In response to Section A, I really enjoy reading the book, because
Mishima incorporates much detail and figurative language into the novel, which makes it very enjoyable to read. The main themes that are showing up in the book are :
- Brutality and Violence
- Happiness and Romance
- Nature
- Ethics/Morality
- and Glory
All of these are very apparent in the story and really creates a vivid picture in your mind when you are reading it. The book encompasses many stereotypical Japanese traditions or values such as glory or honor and New Years customs. I think had not Mishima written about these values and traditions, you could say it took place in any country/race, they remind the reader that the story is taking place and is about in Japan.
Section B: Well, some questions I have is what is Mishima trying to say when he relates so many things back to nature, like the sea, stars and the universe? Why does he relate these things to beauty or feelings like love or solitude? How does Fusako (Noboru's mother) not see that her son is not what she thinks he is? Does he do that good of a job disguising his true "form" or feelings? Why does Ryuji hide his true feelings and thoughts from Fusako if he really does love her?
Section C: Well, one quote that lead me to believe that Noboru was changing from a relatively normal boy to a blind savage was the quote on page 57-58,
"...Noboru swung the kitten high above his head and slammed it at the log. The warm soft thing hurtled through the air in marvelous flight. But the sensation of down between his fingers lingered...A resplendent power was surging through him to the tips of his fingers and he had only to lift the dazzling arc seared into the air by this power and hurl it again and again at the log. He felt like a giant of a man."
This quote depicts what Noboru had to do as his last "Rite of Strength" that made him a "man" and to "fill the world's great hollows". I think the chief is the "mastermind" behind all the things that are going through Noboru's head like the thoughts about what a man really is and how he should act. The fault is also on the boys who follow the leader, because they do have ideas and thoughts of their own, but they suppress them with the chiefs thoughts and speeches.
Another quote that stuck with me was when Noboru began to list all the crimes Ryuji "committed". They all seemed unrealistic and just something for Noboru to vent his anger on. When I read that passage he seemed like a very bratty, self centered, misled little boy, because all the charges, especially the last one about his mom staying out too late and leaving him alone, was very selfish of him.
