Tags
anime 2011, Deleuze, Destiny, Fate, Himari, Kanba, Ko-chan, Mawaru Penguindrum, Nonsense, penguin, penguindrum, Ringo, Sho-chan, Shoma, Tabuki, yuri
To all Mawaru Penguindrum devotees who are fuming due to this article’s title, hear me before you pull the trigger. I assure that this is not blasphemy.
Nonsense consists both of what has no meaning and what, as such, demonstrates the presence of meaning because it offers significance—a sense which is clearly always distorted. In literature, it is used indiscriminately to signify a stylistic device and is often caused by an excess of meaning rather than a lack of it. This presents an unresolved tension, which refers to as a balance between presence and absence of meaning. I believed that the witty used of nonsense is effective in Mawaru Penguindrum because of the viewers’ drive to search for meaning everywhere in everything, and even where possibly none exists.
Oftentimes, though not essentially humorous, nonsense has a kind of hilarity derived from a different source than a joke; it’s funny because it doesn’t make sense, contrasting to most humour which is comical because it does. Take for instance the used of the penguins. Their actions are full of silliness, but it’s not explained if there’s a reason behind those actions. So it’s like humour without context. Personally, I particularly find Shoma’s penguin hilarious of all. However I couldn’t explain why it’s funny because there’s barely logic behind its amusingness—I was puzzled with its repeated act of spraying and how it tries to put everything in its mouth.
Aside from that, nonsensical plays generate misdirection—this can be a shortage or surplus of meaning—but at the same time it presents an evocative direction or a sufficient signification. In this series, it’s exemplified by the signs on the train. These might looked like some random claptrap however, these subtly prepared us intuitively on what’s going to happen. These dictated some sort of riddles that unconsciously pushed us to think. For instance, the sign from last episode hinted us that there’s something going to happen with Ringo’s lunch. And in episode two, Shoma was accused of harassing by Ringo’s friend. It is important to emphasize though that these supposed visual twaddle will only remain nonsensical in nature until the receiver deciphered its mystery.
In addition, another characteristic of a nonsense world is it operates according to its own unique rules of order and illogicality. For example, it’s perplexing how Ringo couldn’t feel and detect that the penguins were touching and rummaging her, wherein fact there were occasions when she could actually feel and evidently interact with the penguins e.g. Kanba’s penguins split her legs and she happened to step on Shoma’s penguin. Hence, these deliberate incongruities may or may not mean to say anything significant however this is one of the director’s style to draw attention and proclaim that we’re inside his brain whether it does or doesn’t make sense to us—he’s the artist and he made this world according to his own logic.
Speaking of the director—although I’m not familiar with Ikuhara’s works—I’d say that formalism is extensively used in this series, wherein the director has no desire to show reality, but rather wants to show his own vision of the “universe.” Also, formalistic shows are often dream-like which uses exaggerated images. In episode four, Ringo’s daydreams had been rampantly used in a nonsensical way by applying some paradoxical nature of destiny—if Ringo is destined for such events, then why did she need to strictly follow the plan? Is it a misdirected destiny—from Tabuki to Shoma which was possibly ruined by the skunk or the snake or Yuri’s presence—or is it simply Ringo’s fault for misreading her destiny?
Lastly, one fine line that separates fantasy from nonsense is that in fantasy everything follows logic. Magic is used in fantasy world to explain rationally the impossible. On the other hand, in nonsense literature, the notion of magic only adds mystery rather than explaining the logical impossibilities. Take for instance, the mystery of the penguin hat and the penguindrum—which are always being avoided to be explained.
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
Side Remarks:
- I’m not going to explore Ringo anymore since she’s evidently a creeper. However, I believed that she didn’t push the lady on the escalator because it’s less mystifying if it’s Ringo.
- Perhaps Tabuki is indeed the prince of birds.
- I have a feeling that Yuri and Tabuki are just acting but in a good way—Yuri repeatedly sung that she’s an actress.
- I believed that the used of snake is of nonsense reference to the apple. The same with episode three’s curry and penguin. Curry’s Paradox and A Proof that Penguin’s Rule the Universe. (These are just purely my speculations.)
- Two of the most celebrated nonsense works in literature are Edward Lear’s The Book of Nonsense and Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass.
- Riddles appeared to be nonsense until the answer is found.
- Only four episodes had been aired when this post was written.
- My views presented on this article is highly influenced by Gilles Deleuze’s definition of Nonsense
Formalism… in the sense that there is a high awareness of forms such that they can be manipulated, flaunted, and regarded with contempt. Yes there is much of this here as there was in Revolutionary Girl Utena.
The binary here isn’t form/nonform, but rather individualism/tradition. The ironies, to go with your theme of non-meaning in meaning and vice-versa, include a love for form… that of one’s creation, and a love for meaning… particularly that of the autonomy of the creator.
Now, what is created isn’t so much a message to be interpreted but rather a game to be played. And the prize here isn’t that the viewers can divine the word of god (Ikuhara), but rather the discovery that he is dead, irrelevant to the joy of making one’s own meaning out of the labor of the creator.
The reason why I go for nonsense and formalism is because we’re in search of a “Penguindrum”—something that we don’t know. I also find the irrationality behind the penguins nonsensical by nature, plus the symbolisms presented are like riddles. Pretty much just like Alice in Wonderland, they’re investigating based on the illogical clues that even the characters couldn’t even understand. And as a viewer, I find these clues based on forms with meanings wherein some logic is indiscernible. For instance the used of the diary—why did Ringo, possibly, misread her destiny, and can the outside forces influence the dependability of the diary e.g. skunk and snake? (I admit, I’m overthinking this.)
Until episode 2, I was more inclined to individualism, especially in the binary aspect of the brothers e.g. passive/submissive, dualities of Himari e.g. dead-human/alive-penguin hatter, and the surprising alter-ego of Ringo. But like what you said, I guess my love for meaning and discovering things my way brought me to Deleuzian nonsense. Although I read lots of reviews referencing Utena and Night in the Galactic Railroad, I still refused to watch those. Maybe that’s why I haven’t thought of Ikuhara’s work as “discovering that he’s dead.”But, what you just mentioned made sense and offers an interesting perspective. Thanks!
I’ll try to check out Ikuhara’s works for my next Penguindrum post.
Although I haven’t found a time slot for myself to watch Mawaru, but I think I can pick up what you mean…
I noticed how you said there was some incongruities with how the interactions between penguins and their people are displayed. If i was watching this show, I wouldn’t know what to make of it. Either it’s a big gaping plot hole or just an intentional move by the directing staff.
Also, since I haven’t seen Mawaru, I can’t quite “get the feel” of the humorous part. I’ve heard from Inu-chan that Mawaru is ridiculously funny & good, but if it as you’ve said about the “humor without content”, then we might have a problem. Humor without content in itself is like reading “Captain Underpants” or something of that caliber. Since none of the humor is meaningful, it could potentially make Mawaru one of those “time-wasting” shows where you just watch the show to get some laughs and let time pass by.
My views and stance on this particular may change after I watch Mawaru, but for now, I’ll take your word for it Snippy ^^
Take my word from someone who isn’t familiar with the works of the director of this show. I believed that the incongruities are intentional in order to create a mystifying plot. From what I read Ikuhara is the type of director who knows what he’s doing, so I’m not really worrying too much if ever there’s a plot hole since I’m expecting that he’ll come up with something to fill that. And like what I argued on this article, I find some plot holes as nonsense which means an excess in meaning—just like in Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland.
Again, the “humour without content” means nonsense because it’s a balance between presence and absence of meaning, but usually it’s an excess of meaning which creates ungraspable ideas—which I really find cool. Or simply, think about this as a riddle and don’t think of this as some random gibberish because it’s not like that. The humour and symbolism are really more of logic and sense (nonsense). Also, this anime is not a “time-wasting show.” Unlike usual comedic shows, this one offers some dark twists, parodies and satire. I highly recommend you this if you’re into that. FYI This is one of my favourites this season
Hopefully I made sense and convinced you to watch it. ^^
Oh you betcha dear Snippy :D
Teenagers these days are so easy to trick these days hahaha!
Actually, I have all the current eps downloaded, but I just don’t have time to watch it….perhaps I should put it on my android and watch is during those boring moments in English 12 summer school :D
Oh dear, it’s better if you’ll watch that on a bigger screen. Plus, you don’t want to blame this anime if you fail. ^^
LOL true true, but the only time I can watch Mawaru is “on-the-go”.
Ah well, summer school is over…and I did moderately “okay-ish” to my standards…
Oh, there is every season one or two series where everyone tries to overthink over each and every little part/details of every episode.
This season is Mawaru Penguindrum’s spotlight in this regard. :O
From my point of view, I just watch the series (and enjoy it by the way) for the story being presented that is “two boys that tries to save her sister by recovering the penguin drum while being introduced to a world full of mysteries”.
Who cares if someone think that there are behind some strange diabolical symbolism?! :P
P.S. Ringo is definitely my type! Let’s see if she’s the killer next episode…
Honestly this is my most underrated show of this season and initially I didn’t really get excited about this. But after I saw the dark twists, especially creepy Ringo, I just can’t help but to overthink. And I guess for me that’s a good sign. If I’m enjoying the show it’s either I’m indulging my self with it’s “laid-backness” or I’m being mentally engaged.
But I agree though, some symbolism of this show aren’t worth overthinking since it’s just there to add more mystery.
PS: Ringo is my type too, I usually dislike creepers but I’ll let her be my stalker. ^^
It’s too early to tell for me if this is another case of “looking for something that isn’t there”. The series does seem like it is nonsensical to the point where the viewers (or at least to me) are left with twice as many questions from the last episode.
As for the series itself, I am enjoying it pretty well, compared to the other shows (DnS in particular)
On a side note, I think the one who pushed the red-heeled girl, is most likely the character shown in the OP, the one with the gun-like thing, so yeah ^_^
I guess it’s really early to conclude what’s going to happen but I guess a little bit of speculation won’t do harm. I also find the same thing, Some stuff initially appeared as random but then eventually you’ll realize that those actually have meaning and made sense, and some stuff are just completely random however if you remove them it’ll drastically change the structure of this anime, so yes that’s nonsense–an excess in meaning.
Same here, I’m also enjoying this and DnS is quite a disappointment for me when it comes to plotline.
So you’re saying it’s the red-haired girl because of her stocking right? I’ll go with that theory too instead of pin-pointing that it’s Ringo. Some people think that it’s Kanba though.
Yep, I’m pretty sure it’s her based on (1) like you said, the stocking and (2) the sleeves/hands that shoved the poor girl. Kanba is suspicious though. As for Ringo, I think her diary records more than what we thought.
I never thought I’d dig too much on this series. I guess I underestimated it. ^_^
I understand how you feel, we’re just pretty much on the same boat Leap! :)
I tried to like this show – I really did. Hell, I even split two episodes into four, 15 minute sessions just to get through them. I’m not one to jump on the bandwagon most of the time, but when a show gets as much praise heaped on it as Penguin Drum, I try to see what all the hype is about.
I don’t know – I didn’t go through all the comments but I have a feeling someone’s already brought this up: deriving meaning from something not there. It happens a lot as works of fiction are open to interpretation. Hell, music and everything else is the same. I don’t think a lot of anime producers, or people creating works these days, necessarily look for meaning in their works or strive to insert it into the finished product. It’s just something that people happen to come across through their own viewings.
A lot of the fiction nowadays is character/plot driven. You don’t get a whole lot of books, movies, what have you, based solely on an idea or revolving around a theme (You gotta have something to push it all along). Yup – this is debate-bait, but I’d like to stand by it. Plus, most of those signs of foreshadowing are put into the episode intentionally for the most part. We’ve been conditioned to accept and even expect symbolism – it makes us and the creators feel smart.
Just like you I don’t want to jump onto the bandwagon. Unlike most of the blogs that I usually visit (yours is one of the exceptions), I wasn’t impressed by the first episode, and I still stand by my words. However, the turning point for me was the second episode. I was surprised by the dark twist, and how this anime allow so much speculations and interpretations which I truly enjoy.
For me, every artist put his self and views into his work, no matter how senseless or significant it is to the receiver. That said, I believed that meaning is always planted in every art, but it’s always up to the viewer on how to welcome and perceive what he/she sees.
Very well said and I somewhat agree with this, but logic and sense are something dependent only to the person’s discernment. As social individuals, our views might be influenced by our environment. However, how you accept things solely depends on how you construct and structure your views–at least that’s how it is for me.
Ringo in her dreams is actually Jesus in purgatory. Think about it.
That’s kind of hard to imagine… And oh no, I only want Ringo as a girl. ^^
While it is nonsensical in a way, I do have to admit it that is keeping me interested. Rarely would I spring for shows like this, but if looking interesting and sounds interesting I have no reason but to watch since I would not be inclined to later or do shows capture my interest through the season. I just believe in trying to giving things (most) a fair shake until the end. Although, I understand in a sense where you are coming from. Just a matter of opinion is all ^_^
As for me, one of the reasons why I got hooked with this anime is because of its nonsense elements. I grew up reading Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Lemony Snicket’s Series of Unfortunate Events which are heavy with nonsense. I love how it made me thought especially the surplus of meanings in this genre.
Most of the time I’m bias because not all anime deliver the same satisfaction level for me. But of course, as you said it’s a matter of opinion. ^^
Being someone who was spoiled by the novel (I hear the first one covers up until episode 9), I can’t say for sure but we’ll be in for more mysteries and less answers. One thing about Ikuhara’s Penguindrum is that I’m constantly reminded of Haruki Murakami’s works. The main characters end up looking for something that isn’t quite anything, but he or she has to find it. The story ends up going at multiple directions and more often than not, they converge to form an answer that ends up being the biggest mystery of all. However, during the course of the novel you feel that the characters do change. It’s the same feeling as how I don’t know what to make of Penguindrum.
The reason I mention Murakami is that (small spoiler) Himari ends up in a local library and looks for ‘Super Frog Saves Tokyo’ a short story by Murakami based on the Kobe earthquake on January 1995, he also wrote a non-fictional book on the sarin gas attack in Tokyo which happened on March 1995. The number ’95’ appears in Penguindrum quite often. There’s also Ringo’s monologue on curry bit and it’s how it parallels with the short story ‘Year of Spaghetti’ where the character rambles about making spaghetti and how it is symbolic of loneliness whereas Ringo relates to curry as tasting like happiness.(end small spoiler)
That said, Penguindrum’s kind of nonsensical humor isn’t my favorite but I do think it’s still hasn’t reached the ‘peak’ yet. I do think some of the symbolism in this show is a lot like the ones used in [C] where they’re pretty neat to think of but runs the risk of never being explained or even playing playing a significant part to the storytelling itself. Sorry for rambling, I think I missed the point here hahaha!
I tried to write a post as soon as I re-watch the first episode but failed to do so because I couldn’t explain that 95. I tried to Google all the possible terms that could give me a clue but I always ended up getting that 1995 Gas Attack Incident, and I didn’t know how I could make sense of that. Because unfortunately, I’m not familiar with Haruki Murakami’s works—I’m so novice when it comes to this… I read some posts which explained Penguindrum’s 95 and linking it to the 1995 Gas Attack, but I find your explanation here as the most elucidating one. I didn’t even know that the curry is also linked to that, so big thanks for insights. ^^
I agreed, I find it somewhat similar to [C]. The only difference is, in [C] you always have economics, at least, to rely on whenever you’re stuck with the symbolisms. But with Penguindrum, it has a broader spectrum of references, it has more illogicalities, and it’s more of a riddle-like—because they’re in search of something unknown.
Btw, thanks again for sharing your thoughts and I don’t mind you rambling because I remember I enjoyed reading your [C] posts. ^^
I wrote an entry about some similarities between Murakami’s books and Penguindrum over at my blog here. I find that both Murakami and Ikuhara work’s have surrealistic elements and heavy symbolism but they differ in mood and atmosphere. Ikuhara referencing one of Murakami’s works is enough for me to go into ‘over analyzing mode’.
To be honest, most of the symbolism in Penguindrum escapes me so I let other people figure that out while I see if there are any other possible references to real life events.
Not to mention that [C] is primarily an action anime, the symbolism is heavy but they’re tucked in neatly. In Penguindrum, it’s a ‘mystery’ anime. Or that’s how I see it anyway. We don’t really get any explanations or a definite set of leads on the Penguindrum, even the Penguin Hat acts like it’s uncertain of where the Penguin Drum truly is.
Awww, thank you! That really makes me kind of miss [C] now. XD
No problem, I really enjoyed them. ^^
Yeah I saw your post yesterday, but for some reason I always get an error whenever I post my comment.
Yeah I saw your post yesterday, but for some reason I always get an error whenever I post my comment.
The default commenting system for WordPress wasn’t very helpful. I replaced it with disqus now and it should work just fine. ^^;
Are people actually trying to make sense of Penguindrum? I had assumed from the beginning that it was going to be an anime like Excel Saga where the rules of the Universe do not apply and logic has no meaning. I would be very shocked (and impressed) if everything in the series somehow came together in one grand design.
I believed that the trend right now is that people are overthinking Penguindrum, wherein most of its viewers are trying to interpret all of the possible symbolisms. I’m somewhat guilty of that, but for me, the director built his own world and as you said the rules of the Universe doesn’t apply. That’s why I think that this show is nonsense because it has its own logic and some stuff are just there to add mystery.
I’ll sum up my thoughts based on observation:
-The twins remind me of Drake and Josh.
-Himari is adorable.
-The Mad Hatter is also adorable and weird.
-Ringo is the funniest stalker ever, though predictably annoying towards “Josh”. Personally I DON’T want to see Ringo and “Josh” get together because it’s both predictable and stupid.
As for the randomness and nonsense…it’s like this show was made specifically with yours truly in mind for I embrace madness…though I do expect this show to have a conclusion of sorts because I can easily imagine the backlash if it doesn’t have one.
Drake and Josh are yet another unique reference ^^. And indeed, Himari is adorable however I find her more gorgeous as the Penguinhatter. I just truly love this shot:

As for RIngo, I’m not really in favour of creepers but if she’s going to be my stalker then that’s fine lol. Hmm.. I really have nothing against Ringo and Shouma tandem but as a yuri fan I’d prefer Ringo and Himari together, and then just have Shouma and Kanba incestuous yaoi.
Btw, you should write a review about this. I think it’ll be a nice read and entertaining since your writing embraces eccentricity and randomness. ^^
I’m not an episodic review guy. I review a show when I’m 90% certain I have the plot, setting and concept laid out. Penguin Drum’s is far from review worthy. You can make impressions or episodic summaries of it but I need more episodes before writing a legitimate review of it. Worry not ma belle peche, I will review this bad boy eventually.
Oh, so you’ve figured out my writing style, when I’m in the zone, by looking at some of my other work eh? You’re correct mademoiselle, I do embrace everything that’s “out there”.
Oic… Sure, I look forward to your post. ^^
Pingback: Colloquium: Mawaru Penguindrum Episode 5 | The Untold Story of Altair & Vega
This is a really good post. It makes me wonder how much of the symbolism is thrown in there as red herrings, what actually holds significance, and most importantly, what’s there to make us think. There’s a sense of things being completely random yet ordered. For example, the icons at the beginning of the ED seem to have some sort of logic and reason to them, yet they’re also just random objects sprinkled throughout the anime. What nonsense! Great wach. And great read. ^ ^
What nonsense indeed. The allegories and symbolisms seemed so much but at the same time they’re indiscernible. That’s why I came up with nonsense because when I was thinking of a theme and I didn’t know what to say. Plus, other blogs like yours have already done a great job in interpreting the symbolisms. So yea… thank you for reading. ^^
My own ep7 thoughts:
Not much has changed since last week. Ringo is still hilarious, even after we’ve discovered why she’s so obsessed with Tabuki. Actually, this week’s episode is still the funniest so far, especially after the low blow Ringo received and what her “plan B” is. It’s like I get a huge smile on my face whenever I see Ringo’s face filled with rage directed towards Yuri. It never gets old for me. Also, the whole theatrical performance, no offense to female performers portraying male characters but this was a laugh out loud riot for me. It’s like this show continues to amuse me week after week and I’m not sure whether I’m supposed to take it seriously or not. For those who DO take this show seriously, all I can say is…you need to go out and get some fresh air, clean your head of all things critic.
Anyway, “Josh” continues to sadden me, maybe it’s because spineless buffoons get stale pretty quick. No. 2’s cockroach busting is still fun to watch though.
“Drake” hasn’t done much this week but No.1 is still showing the TV audience that he’s a badass.
I still miss No 3 and Himari.
No. 4 is adorable.
Yeah, I think this Ringo is pretty funny on this episode, she also continues to amaze me. For some reason, I believe her thoughts about Yuri. I think Yuri is really an actress and she’s pushing Ringo to the limit, like wanting her to make a stupid move. Next episode we’ll see if she’s really going to rape Tabuki.
As for Shoma, although he seemed pathetic, I just can’t criticize him that much because he’s a good boy. On the other hand, Kanba still remains mysterious from his whereabouts. I believed it’s part of the tease. The characters are chasing after the Penguindrum, on so as the viewers chasing after the character’s next move.
Pingback: Afterthoughts on Mawaru Penguindrum: Apples and Its Symbolisms « Lemmas and Submodalities
Pingback: 6th Day of Anime: Hypothesizing With Mawaru Penguindrum « Lemmas and Submodalities
Pingback: Silhouettes and Geometry in Art « Lemmas and Submodalities
Pingback: Lemmas and Submodalities’ Portfolio « Lemmas and Submodalities
Pingback: Altair & Vega » Colloquium: Mawaru Penguindrum Episode 5