The dark reality of Fran Bow's world | Story Analysis
Video Overview & Insights
As a therapist, I explain how trauma is something at times we can see on the outside, but more often than not, we carry the scars of trauma on the inside…invisible to everyone, but ourselves. However, from the moment we see Fran standing over the remains of her parents, it’s clear that this game was going to approach this invisible monster in a very visual way.
So I somehow decided to pronounce the doctor's name as "Dern" and, so, I guess I'm sticking to it 🙃!
Also here a few other videos you might enjoy after this one:
Bramble the Mountain King Explained: https://youtu.be/FjOnx600uCU
Sounds of Nightmares Explained: https://youtu.be/seqPb0t5E2A
How Slay the Princess Makes you Question Reality: https://youtu.be/YSm3Q0TEZ_A
So, what is the story of Fran Bow and how does her experience serve as a visual representation of real-world trauma? This is a Fran Bow story analysis from a psychological perspective.
Show support with a coffee:
From a psychological perspective, this is an interesting analysis.
But the important thing to note is that this is all fictional, because while the world of Frend Bow may draw inspiration from the real world, it is still a fictional universe.
That said, in *Frend Bow*, everything is real—all five realities. The developers have confirmed this, and so has the game.
➤ https://ko-fi.com/thejurnee
Connect over games:
the big thing i love about franbow it can reminds us how terrible mental asylums were in the 1940s and remind us they are never a good thing to want back...
➤ https://steamcommunity.com/groups/indiejurnee/curation
Bramble the Mountain King Explained: https://youtu.be/FjOnx600uCU
I know the video is old, but what are your thoughts on the popular theory about Fran having a twin sister this whole time?
__________
Additional visuals provided by: Canva
29:51 You are mistaken. This is just to prevent prying and triggering people. And to obfuscate. Its simple, you just need enough stress to not sleep for 3+ nights straight.
Songs Used: When Things are Said (Fran Bow OST) || This is the Forest (Fran Bow OST) || Duality (Fran Bow OST) || Into the Mines (Spiritfarer OST) || Inside the Children’s Head (Fran Bow OST) || In the Reeds (Eastshade OST) || Beerenweg (Dorfromantik OST) || Boss (Night Call OST)
___________
This duality stuff is a cope, I despise it, people who told me it were mistaken, its a false dichotomy. As if I need to experience trauma, to enjoy life without trauma, WoW Duality! Thats how they think. Stop it.
Timestamps:
0:00 What is Fran Bow?
Rene Descarte truly fucked up philosophy not gonna lie or sugarcoat it lol
Promotes delusional thinking, says they don't trust any process of knowledge whatsoever- pulls this gland info out of his rectum.
Like he might not be fully wrong about it but, mysticalizing everything and claiming to hold everything in suspicion at the same time damaged too many people.
1:36 Origins of trauma
10:58 Clara, Mia, Mengele, and the Holocaust
This was a great breakdown and analysis of Fran Bow!
I recently re-watched a game-play through it, and have seen multiple similar games: Habromania, Sally face and Little Misfortune. I've always been interested in how Fran Bow's mindset works. Many people say that her visions are not real and it is her toxic psychology. But I thought about, how would Fran Bow know about Dr. Deern's backstory? I also think that the Dr. Deern worked at the asylum because of his own tragic past. Also, Fran Bow probably did kill her parents, because Aunt Grace spiked her drink with high levels of Duotine causing Fran to have a psychotic attack and killing her parents. Because she had a Psychotic attack she didn't have any recollection other than finding her parents brutally murdered. Remor used this to his advantage, trying to trigger more guilt and shame in Fran's mind. That's why we see Fran stabbing her parents. Atleast this is my own theory..
16:25 The healing begins
27:03 Seeking the truth
I love this take on it. Its way more positive than lots of other theories. Based on what the creator has said as well, I have a feeling this is the true meaning of the game.
33:26 Finding the truth
40:46 Post-traumatic Growth
Thank you for your story analysis and not just the story reiteration.
More User Perspectives
Such a good video! I hope you make more of these about other games too. As a Finn I have to also give you kudos for actually including the translations for kamalas and valokas. Spot on!
@thetoasterunicornI always wondered of Mia and Clara "hating each other" was Fran's rationalization for their situation, making it easier to believe they deserved their fate instead of the further horror and trauma of comprehending that someone did this to them.
@1980rlquinnSuch a great video I swear, I have been obsessed with this game since I was a kid and I’ve never seen an analysis more put together than yours. Everyone is so focused on what is real and what is fake that they forget to take it all in. They’re missing the point. I’m so glad you made this video, keep it up I’ll definitely support your work!
Also check out disco Elysium its a great game
Oh im pretty sure vegetative state is old word for coma
@Hibari_fanoh my god, this video is soooo good! i say this in the best way possible, i thought this channel had like, a million subscribers. btw, it reached me in brazil! and im so thankful!! ive loved this game ever since i was a teenager and this video just showed me a whole new perspective. congrats on your amazing content!
@isa4465Thank you for this analysis! This made me see some aspects of the plot I never noticed before
@rana7106This was amazing, thank you for making this!!
@sugarsprinkles9875This was an amazing breakdown, I really enjoyed watching it. Please continue to make more content.
Could you make a video covering Sally Face and Little Misfortune, too?
Wow this a hidden gem 💎 of a channel, this deserves a few thousand likes and views, really good video.
@Cheesecake_666As someone who has been diagnosed with PTSD and depression, this breakdown and analysis hits home on many points you have shared! I have experienced more than one instance of disassociation and it really is a very weird experience!
The developer did an incredible job expressing themselves through this game and the art was amazing! You did an amazing job on your analysis on this one, I can definitely see the work you put in to this video!😊
P.s. I chuckled at your Slimer comment as it was the exact same thing I was thinking when you mentioned ectoplasm😆
Besides how dark the story is, the art style is actually quite beautiful!
Nice analysis! Your video is nicely put together!
The creators say the events in the game is canonical.
@treasuretv1It's good of the doctor to never let her take the medicine ever again. He saw something was wrong, and acted quickly.
@treasuretv1This is a really good break down, i appreciate the more educated perspective.
Would you be interested in doing an analysis on Little Misfortune? I feel like the developers have an awesome skill presenting childhood trauma in its many facets that your perspective adds so nuch value to.
You deserve soo many more subscribers
@SomthingAwfulIncredibly well put together, edited, and researched! I actually didn't know the maker had experienced childhood trauma, but that makes a lot of sense given both of her games. I also liked that you pointed out the axolotl regrowth/regenerative properties; I felt that was pretty symbolic, not just for the instance of reacquiring her limbs, but as a symbol of her own regrowth from that point forward, it even ends with her riding off on the back of the axolotl, choosing to go towards happiness on the back of regrowth (although that interpretation could be a stretch). In any case, excellently done!
@RedChems