[ravstrike]

Disclaimer: This thread is not in any way meant to condone or encourage the use of illicit substances.
I originally posted my comment on an earlier thread as a joke but then I got to thinking that maybe there is more to it than that. I love to ride trains of thought as far as they'll take me and anyone else who comes along. My intention here is to have a rational informed literary discussion of Death Note as a metaphor for drug use. For those still ploughing through literature papers and think that it shouldn't invade your pleasure reading, I've decided to include a sub-discussion at the bottom. Please use the smallest text in the sub-discussion, if you are so inclined comment.

Here we go.... The death note it self is highly addictive to use and can make the user indifferent to its effects on others(Misa). The deathnote functions similarly to that of a 'bible' of LSD as pages and pieces are still effective for the user but obviously with less room to write. Light began as the premier student and through the use of the death note began to degrade morally. Contact with the death note allows one to see Shinigami (hallucination). Apples function like heroine for the Shinigami and are later shown to be commercially vauable in the additional story. The standard method of death caused by the death note is a heart attack (including Light) which is also common for those who overdose. Ryuk dropped the death note near a school, presumably because it was more likely to be used at that location. Mello is itself a potential drug reference. Death note users can never go to heaven or hell, this itself symbolizes the loss of morality in the user. LIght intended to use the death note to bring about a better world just as Timothy Leary did with LSD. Light kept a 'fix' near him in his watch. There are more but I would llike to hear the opinions of others. And, No, I do not at this time believe it was the author's intention but those schooled in literary criticism/analysis are aware that the author's intention is only part of the greater whole in understanding a great work.


On the relevance of symbolism: Those of you familiar with the comedian Lewis Black are probably familiar with the phrase, "if it weren't for my horse, I wouldn't have spent that year in college." I have run across one myself, "Toto probably represents a dog." It was found hidden in the middle of an exceptionally well written paper on symbolism in the Wizard of Oz. For those not familiar, WoO is an allegory about America getting away from the gold and silver standard in favor. It's the "probably" that stuck with me and just goes to show everything means nothing and nothing means everything, well probably anyway. That 'probably' got me through many papers. Does anyone else have a similar experience?

[Rjina]

Yes, I've thought this over once lol I'm glad you've mentioned so many things (I thought I was on drugs. Turns out the bug spray didn't take any real effect on me, phew)--That was my first impression of Death Note--it was first triggered when Ryuk explained in the early episodes about the apples being a drug-like substance to shinigami... it was confirmed when a friend agreed with my thoughts.

Thank god, I thought it was just me

You're AWESOME.

You totally elaborated on something I was losing patience with--you GENIUS!!

[ravstrike]

Glad to know that I wasn't the only one either. I hope we get some more opinions and evidence posted here though. I'd hate to think that we're it...
Death note -> music of death... the goal of some drugged up musicians

[screaming_midget]

kira cults are similar to the hippi/drug communes that arose in the 60s. shinigami eyes taking half of your life is similar to the effect drugs have on the body. lights increased paronia is similar to effect drugs can have. violent out bursts light has similar to drug rages caused by pcp, crack, and steroids to name a few. misas sexuall obsession with light is similar to how special k and other drugs make one frisky. light gathering followers, some with the implide promise of power is like a dealer pedling.

[ravstrike]

Thank you very much for the input.
I was beginning to fear that I'd be watching the tumbleweeds accumulate on this thread.
Excellent evidence.
Is there are parallel to misa in our daily lives? Famous person mingling with the dregs because of drug use, clubbing, etc.
currently tumbleweeds.....

[WolvenLordSoulReaper]

I've aways been a sheltered child, but I'll give this thing a shot.

The Death Note causes temporary power 'highs', where the individuals believe themselves to be unstopable. This is usually followed by extreme 'lows' where the user begins to question themselves, always wondering if they've 'covered their tracks correctly'.

Shinigamis provide the Death Note to humans. Much like a dealer providing 'crack' to a user. Shinigami are almost always seen with the 'user', and provides 'rules' on how the user can best incorporate the product, and especially its use on others.

Malicious Shinigami 'play' with the 'rules', and sometimes omit them for their own sake/pleasure/profit. (Ryukk especially.)

Most Death Note users are anti-authoritarian, believing the law, especially, to be their enemies.

Inept and or questionable officers of the law are just a little to eager to use the Death Note. (Matsuda.) The older Yagami, tired of living in this world, sought to end his own life with it. (I'm only at 73, STILL:-)

The Death Note passing several hands in a secluded wooden area, each time changing its 'possession'.

When a user accepts Shinigami eyes, their own eyes suddenly become 'glazed over', like a Shinigami's.

Previous Death Note users become Shinigami after death. All Shinigami do is sit in a desolate wasteland, bored and lackadaisical, as many other drug users are said to be.

Corperations use the Death Note to kill off 'competitors', representative of white-collar drug users.

Sudden desire for seclusion from family and friends. Paranoid need to go to great lengths to prevent 'discovery' of Notebook.

Lying to protect Notebook. (Lying in general.)

If I recall correctly, Light almost 'slipped' on entry exams due to Notebook. (May be wrong.)

Initial reluctance to 'try' the Notebook.

Making excuses as to why it's 'okay' to use the Death Note.

Parental denial of effects of Notebook (i.e., that his son was killing, which was due to the D.N.).

Best for Last: Light's father almost KILLED him when he suspected Yagami might killer (due to D.N. use)

Okay... probably not my best work, but that was what I came up with. (Never really had much experience in this area, though.)

[ravstrike]

Here is a really bad pun, Death Note Anonymous
DNA.....
Please stand up and state your name....

ok who would like to go next?

[WolvenLordSoulReaper]

You offering support, analysis, or critique

[ravstrike]

This would be a support group. Like AA but for people addicted to DN. Probably shouldn't do the name bit. People should use nicknames and not their real Member names, instead of ravstrike, I'll be BobSmith.
Hello, my name is BobSmith and I'm addicted to Death Note.
Crowd: "Hello BobSmith."

Shinigami Eyes
A ha we have a faker, .
who will stand up next....j/k
lol...

[WolvenLordSoulReaper]

Hi. I'm P. I. Staker. (Watch hot Fuzz if you don't get that:-) I'm addicted to the Death Note. I's gorgeously bound otherworldly leather texture is a real turn on. The ornate writing on the inside is so beautiful. I don't think the gods intended it to kill people... but doesn't that make it all the more beautiful...