| dc.description.abstract | This analysis discusses hair as a symbolic device for female character in Hayao Miyazaki’s films. The four main female characters of Lettie and Sophie from Howl’s Moving Castle (2004) and Sheeta and Dola from Laputa: Castle in the Sky (1986) are examined through a modified version of Eder’s character analysis in order to expose the various ways in which hair is used communicatively. A wide range of hair symbolism theory is applied in conjunction with observations of character representations in order to understand how cultural systems of meaning are reflected in these animated fictional characters. Here, the hair colour and style of each character are discussed in relation to their character identity and personality. Comparisons between characters are then made, identifying how hair visualises similarities and differences. This is followed by an exploration of hair change as reflective of character development, showing how hair cutting symbolises freedom from burden. Mapping out the various functions of hair for character exposes this device that can convey personal, relational, diverse, contradictory and subversive meanings. From these ideas, comparisons are made between Miyazaki’s female characters (and their hair) and the broader genre conventions of shōjo anime in order to demonstrate the relevance of hair as a distinct yet responsive symbolic device for these characters. The analysis concludes by arguing that observing hair style, colour, change, and relations, can symbolise complex ideas for these nuanced characters. Importantly, hair is found to demonstrate the ways in which Miyazaki’s female characters bring depth and variety to character femininity. As such, utilising hair as a lens for analysing character encourages a deeper understanding of Miyazaki’s female representations. | |
