Fruits Basket Analyzed: Ritsu Sohma

[vmuzic]

Note: If it's in the anime it's not considered a spoiler

Going in no particular order, I’ve decided to start with Ritsu Sohma, a universal un-favorite.  He’s the cross dressing monkey of the family, pretty much an embarrassment [1].  He’s very sorry about that, but it’s a little hard to feel sympathy for someone who apologizes as often and as

Comments

[ljlee]

I've finished watching the anime, which was fine as long as it followed the manga. Unfortunately the final episodes and ending, which I heard came out before the manga finished, were crap. I'm looking forward to reading the manga, which I hope ends better than the anime did and which seems to have a lot more details on the ins and outs of the Sohma family. (There was no mention in the anime, for instance, that Akito couldn't stand Ritsu--and for that reason alone I'd say his is a nifty defense mechanism.) Since Ritsu is not a major character I figured I couldn't get too spoiled by reading about him

[vmuzic]

Yeah, the last couple episodes were a bit of a non-sequiter. I promise Akito's real story has possibly the most beautiful resolution of all. I remember the page when Akito says that, but I can't find it when I go looking (grrrr)

I'll be interested to see what you think about the transphobic angle when you're done. I think Ayame crossdresses to show his true self. Long after the dust has settled, he will still be wearing dresses for men.

Now that you mention the class aspect, it seems obvious to me. The whole less-than idea is tacitly supported by the rest of the family, and would explain a lot of the anxiety issues both mother and son seem to face.

I think many people can sympathize with Ritsu and that makes them a bit uncomfortable, I know it does me. I love your comment about Ritsu's reaction being less cool than Yuki or Kyo, because I think you're right. Ritsus make people uncomfortable, but that does not make them any less valid. Thanks for responding!