暗殺教室
Assassination Classroom - Symbolism & Philosophy
Symbols & Motifs
The Crescent Moon
A symbol of permanent change and the countdown to a global catastrophe.
The moon, visible throughout the series with a massive bite taken out of it, serves as a constant visual reminder of the stakes and the mystery surrounding Koro-sensei's power.
Koro-sensei's Tie
A symbol of past love, a promise kept, and his remaining connection to humanity.
The tie was a gift from Aguri Yukimura. The crescent moon pattern and the small hole represent the tragedy of his past and the reason he became a teacher.
The Second Blade
The necessity of having diverse skills and a backup plan in life.
Koro-sensei frequently uses this metaphor to explain why students need to study academic subjects while also training as assassins; they need a 'second blade' to survive if their primary plan fails.
Philosophical Questions
Is it possible to be a 'killer' and a 'savior' at the same time?
The show explores this through Koro-sensei's history as an assassin and his transition into a life-saving educator, and through the students who learn to 'kill' in order to save themselves and the world.
Core Meaning
The series centers on the idea that true mentorship sees value where society sees failure. It argues that no individual is beyond redemption or growth if given the right guidance and support. The "assassination" serves as a metaphor for the students' struggle to "kill" their own insecurities and the dependency they have on their mentor, ultimately preparing them to face the challenges of adulthood with resilience and empathy.