Hey guys! Ever played Undertale and found yourself staring down Papyrus, that tall, lovable skeleton with dreams of joining the Royal Guard? He's got a heart of gold, a quirky personality, and a passion for puzzles. But then the questions start swirling: Should you really spare him? He does try to capture you, and some argue that his actions, viewed through a modern lens, raise some serious ethical questions. Let's dive into this complex issue, explore Papyrus' character, and figure out the best course of action in the game – and maybe even learn something about ourselves along the way.
Understanding Papyrus: More Than Just a Goofy Skeleton
To truly grapple with the decision of sparing Papyrus, we need to understand him. Papyrus isn't just a random enemy; he's a character with depth, dreams, and a surprisingly innocent worldview. He genuinely believes in the good of the Royal Guard, seeing it as a path to heroism and recognition. He's naive, yes, but his intentions are pure. He wants to capture you not out of malice, but because he thinks it's the right thing to do, and because he believes it will impress Undyne and get him closer to his dream. He views the world through rose-tinted glasses, a perspective that's both endearing and, in the context of the Underground, a little heartbreaking.
Think about his puzzles. They're not designed to be deadly; they're playful and often self-defeating. He's more concerned with the idea of being a guard than with actually harming anyone. This fundamental lack of aggression is key to his character. He's a gentle soul trapped in a world that can be harsh, and his optimism is almost a form of rebellion against the cynicism that pervades the Underground. His unwavering belief in the possibility of good, even in the face of adversity, is a powerful message in a game that constantly challenges our perceptions of morality. He even tries to befriend you during your fight, offering hints and changing the battle conditions to make it easier for you. How many enemies do that?
This inherent goodness is further highlighted in his relationship with his brother, Sans. While Sans is more aware of the dangers of the world, Papyrus remains blissfully optimistic, often the emotional anchor for his more world-weary sibling. He cares deeply for Sans, even if he doesn't always understand him. This familial bond is another layer to Papyrus' character, showcasing his capacity for love and loyalty. Considering all of this, writing him off as simply a "child-killing military" wannabe feels like a gross oversimplification. It's crucial to consider the context of his actions and the underlying motivations that drive him.
The Weight of "What Ifs": Addressing the Darker Interpretations
Now, let's address the elephant in the room: the arguments for not sparing Papyrus. Some players point to his desire to join the Royal Guard, a military organization under the potentially tyrannical rule of Asgore, as evidence of a darker side. The concern is that, in a real-world scenario, Papyrus' naivety and desire for belonging could make him susceptible to manipulation and potentially lead him down a dangerous path. The idea that he "would probably be a fascist irl" is a stark and unsettling one. It forces us to consider the potential consequences of his actions if transplanted into a more realistic, less fantastical setting.
Furthermore, some interpretations of the game suggest that the Royal Guard's primary function is to kill humans, and Papyrus' eagerness to join could be construed as a willingness to participate in these acts. This is where the discussion gets tricky. Is it fair to judge a fictional character based on the potential implications of their actions in a hypothetical scenario? Is it ethical to condemn Papyrus for something he might do, rather than for what he actually does? This brings up the complex question of pre-emptive justice and the slippery slope of judging individuals based on perceived future threats.
Another point of contention is the argument that Papyrus "abuses Sans who is trans-coded and coined Mettaton's deadname." These are serious accusations that require careful examination. The idea that Sans is trans-coded is an interesting interpretation, but it's not explicitly stated in the game. It's a reading of the character based on certain behaviors and traits, but it's ultimately subjective. Similarly, the claim that Papyrus coins Mettaton's deadname hinges on a specific reading of a single line of dialogue. While it's important to be sensitive to these interpretations, it's equally important to avoid making definitive statements based on conjecture. In both cases, it's crucial to consider Papyrus' naivety and lack of malice. If he is inadvertently causing harm, it's likely due to ignorance rather than intentional cruelty. Does ignorance excuse harmful behavior? That's a question worth pondering, but it shouldn't automatically lead to a condemnation of Papyrus' character.
The Power of Mercy: Why Sparing Papyrus Matters
Despite these valid concerns, the core message of Undertale is one of mercy and redemption. The game constantly challenges the player to consider the consequences of their actions and to choose the path of compassion over violence. Sparing Papyrus is a pivotal moment in this journey. It's a chance to show him, and ourselves, that even someone who initially seems like an obstacle can be a friend. Choosing to spare Papyrus is not just about saving a single character; it's about embracing the game's central theme of pacifism and understanding.
By sparing Papyrus, you open the door to a genuine friendship. He becomes a supportive and encouraging presence in your journey, offering advice, sharing his quirky perspective, and even inviting you to hang out at his house. This friendship not only enriches the gameplay experience but also serves as a powerful reminder that even seemingly misguided individuals are capable of growth and change. It's a testament to the power of empathy and the potential for connection even in the most unlikely of circumstances. Furthermore, sparing Papyrus is crucial for achieving the game's true pacifist ending, the ending that arguably best reflects the game's overall message. This ending emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, understanding, and the belief in the inherent goodness of others.
The Nuances of Morality: There's No Easy Answer
Ultimately, the decision of whether to spare Papyrus is a personal one. There's no single right or wrong answer. The game encourages you to grapple with these complex ethical questions and to make choices that align with your own values. It's a testament to Undertale's brilliance that it can spark such passionate debate and force us to confront our own moral compasses. The key takeaway is that morality is rarely black and white; it's a spectrum of grays, filled with nuances and contradictions.
The arguments for and against sparing Papyrus are both valid and thought-provoking. There are legitimate concerns about his potential for harm, especially when viewed through a modern lens. However, there's also his inherent goodness, his naivety, and the game's overarching message of mercy and redemption. It's a complex equation with no easy solution. Maybe the best approach is to view Papyrus as a reflection of ourselves. We all have flaws, we all make mistakes, and we all have the potential for both good and evil. Undertale challenges us to choose the path of good, to offer compassion and understanding, and to believe in the possibility of change. And perhaps, in the end, that's the most important lesson we can learn from a goofy skeleton who dreams of joining the Royal Guard.
So, what do you think? Did you spare Papyrus? And why or why not? Let's discuss in the comments below!
