In Defense of Trowa’s
Equality
This debate is set up a little differently than the
others. The reason for that is
this: I haven't yet come to a decision what I believe about Trowa. If you've surfed the fan base you know
that there are two (very violently) conflicting views about Trowa: whether or
not he is a rape victim. I've read
some very well thought out arguments on this issue, and have planned a few of my
own. But since I haven't been able
to prove one way or the other, I might as well provide both sides, and let you
decide. In Trowa's case, there
really is no right or wrong answer.
From the beginning,
what do we know about Trowa?
Trowa's real name is Triton Bloom, and yes, he is Catherine Bloom's younger brother. He was separated from his family following an attack by the Federation: Catherine was taken in by a circus, Triton by a group of mercenaries. Since he was less than three years old at the time, he has no memory of his family or his real name. The mercenaries that raised him gave him the name Nanashi, which literally means "nameless" or "no name." Later in his life he met up with a young girl Midii Une, who ended up betraying the group, causing its destruction (Midii Une is not related to Lady Une, as far as we know). After that Triton made his way up to space and joined another mercenary group in which the infamous Ralph Kurt from Blind Target was a member. By the time he was fourteen he had become a mechanic for the Barton Foundation, working on the Gundam Heavyarms. After the death of Trowa Barton he assumed the man's name and took over the job as Heavyarms' pilot.
For the rest of this section I'll be referring to the pilot of Gundam Heavyarms as "Triton," just to avoid any confusion when I need to mention the original Trowa Barton.
During the show Triton shows very little emotion. He does not actively seek out the other Gundam pilots at any time, and shows very little skill in social interaction. He has been known to kill without hesitation or remorse--even those that were supposedly close to him, as shown in Episode Zero. However, Triton is not mistrusting of people: he did, after all, go along with Quatre for a while after their first meeting in episode four. He did take Heero in after episode eleven, and cared for him in the month that he was unconscious.
Triton has also, during the course of the show, shown tenderness towards the feelings of women, and a selfless dedication to his cause. In the beginning he has very little value for his own life, not afraid to risk death for the sake of the mission. He even sacrifices himself for the well-being of others, in the case of the fight between Heero and Quatre. He is often described by Japanese fans as the "perfect soldier," who feels no remorse for his victims and thinks not of his own safety, but only of his purpose. He hopes to make a new world.
Does he change by the end of the series?
Of course he does. Gradually, Triton learns not only to
trust his fellow pilots, but to depend on them. He trusts their judgment and does what
he's told. Meeting Catherine and
gaining a "home" helps him to realize his own worth. By the end he realizes that he should
value his life: if not for himself, than for the sake of those who care for
him. He recognizes that he is
living without emotion and wants that to change. It's not that Triton is incapable of
emotion: he's just not used to it.
If he continues to live with Catherine in the circus, it is possible that
he will be able to change himself.
I know this section is a little thinner than what I've done for the other pilots, but there is very little for me to debate just yet. Most everyone seems to recognize that Triton is locking his emotions away, and that by the end he is improving. So let's move onto the real debate:
Is Triton a rape victim?
Before I go into the different sides I want it to be very clear that I have no preference for either. Both are equally likely, in my opinion, and it's up to the audience to decide--Gundam Wing's creators have often stated that they've kept much about the pilots' pasts secret to encourage fan interpretation. I can't prove anything, so I won't. I'm only saying what I know.
Triton as a rape victim
If you're looking for good proofs for how Triton could be a rape victim, you should go to ALONE ~ The Complete Trowa Guide. They have an excellent analysis section with quotes, psychological facts, proofs, and a very well thought out interpretation. I agree with the validity of all their claims.
Triton has lived all his life as a pilot of a mobile suit, among troops of mercenaries. Mercenaries which, as shown by different flashbacks in the Episode Zero and Blind Target comics, were comprised almost completely of men from the ages of twenty to forty. There probably weren’t any women around—Triton behaves toward Catherine with a very protective attitude, and other females as well (he tells Wufei to “be nice to [Relena] when she comes; girls are more sensitive than you.”) This would indicate that he thinks very highly of women, or at least admires their purity. (Midii Une may have betrayed his group, but in that situation she was just as much of a victim in that she was working for her family’s sake). Thus, throughout his youth Triton has been surrounded with older men, all of which live in perpetual uncertainty and constant battle. Very tense living arrangements.
Triton was raised by a mercenary troop fighting against the Federation. Even though he was never very close emotionally to any of them--even the captain, who seemed to appreciate him--they had a responsibility toward him, and definitely a respect for his skill. That, combined with how young he was at the time, make it very unlikely that the original mercenary group would have hurt Triton. Moreover, the captain was shocked by Triton's immediate elimination of the other mercenaries, saying, "But they raised you…." Had Triton been victim of abuse by those people, his actions would have been justified and therefore not surprising.
However, Triton left that group when he was only about eleven years old, and soon joined another troop. This would more than likely have made him the youngest member of such a troop—one with extraordinary skill, obviously, but still only a child. More than that, Triton is very attractive (as any fan will tell you). He is tall with a slim build, almost girlish, and is also very flexible. In a mercenary troop, he would have been the closest to a girl.
The unpleasant truth of war
is that even those fighting for the right cause aren’t always themselves
righteous. We’re talking about men
who do nothing but fight—it makes sense that they would seek relief and
entertainment occasionally. Without
any women around, Triton is the perfect replacement for relieving any sexual
tension, especially given his detached and seemingly uncaring nature. These are not the mercenaries that
raised him from a baby—they have no responsibility toward them. It has been documented that things of
this sort do happen in military situations—rape is not uncommon in our world, on
any level with any people.
The fact that Triton was (is) an excellent pilot might have also worked again him. Tell a group of older men that a child is a better pilot than them, and certainly there are going to be those willing to prove otherwise. The act of rape is one of violence and control—a way to put him back in his place, so to speak. To prove that he isn’t quite as strong as the rest of them. Conversely, all of the mercenaries were aware of Triton’s skill to some degree. Were he to hold back, his elders could justify his deserving of punishment. All these ideas lead up to the strong possibility that Triton was raped during his time with the mercenaries—after all, he does have some degree of ABC experience, despite the fact that his character doesn’t seem the type to search out some kind of relationship.
Even if the possibility is there, it doesn’t mean it had to have happened
Of course. Possibility can never prove an argument. However, Triton’s behavior in the show is very suggestive of a dark past. Though he would never harm one of his fellows, he never opens up to them, either. He hides his emotions and tries to be the perfect soldier carrying out his mission. He shows a low sense of worth in his own life, and (in the first half of the show, at least) is capable facing death without hesitation. Though I can’t claim to have known or understood anyone suffering from what Trition might have gone through, this behavior does sound like someone who has undergone a very traumatic experience. Were he raped by his elders in order for them to exert their control over him, it would be easy for Triton to believe himself nothing more than a tool for war. Even after having been taken out of the setting of the mercenary group, he has yet to regain the purpose of his life. It’s not surprising that he would attach himself later on to Heero, who has so much strength and emotion, and Quatre, who is so pure.
Further evidence can be taken from Endless Waltz: Triton’s strange connection to Trowa Barton. Not only does Trowa show him a picture “for his eyes only,” but somehow finds it necessary to drape his arm over the young mechanic as well. Triton did not attempt to escape from this contact or even flinch. The fact that Triton did not react in the slightest to Trowa’s death indicates that they were not close friends—can you imagine being glomped by anyone else? Everyone has their personal space, and for someone as aloof and independent as Triton, having someone invade like that should have been uncomfortable. But Triton didn’t react. Either he didn’t care enough to resist, or he’d learned that it was useless trying to do so—even if Trowa himself never abused Triton.
In short, there is a very strong possibility that Triton was raped, as a result of his surroundings, previous manner, and his current behavior.
Triton as a non rape victim
Once again, Triton was raised by a mercenary troop fighting against the Federation. It’s unlikely that those original mercenaries harmed Triton, as they took care of him since he was a child. Moreover, he joined another mercenary group after that—had he suffered greatly among his original ranks, he may have hesitated before joining another.
During Episode Zero Triton behaves very much like he did in the GW series: no concern for his own life, no attachment to the other mercenaries, but at the same time he connected with Midii Une because she was "the same as him," and even went out of his way to rescue her. The betrayal of the other mercenaries earned them death, but Midii's betrayal went unpunished. There are a number of explanations for this: she reminded him of himself in some way, because they were able to connect; she was a girl, which Triton has had little experience around; because she did not endanger his own life. Had Midii attempted to hurt Triton, most likely he would have killed her as well.
In this way Triton's personality could be described as being that of a wild animal--perhaps explaining his connection to the circus creatures. Animals only attack when provoked, and feel no guilt afterwards. Triton often behaves in the same way, only fighting those that endanger him or his mission. At the same time, however, he is perfectly willing to protect (and/or sacrifice his life for) anyone willing to carry out his mission. In defense of this idea I offer these proofs:
Triton will eliminate any threat: he was willing, at a moment's notice, to shoot down Heero when they were testing the Mercurius and the Vayette. He DID shoot down Gundam Deathscythe, without any change in his brain or heart. Anything that may endanger his mission is dealt with--basically, anything that threatens to betray him is taken out.
Triton will protect those like himself: like an animal, Triton is willing to sacrifice himself for his "children," or members of his own "species." He saved Midii Une because she was "just like him." He and Heero had a special bond in that they were both Gundam pilots, and so saves him from Quatre in ep 25 (at the same time helping Quatre, who is also just like him). Triton also goes to great lengths to protect Catherine, who is the prime maternal figure in his life. For animals, the continuation of the species is the prime instinct: with Triton, it's the same, instead replaced with the continuation of the mission. To this end all means are acceptable, and necessary.
It may seem that this has nothing to do with proving Triton is not a rape victim. Actually, it does. Most of the evidence that supports Triton as a rape victim has to do with his behavior towards others: his selflessness, his detachment. However, just because someone is introverted does not make them a rape victim. There are other things that can occur in a person's life that would affect them that way--or it could simply be part of his personality. Remember that Triton was acting much the same way during the show as in Episode Zero, before he might have been raped. If he was an active child but shown in the series as being submissive, it would be reasonable to assume that some event changed his personality. However, Triton has always acted in the same fashion. He has never initiated contact with anyone, even before he had any reason not to.
In any situation where there are only men, struggling to live and surrounded by violence, it isn't too hard to imagine rape occurring. The fact that it does occur is proof enough. However, Triton has often been described (by Ralph Kurt, even) as a "perfect soldier." If they were fighting against the Federation, there would have been a constant danger of being caught. This being the case, someone with Triton's level of skill would make him not only a convenience, but a necessity. Remember that the point of Gundam is connection. If Triton was among a group of "imperfect" soldiers, it's likely that they would depend on him, and try to follow his example. Someone raping him to put him in his place is just as likely as someone protecting him to preserve that perfection: it depends on the members of the group. Therefore, arguing that he couldn’t live in a mercenary group without getting raped is unfair--given the right combination of people, it's possible that he was left pretty much alone, and silently respected.
Triton and the Mercenaries
Gundam Wing takes place in a
different kind of world than today.
A group of mercenaries is very different from soldiers fighting in a war,
where rape of war victims and lower officers is not uncommon. Triton was definitely a mercenary--these
are people that are fighting for money.
Obviously they each have different goals: some fight for independence,
some for domination, but all of them fight to stay alive. They can't just quit and go home to
mom--they are fighting for survival, because fighting is all they can do. More than this, they are depending on
each other (much like Duo's gang, in the aforementioned section). If one person screws up, everyone
pays. Money and safety are
everything, as proved by the members of Triton's original mercenary group. Those that spin off on concepts like
liberty and freedom have no future, because everyone else is more interested in
saving themselves.
I admit that referring to another anime in this case is not the most reliable of sources, but mercenary clans and bounty hunters are common in anime. In Berserk there is a group of mercenaries, and among them a young, somewhat girly-looking boy named Rickert (in much the situation Trowa would have been in). The members of the clan realize that it is young members like this boy that will continue their powerful name, and he is treated like a brother more than an underling. And when the main character, Gatts, is taken in by them as well, he is respected for his skill despite his independent nature and "leave me the hell alone," attitude. No one solicits Rickert, and no one attempts to break Gatts's superiority.
A mercenary tribe is not led by ranks of officers, each on a different level acting under orders. There is almost always one very strong individual with great experience that makes the plans and leads the battles. S/he is followed not because of rank, but because everyone is fully aware of their ability. Willing trust is much stronger (and more likely to keep you alive) than obedience out of fear. Thus, to a true leader, "breaking" individuals would not only be risky, but unnecessary. They’re already following because they want to.
Triton behaves in a way exemplifying these ideals: he fights for nothing but his mission, and protects those with the same goals as him. In a group of mercenaries Triton would be especially trusted--as long as you stay on his good side, you'll always have someone guarding your back. If he were really seen as being the "perfect soldier" would they risk his retaliation? The warfare they conducted was all done in mobile suits. Though in any normal situation it would have been easy for a group of grown men to overpower Triton, in a mobile suit he is far more lethal. Angering or betraying Triton would label them a threat: in combat, there is no doubt that he could destroy any of them without warning.
Triton behaves in the show in a way that would imply he's fought for the sake of others before; after Heero self-destructs, he does not hesitate in rescuing him from the field and caring for him. This enforces the idea that Triton readily helps those that are like him. Had he been abused by his peers in other groups, he might not be so trusting.
What about Ralph Kurt?
Really, I don't know. I do not own Blind Target (yet ^_-) so I haven't had a chance to read over every nuance of the story. However, it is fairly obvious that Triton has a negative reaction to seeing Ralph again. This could be interpreted in any number of ways. Personally I don't think Ralph raped Triton--he would not have referred to Triton as a perfect soldier if he, at one point, had dominated him. Or even if he knew of others dominating him.
It may be possible that someone attempted to rape Triton and, for whatever reason, stopped, thus creating some degree of ABC experience. But rape is all about a balance of power--Triton would not have been so highly regarded by Kurt if he was considered to be of lower status.
What about Trowa Barton?
Again, the infamous scene in which Trowa nearly glomps Triton can be interpreted in many ways. Usually when a person is confronted with someone they don't care for, they will reject such a degree of physical contact. The fact that Triton did not react can be considered an act of submission--he knows it's useless to struggle against a male of higher authority.
However, Triton also knows that Trowa is not going to harm him. They obviously had some sort of relation to each other, as Trowa trusted the "no name" mechanic with a family secret. Triton was not threatened by the older man, and therefore had no reason to attempt to pull away. (Remember how Triton first approaches the lion in the circus--it knew he was no threat, and therefore had no problems in letting him pet it). Though for most of us the idea of being hung on that way is uncomfortable and distasteful, some people have different ideas of "personal space." It may be that Triton didn't mind the closeness--after all, being as "perfect" and aloof as he was with the other mercenaries, it's unlikely that anyone tried to approach him in such a friendly manner. Someone that treated him kindly might have been a welcomed change.
On the flip side, if Triton did not like Trowa, he may have refrained from refusing simply because he didn't want to--reacting to a bully only makes them continue.
I'm not saying that Triton and Trowa shared any kind of physical relationship, but it is a possibility. The fact that Triton did not react at his death means nothing substantial, as he didn't react to killing those that raised him, either. More importantly, Triton had no problem in taking the name Trowa. Would he have been so willing if the man had raped him? It's more likely that Triton felt pretty indifferent towards him.
Now that that section's done, I'm going back to calling him Trowa instead of Triton.
Interpretation of Trowa's Image Songs
Well, song. I haven't finished the other two yet.
"I won't make excuses, I don't need
comfort"
"I want to protect with my bloody
hands,
My life is just a disappearing shooting star"
The entire song presents a very strong image of selflessness: Trowa sees himself as a perfect soldier, in that he cares only for his mission and the peace of the people. He doesn't see himself as an individual, but rather more like an object.
"Staring at the faraway sky with lonesome
eyes,
Always looking for something
With injured wings,
I'll be a bird flying the broad sky"
However, at the same time he recognizes that he is capable of being more, and he wishes for it.
"For how I am now I don't need
kindness
In battle, a shooting star that burns itself
out...
Lonely..."
Trowa is expressing contrasting emotions. He says that he doesn't need kindness, that his life is only going to burn out and be done, but at the same time he is lonely, and searching for comfort.
"The one that flies to the end of the sky
---
Be that legendary bird"
The reference to the "legendary bird" and "burning out" sounds remarkably like a phoenix. It could be that though Trowa sees himself as nothing more than a force for peace now, in the future he believes that he will be "reborn," where the "reality, future, friendship, and memories" can be reclaimed.
In conclusion
Trowa cares about the mission and those that can fulfill it more than himself. He would gladly sacrifice his life if he thought it would bring peace. At the same time, however, he knows that he is one of those that can bring peace, and therefore will fight anyone that endangers himself or his mission. By the end of the war he will have to reclaim his individuality, which can be done with Catherine's help.
There is more to Trowa than is
in this essay. As a remarkably
human character, it would be impossible for me to comprehend his every thought
process and choice of action.
Though he exhibits attributes similar to those of an animal in his “only
harm the enemy” belief, there is something even more: everyone trusts
Trowa. Quatre, Heero, and even
Wufei don’t hesitated to accept his company, even when the latter two have
displayed less trusting natures to the other pilots. Not only does Trowa trust his comrades,
but somehow radiates a sense that they can do the same. And they do. Even Duo, who had spent the least amount
of time with Trowa up until then, was relieved to find Trowa at the circus, and
then greatly disturbed after learning of his memory loss. Trowa is like a force of nature—as the
only one of the five pilots that was born on the Earth, he has a connection with
it the others lack. He can be both
comforting and cruel, strong and meek, and treats everyone fairly as long as
they do not strive to do him harm.
As to whether or not Trowa is a rape victim, no one can say for sure. His behavior can be explained either way. That means it's up to each individual fan to decide what kind of mercenaries Trowa was with. As long as all factors are taken into account, there really is no wrong answer.
