BANANA FISH
Banana Fish - Symbolism & Philosophy
Symbols & Motifs
Banana Fish
The term "Banana Fish" is a direct reference to J.D. Salinger's short story, "A Perfect Day for Bananafish." In Salinger's story, bananafish are ordinary fish that swim into a hole full of bananas, eat so many that they become too fat to get out, and die. This symbolizes gluttony and being trapped by one's experiences. In the series, it represents individuals who are consumed by something—be it the horrors of war, trauma, or greed—to the point that they cannot return to a normal life. The drug itself, which destroys the mind, is a literal manifestation of this concept: it traps its victims in a state from which there is no escape.
The phrase is first heard by Ash from a dying man and is the same phrase his brother Griffin mutters endlessly. This initiates the central mystery. The drug itself is a physical representation of the symbol, used throughout the series by Dino Golzine and his associates as a weapon for mind control, connecting to real-world CIA programs like MKUltra.
The Library
The New York Public Library symbolizes a sanctuary of peace, knowledge, and temporary escape from the brutal reality of Ash's world. It is one of the few places where Ash can be himself, away from the violence and expectations of his role as a gang leader. It represents a world of intellect and quiet contemplation that stands in stark opposition to the chaotic streets he commands.
Ash frequently uses the library for research and as a meeting place. It's established as his safe haven early in the series. The most significant use of this symbol is in the final episode, where Ash, mortally wounded, chooses to spend his last moments in the library, reading Eiji's letter. He dies there with a smile, surrounded by the peace he could never fully grasp in life, making it his final resting place.
Eiji's Pole Vaulting
Eiji's past as a pole vaulter, and his ability to still perform the action, symbolizes freedom and escape. The act of flying over the bar represents transcending barriers and limitations. For Ash, watching Eiji vault over the asylum wall is a powerful visual metaphor for the freedom he desperately craves but believes he can never achieve. Eiji, who can "fly," represents a world outside of Ash's cage.
Eiji's athletic past is mentioned when he is introduced. The most pivotal scene involving this symbol is in Episode 6, "My Old Kentucky Home," where Eiji effortlessly vaults over the high wall of the mental institution to escape, stunning Ash and solidifying his role as someone from a different, freer world.
Philosophical Questions
Can a soul shaped by extreme trauma ever truly heal and find peace?
The series centers on this question through Ash Lynx. His entire life has been a series of horrific events that have made him a brilliant survivor but have also left him with deep psychological scars. The series explores whether the pure, unconditional love offered by Eiji is enough to heal these wounds. While Ash finds emotional salvation and moments of genuine happiness with Eiji, the ending suggests that escaping the consequences of his violent past was impossible. The series leaves it ambiguous whether true peace was achievable for him in life, or if it could only be found in death, making a poignant statement on the indelible nature of severe trauma.
What is the true nature of love and salvation between two people?
Banana Fish dissects different forms of "love." Golzine's love for Ash is possessive, controlling, and abusive—a desire for ownership. In contrast, the bond between Ash and Eiji is presented as a pure, soul-deep connection that is selfless and protective. Their relationship is never explicitly defined as romantic, allowing the series to explore a love that transcends conventional labels. It asks whether one person can truly "save" another. Eiji doesn't save Ash from his enemies, but he saves Ash's soul by reminding him of his capacity to love and be loved, suggesting that salvation is an internal, emotional state rather than a physical escape.
Is fate inescapable, or can we change our destiny?
This question is central to the dialogue between Ash and Eiji. Ash, comparing himself to the leopard in Hemingway's story, believes he is fated for a tragic end, trapped by his violent past. Eiji is the voice of hope, insisting that Ash can change his future. The series plays with this tension throughout. Ash makes choices that defy the role Golzine set for him, fighting for freedom. However, the seemingly random and senseless nature of his death at the hands of a minor character could be interpreted in two ways: either as proof that he could never escape the cycle of violence (fate), or as a tragic accident that occurred just as he was about to seize his new destiny.
Core Meaning
The core meaning of Banana Fish revolves around the resilience of the human spirit in the face of profound trauma and the redemptive, healing power of unconditional love. It explores the question of whether a person, deeply scarred and shaped by a cruel world, can ever truly find peace and freedom. The series posits that while escaping one's past is a monumental struggle, the connection with another soul—a relationship built on pure trust and mutual protection, like that of Ash and Eiji—can provide a reason to live and fight against a seemingly inescapable fate. Ultimately, it is a tragic examination of how innocence is corrupted by power and greed, but also a testament to the idea that one's life is defined not by its length, but by the depth of its connections and the fight for one's soul.