The Two Person Vote' First Trial when the groups Nao and Mishima, Sara and Joe, and Kugie and Kanna are tasked with putting one of their lives in the other's hands. And then in essentially every trial afterward, the theme continues to reemerge. The Practise Round with Mishima's sacrifice, the first Main Game with Kanna, and even Alice, willing to put their lives on the line. 

Self Sacrificing is seen as something noble, selfless, and good, an act worthy of praise, recognition, and even celebration. Society tells us that selflessness is something to strive for; and while we are in many ways more individualistic nowadays, this is a fact that has stood true.

By glorifying Self-sacrifice, society can benefit immensely. It's how they recruited soldiers to war, and how the system functions on a very basic level. If people are willing, or pressured, to be selfless, then it's easier to live harmoniously. 

But is that really right? Is it really correct, that giving one's entire self for others, is something praiseworthy? Is it brave, and honorable? or are we just told it is, so that we can more easily be manipulated, and convinced to give ourselves for the greater good. 

I'll focus on the second main game of Your Turn to Die, and more specifically, the choice between Kanna and Shin, and how it is perceived by the narrative.

Even if Kanna wished to die after her sister's death; I don't think it was any deeper than shock and hopelessness at their current situation. But as she grew closer with everybody, and their bonds strengthened, in the second trial she did not want to die as a means to give up; but for the sake of those she wished to protect. To her, the only thing she could offer was her own life.

But dying in such a way is not seen as something honorable. Shin himself says in the final discussion, ''Self-sacrifice...?! That's worthless!!'' but he does not truly mean this. Self-sacrifice, if in service of his and Kanna's survival, would likely be meaningful to him. But since it is Kanna, it is worthless, because what does his survival mean if she dies?

The other cast members seem remorseful; even ashamed of their choice. Kannas's sacrifice was meaningful, yes, but it was tragic in every sense of the word.

But, if Shin is chosen, it has a very different feeling. His sacrifice is seen both by the characters and many of the fanbase, as right. It is why it's the Emotion route, because Shins death served a greater purpose than Logic, it provided the cast with hope. The innocent Kanna was saved, and Shin gave his last moments of life to assist Sara, his sworn enemy, find closure.

But, is this really correct?

I can't help but feel that Shins death is far more tragic, and depressing than Kannas. Shin, who so desperately wanted to live, dies. And Kanna who was prepared to give her life lives on. I'm not saying that it is a bad ending, but I simply cannot see either route as 'good' in any capacity.

Shins death is surely sad, and heartbreaking. The third chapter for the Emotion route emphasizes Shins sacrifice greatly; Kanna is so grateful that he protected her. His death meant something.

But even if a death provided a use for another's survival, that does not change the fact that a person is dead. I cannot help but think that it is not a good ending if anybody has to die to achieve it.

When he dies, it is bittersweet. We are sad that he is dead, but thankful to him, and almost proud of how far he has come. When he removes the collar and walks away to boot up the Joe AI, it feels like the story is trying to say it is a satisfying conclusion to his arc; the antagonist gives his life to make up for his misdeeds. 

Somehow, his death is a good thing, and the right choice, the 'true ending.'

But despite everything, I personally feel that his sacrifice is almost hollow. From the moment the first trial began, he knew he was doomed. He knew that Kanna would save Sara if she was the sacrifice, yet desperately gave his all to save her anyways. He never had any chance of a happy ending, not like the other characters did. He did not truly want to sacrifice himself, but what choice did he have?

In conclusion, I do not believe the Emotion route to be the 'good route' and I do not think a good ending is possible for Your Turn to Die at this point. I believe that Self-sacrifice is a tragedy and not something to be glorified.

Thanks for reading! sorry for the unasked-for ramble/lecture, feel free to comment with any thoughts!