Kokoro | Natsume Sōseki | 1914 | Book Review

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Natsume Sōseki (1867–1916) is one of Japan’s most celebrated novelists, known for his profound contributions to Japanese literature. Born as Natsume Kinnosuke in Edo (now Tokyo), Sōseki grew up during a time of significant cultural transformation as Japan transitioned from the Edo to the Meiji era. His birthplace in Ushigome vividly influenced the settings of his classic Japanese novels, often steeped in the quiet elegance of Japan’s changing landscapes. Sōseki’s works remain iconic in Japanese literature and continue to shape modern Japanese fiction.

Sōseki pursued higher education at Tokyo Imperial University, where he specialized in English literature. It was there that he grew deeply influenced by Western literary traditions. After graduating, he taught as a professor and was later sent to London on a government scholarship, an experience that profoundly shaped his worldview and writing style. His time in England, though isolating and difficult, gave him insights into the complexities of modernity and individualism.

Returning to Japan, Sōseki became a literary icon through works like I Am a Cat, Kokoro, and Botchan. His writing blends sharp social critique with introspection, exploring themes like human loneliness, the conflict between tradition and modernity, and the subtleties of human relationships. Although he didn’t receive any formal awards, his literary legacy is the cornerstone of Japanese classic literature, influencing countless contemporary authors with his elegant and thought-provoking prose.

SYNOPSIS

Kokoro by Natsume Sōseki intricately examines themes of loneliness, trust, and the moral complexities of human relationships. The novel is set against the backdrop of Japan’s transformative Meiji Restoration, capturing the philosophical conflicts between traditional Japanese values and Westernization. The novel’s three sections—Sensei and I, My Parents and I, and Sensei’s Testament—chart the intertwined lives of a young university student and an enigmatic older man, Sensei, as they navigate profound personal and societal upheavals.

In Sensei and I, the narrator first encounters Sensei at a seaside resort and becomes intrigued by his melancholic demeanor. This fascination leads the narrator to visit Sensei’s home in Tokyo,where he also meets Shizu, Sensei’s kind but somewhat distant wife. Sensei’s mysterious visits to a friend’s grave and his reserved nature suggest a dark past. However, Sensei remains unwilling to disclose his secrets, adding to the young man’s curiosity and admiration.

In My Parents and I, the focus shifts as the narrator returns to his rural home to care for his ailing father. Amidst his father’s declining health, the narrator receives a foreboding letter from Sensei, hinting at his impending death. Compelled by the letter’s urgency, the narrator leaves his father’s deathbed and rushes back to Tokyo.

The final section, Sensei’s Testament, unveils Sensei’s haunting past. Betrayed and cheated by his uncle over inheritance, Sensei’s faith in humanity is deeply shaken. While boarding with a widow, Okusan, and her daughter, Ojosan, he develops feelings for Ojosan (Shizu). However, his friend K’s shared affection for her ignites jealousy and fear. Sensei secures an engagement with Ojosan but inadvertently drives K to suicide. This tragedy, compounded by his disillusionment with humanity, leads Sensei to live a life of detachment and guilt. Inspired by General Nogi’s ritual suicide following Emperor Meiji’s death, Sensei resolves to end his own life, leaving the narrator to grapple with the weight of his mentor’s legacy.

The novel deftly juxtaposes two contrasting worlds: the older, tradition-bound society represented by Sensei, the Meiji intellectual, and the younger generation, embodied by the narrator, shaped by the rapid modernization of the Meiji era. This contrast captures the tensions of a nation undergoing profound change, where values of honor, loyalty, and restraint collide with the ambitions of modernization and self-interest.

WHAT WE LIKED ABOUT KOKORO

Kokoro draws readers into an emotional world that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page. Natsume Sōseki’s melancholic tone creates an atmosphere steeped in guilt, isolation, and yearning. The novel prompts readers to reflect on how the past silently shapes the present.

Sensei, one of the central characters, stands out as a man burdened by his past. His inner turmoil is portrayed so vividly that it compels readers to question their own relationships and moral choices. The novel explores the emotional struggles of three men, each restless with love, making it deeply moving.

What truly sets Kokoro apart is Sōseki’s remarkable ability to capture the Meiji period’s essence. His writing offers a window into the soul of Japan during a pivotal time, hence the name Kokoro, meaning “Heart”. The themes of cultural transition, alienation, and human longing resonate deeply, making Kokoro one of the most influential Japanese novels of all time.

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER ABOUT KOKORO

While Kokoro is a profound literary masterpiece, it has a few areas that could be improved. The pacing, especially in the first two sections, is slow. The novel focuses more on philosophical introspection rather than plot development. While this creates an immersive atmosphere, it can feel drawn-out for some readers.

Another significant issue is the novel’s portrayal of women, which feels outdated and sexist. The book reflects the rigid gender roles of early 20th-century Japan, where women were often depicted as passive figures with little agency or depth. While this aligns with the historical context, modern readers may find this aspect one-dimensional.

Lastly, while Sensei’s confession at the end is emotionally powerful, it can come across as overly philosophical and lengthy. A more concise conclusion might have delivered a stronger emotional impact.

QUOTES

The memory of having sat at someone’s feet will later make you want to trample him underfoot. I’m trying to fend off your admiration for me, you see, in order to save myself from your future contempt. I prefer to put up with my present state of loneliness rather than suffer more loneliness later. We who are born into this age of freedom and independence and the self must undergo this loneliness. It’s the price we pay for these times of ours.

I thought of the new stone, of my new wife, and of the newly buried white bones beneath us, and I felt that fate had made sport of us all.

CONCLUSION