The Representation Of Self-Sacrifice In The Attack On Titan Anime Series (A Roland Barthes Semiotic Analysis of the Attack on Titan Anime Series)

Abstract

Abstract. Anime, as a global popular culture product, has continued to expand its influence, with Attack on Titan consistently ranking among the highest-rated anime across various platforms. The series explores themes of war, freedom, and dehumanization within the conflict between the Eldians and Marleyans, with self-sacrifice emerging as a prominent narrative element. This study aims to analyze how self-sacrifice is represented in Attack on Titan, to uncover the denotative and connotative meanings behind such acts, and to identify the myths constructed through this representation. A qualitative method employing Roland Barthes' semiotic approach was used, examining verbal and nonverbal signs dialogue, scenes, symbols, and narrative flow through three levels of meaning: denotation, connotation, and myth. The findings reveal that self-sacrifice is represented in four forms: physical, emotional, moral, and ideological, embodied through characters such as Eren Yeager, Erwin Smith, Armin Arlert, Hange Zoë, and Mikasa Ackerman. Denotatively, sacrifice appears as acts that risk personal safety; connotatively, these acts signify courage, loyalty, responsibility, and devotion to the collective good. At the mythical level, the series constructs the idea that freedom and a better future cannot be achieved without sacrifice. The study concludes that Attack on Titan not only portrays conflict between humans and Titans but also represents self-sacrifice as a humanistic value that builds solidarity and hope.