The Themes of Final Fantasy XII 

Identity – Before the empire invaded, there was an entire ruling class hierarchy.  However following the fall of Damalsca everyone who held power lost it.  Look at key characters such as Basch and Ashe and see how they seek to reclaim/deal with their new identities. 

Human made solutions to problems – FFXII seems to emphasize the fact that “man-made” objects will not always be the best.  Pay attention to what the various judges think about man-made objects vs natural or divinely created things.  Also see how the people in old and new Archades live with the ultimate man-made object: money. 

Science Vs Nature – Magicite is a powerful element.  However, there is a debate over what is manufactured and what is real.  Is it good for Humes to create such a powerful device?  Sound similar to today’s politics?  Mmmm Hmmm.

The Outcast – each one of the characters is an outcast to some regard. 
Balthier – The judges
Fran – Her village
Ashce – Kingdom
Vaan – From his home
Basch – Trator
Pinelo – Society (she is a street rat)

Fate vs Free Will – The gods play an important role in this game.  They often seem to influence the actions of the people in Ivalice.  Watch out for terms such as “the fates”, “string”, “thread” or being “bound.”  Also, any time characters are brought together due to amazing odds, they were probably driven there by the gods.  On the other side is Free Will, or humans having total control over their destiny.  Key words are “history” and “hands of man.”

Revenge – Keep track of who is trying to level the score with whom.  Also see who forgives and who maintains their grudge. 

Comments (5)

	1. Written by Zukalous on 07-02-2007 04:46 - Guest
	So, do you think there are other themes out there Report

	2. Written by vandal unknown on 17-02-2007 05:42 - Guest
	Other themes?    The mystery of a Moogle run economy,... free city transportation but you got to pay for a chocobo ride? Report

	3. Written by kwakerjak on 21-02-2007 02:35 - Guest
	I think the idea of playing a role figures heavily into the game (appropriate, given that this is an RPG). The most obvious example is Balthier, who seems to choose his actions in accordance to what the "leading man" in any given narrative would do.    However, there are other examples, most notably that the Occuria want Ashe to play out a role they've prescribed for her. Report

	4. Written by Skye on 07-05-2007 10:40 - Guest
	"Other themes?     The mystery of a Moogle run economy,... free city transportation but you got to pay for a chocobo ride?"  -----  Ha. >.ine squishie.  ^-^ Report

	5. Written by Skye on 07-05-2007 10:44 - Guest
	Meh. The god damn commenting system just ruined my comment. Report

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