The Hollow Vessel: Rei Ayanami as a Critique of Cartesian Dualism and Instrumental Identity in Neon Genesis Evangelion
Rei is often reduced to “emotionless,” “doll-like,” or “waifu.” This paper posits that these readings miss her purpose: she is a literalized metaphor for a being denied a soul ( Geist ) yet forced to perform personhood. Her famous line, “I am nothing but a doll,” is not self-pity but ontological truth.
Unlike later anime heroines designed for possessive affection, Rei’s design and arc actively repel easy empathy. Her uncanny valley effect—beautiful but soulless—forces viewers to confront what they project onto her. The paper concludes that Rei is Evangelion’s sharpest weapon against escapism: a character who exists not to be loved, but to ask, “What does it mean to be a person when you are designed to be used?”