DEATH NOTE
"Who else could've done it, and come this far?"
Death Note - Symbolism & Philosophy
Symbols & Motifs
Apples
Apples are heavily associated with Christian symbolism of the Forbidden Fruit from the Garden of Eden, representing temptation, knowledge of good and evil, and the original sin. In the context of the series, the Death Note is the forbidden knowledge, and Light's acceptance of it is his "original sin." Ryuk's intense craving for earthly apples symbolizes his addiction to the chaos and entertainment Light provides, the "forbidden" fruit of the human world.
Ryuk is frequently seen eating apples, stating they are incredibly juicy compared to the withered ones in the Shinigami Realm. His withdrawal symptoms when deprived of them are used as a plot device. The first opening sequence visually solidifies the connection by showing an apple morphing into the Death Note, explicitly linking it to temptation.
L's Foot Washing Scene
This scene is a direct biblical allusion to Jesus washing the feet of his disciples, specifically Judas, shortly before being betrayed. It symbolizes L's acknowledgment of his impending death and his act of forgiving Light, whom he knows is his betrayer. It's a moment of profound melancholy and acceptance, highlighting L's complex morality and perhaps his view of Light as a fallen friend.
In Episode 25, "Silence," shortly before his death, L insists on giving Light a foot massage in a rain-soaked setting. He tells Light he is atoning for his sins and that they will be parting ways soon, a somber and direct foreshadowing of the episode's tragic climax.
Red and Blue Color Coding
The visual style often employs color to represent the opposing forces and internal thoughts of the protagonists. Red is associated with Light/Kira, symbolizing danger, evil, and his god complex. Blue is associated with L, representing justice, logic, and tranquility. This stark contrast visually reinforces their ideological battle.
Throughout the series, scenes depicting Light's internal monologues as Kira are cast in a dramatic red hue, often with his eyes glowing red. Conversely, when L is deep in thought or making a crucial deduction, the color palette shifts to a cool blue. This is most prominent during their intellectual confrontations and internal deliberations.
L's Eccentric Mannerisms
L's strange habits, such as his crouched sitting position, his penchant for sweets, and his odd way of holding objects, symbolize his unorthodox and genius-level intellect. They represent a mind that operates outside of societal norms, allowing him to think in ways others cannot. His posture is even justified in-show as a way to increase his deductive reasoning by 40%. These quirks make him visually and intellectually distinct from the meticulously composed Light.
L is almost never seen sitting normally, always squatting on chairs. His diet seems to consist entirely of cakes, candies, and sweetened coffee. He holds phones and papers delicately with his thumb and index finger. These behaviors are consistent throughout his appearance in the series and are a defining aspect of his character.
Philosophical Questions
Do the ends justify the means?
This is the central philosophical question of the series. Light Yagami operates on a purely utilitarian framework, believing that murdering thousands of criminals is a justifiable means to achieve the end of a peaceful, crime-free world. The narrative constantly challenges this by showing the cost of his crusade: the loss of innocent lives, the corruption of his own soul, and the creation of a world ruled by fear rather than genuine peace. The series uses the police and L's task force to represent a deontological viewpoint, where the act of murder is inherently wrong, regardless of the outcome.
What is the true nature of justice?
"Death Note" presents a direct conflict between two forms of justice: the codified, systematic justice of the law (represented by L and the police) and the absolute, vigilante justice of an individual (represented by Kira). The series explores whether justice is a social contract meant to protect everyone or a divine right that can be wielded by a superior individual. It questions if a world without crime, achieved through murder, is truly just. By showing the flaws and moral compromises on both sides, the show suggests that the concept of perfect justice may be an unattainable and dangerous ideal.
How does absolute power affect human nature?
Light's journey is a powerful case study on the corrupting influence of power. A brilliant but otherwise normal student is given the power of a god, and it quickly erodes his empathy and magnifies his worst traits—his arrogance, narcissism, and cynicism. The series explores whether this power created the monster or simply revealed the one that was already there. Light's transformation from a well-intentioned extremist to a cold-blooded killer obsessed with his own divinity suggests that no single human is equipped to handle such absolute power without being corrupted by it.
Core Meaning
The core meaning of "Death Note" is a profound exploration of morality, justice, and the corrupting nature of absolute power. The series questions whether any single individual has the right to act as judge, jury, and executioner, regardless of their intentions. It demonstrates how a noble goal—creating a crime-free world—can become warped by ego and a god complex, leading to tyranny. Ultimately, the narrative suggests that true justice cannot exist without due process and that the ends do not justify the means, especially when the means involve mass murder. Creator Tsugumi Ohba also stated a personal underlying theme is that death is final and humans should treasure their lives in the present.