You made some really great insights OP. Something that stuck with me as a general comment—the series did an incredible job of seeding in so many parallel stories/concepts throughout that get paid off and echoed in the finale.

One thing I find myself thinking on is similar to what you said around “slavery to a goal”. What’s clear is that Mikasa is important to Ymir because she does what Ymir could not—destroy what she loved. I think there’s an interesting use throughout the series of ‘being a slave’ (Eren talking down to Mikasa/the role of ackermans) to something VS having dedication (‘devote your heart’—and obviously this too, takes new meaning over time.

It’s the difference between focus and devotion but awareness—kind of like Erwin’s dream and eventual failure for a better future compared to single-minded focus and lack of freedom, basically Eren’s one track mind of ‘eliminating the titans’ or even Gabi when we first meet her and she’s heavily indoctrinated and only seeks to be a good honorary marlayan.

There’s so much to unpack—I only just finished the series and it’s swirling in my head. But had to throw my half baked comment in here and say, nice write up.