ギヴン
"Can't say goodbye, I'm still drifting with your echoes."
given - Symbolism & Philosophy
Symbols & Motifs
Yuki's Gibson Guitar
The guitar symbolizes Mafuyu's grief, his unspoken feelings, and his lingering connection to Yuki. It is a physical manifestation of the emotional baggage he carries. Initially, its broken strings represent his own broken emotional state and his inability to move forward.
The guitar is a central object from the very first episode. Ritsuka fixing the strings is the catalyst for their relationship and symbolizes the beginning of Mafuyu's healing process. Learning to play the guitar and eventually using it to perform the song about Yuki represents Mafuyu taking ownership of his past and transforming his pain into art.
The Stairwell
The stairwell where Ritsuka and Mafuyu first meet is a symbol of their private, liminal space—a place of transition. It's where their relationship begins and where they often retreat to connect, away from the rest of the world. It represents a place of quiet beginnings and emotional safety.
Throughout the series, Mafuyu is often found in the stairwell, a place he shares with Ritsuka. It's where Ritsuka first teaches him guitar chords and where many of their early, formative conversations happen, establishing it as the foundation of their bond.
Seasons
The names of the four main band members correspond to the four seasons: Haruki (spring), Ritsuka (summer), Akihiko (autumn), and Mafuyu (winter). This symbolizes their distinct personalities and the cyclical nature of life, emotions, and healing. Mafuyu's name, meaning "winter," is particularly symbolic of his initially cold, dormant emotional state, while Ritsuka, meaning "summer," brings warmth and passion back into his life.
This symbolism is an undercurrent throughout the series. The progression of the story and the characters' emotional development can be seen as a movement through seasons, from the stasis of winter towards the warmth and new life of spring and summer.
Philosophical Questions
Can you truly move on from profound loss, or do you just learn to live with it?
The series explores this question through Mafuyu's journey. It rejects the idea of 'getting over' grief completely. Instead, it suggests that healing is about integration. Mafuyu's song isn't a final goodbye to Yuki but an acceptance of his enduring presence in his heart. The finale shows Mafuyu acknowledging that he will always carry Yuki with him, but that this doesn't prevent him from finding new happiness and love with Ritsuka. The series posits that moving forward isn't about erasing the past, but about allowing it to become a part of who you are as you continue to live.
What is the role of art in processing trauma?
"given" presents music as an essential tool for catharsis when words fail. Mafuyu is verbally inarticulate about his trauma, but through songwriting and singing, he is able to access and release his deepest emotions in a raw, unfiltered way. The series argues that art can provide a necessary distance and a structured medium to confront feelings that are otherwise too overwhelming, transforming pain into something beautiful and communicable that fosters connection and understanding from others.
Core Meaning
The core meaning of "given" revolves around the profound and multifaceted process of healing from trauma and grief. It posits that while the past can never be erased, moving forward and finding new love and passion is possible. The series uses music not just as a backdrop, but as the primary vehicle for emotional expression and catharsis. It suggests that art can give voice to feelings that are too difficult to articulate, allowing for connection and understanding. Ultimately, "given" is a message of hope, demonstrating that through supportive relationships and a creative outlet, one can confront immense pain, find closure, and allow their heart to open up once more.