DISCLAIMER: Spoilers.

• "Take a rest." - Maromi
  • Paranoia Agent
    • "Mellow Maromi" Transliteration: "Maromi Madoromi" (Japanese: マロミまどろみ)
    • The character, "Maromi" is a character of refuge and a metaphor for escapism represented in the anime as the dog contrasts with the malicious antagonist: "Lil' Slugger." Throughout the anime, Tsukiko Sagi escapes accountability and relies on the comfort of Maromi. Multiple times she assures her that, "It's not your her fault" and to "Not worry." These lines are Sagi's voice, metaphorically represented through Maromi which emphasises her desperate need for validation and comfort - echoing her refusal to admit that she killed her dog. Additionally, Maromi is named after her dog. This exposes her guilt that had followed her throughout the years. The fact that she relies on a fictional character named after a dog that she killed may imply that reassurance and failure to admit to mistakes will never erase the guilt she feels through her actions. In the anime, episode 10. Maromi says the line, "Take a rest" in the end of the anime. Repeating it again. And again. AND again. And again. This is my favourite line because of the way I interpret it and how I can personally relate to it. Linking back to what I have originally said. Maromi is a character of refuge and a metaphor for escapism. People rely on him even though in the end, it is exposed that Lil' Slugger IS Maromi - both relying on both to escape and to cope with problems. The repetition in the line may evoke a sense of desire. That people are encouraged to "Take a rest" and to avoid problems that they may be facing. This is Sagi's voice, assuring her to ignore her crimes and to simply, "rest". The verb "rest" may also hold meaning. To rest is to relax but not to sleep. If you are resting you are simply taking a break. I believe this is important because this emphasises the fact that she is taking a break from problems. Resting isn't a solution to problems because the moment you get up, the pressure is there again. I find it intelligent that she chooses to rest over confrontation. The fact that Maromi is giving her orders strip her from her autonomy and that she is subconsciously doing what she can to avoid problems. Instead of actually confronting her needs she chooses to ignore and to rest. This idea also links to procrastination, the fact that she is reluctant to work and would rather rest foreshadows her irresponsibility in the anime and I feel as if I relate to the fact that she's like that. :33