City vs Island
Transcript of City vs Island
How does Mishima convey his views on the disparity between the influences of the city and the island? Hayden NganIntroductionToday I will be analyzing how Mishima conveys his views on the disparity between the influences of the city and the island throughout the novel The Sound of Waves.I chose this theme because -Unique concept of close, tight-knit community-Only 1400 inhabitants-Separate, far removed from modern society-Stark contrast to modern world and city life and this is why I believe Mishima makes it such an important theme.It is also interesting how-Mishima draws attention to the theme through several characters (link to characters)-Hiroshi experience in city, thoughts on flashy, superficial sights and sounds-Hatsue and Chiyoko role of women in society, views on themselves and love-Shinji and Yasuo role of men in societyHowever, today I will be focusing specifically on how Mishima uses Shinji and his foil, Yasuo, to convey his ideas on the influence of the city and the island.
BodyShinji vs. YasuoNotes-Use quotes to explain each difference in Shinji and Yasuos attributesHow has Mishima used language to highlight the theme?-Use Mishima uses the word/simile/metaphor/plot device/literary technique _______ to to explain use of languageComparisonsShinjiYasuo
WatchTells time by starsLuminescent watch
ClothesHand-me-down sweaterLeather jacket
ReadingLetters from mother and HatsuePulp magazines
PrideTakes pride in island and seaTakes pride in lack of island influence
MoralityRespectful, moralObjectifying, immoral
Treatment of HatsueDoesnt push HatsueTries to seduce Hatsue
Physical attributesStrong, well-builtRuddy complexion, fat, lazy
Notable situationsRelationshipsHatsue-Yasuo drawing water p85-Shinji meeting at lighthouse in the storm p72Chiyoko-Yasuo meeting at dock p56-Shinji says shes pretty p118Terukichis boat-Why did Mishima make this such an important theme?-Where does Mishima draw attention to the theme? How and why?-How has Mishima used language to highlight the theme?Accessories (clothes, watch)Attitude towards women (mother, Chiyoko, Hatsue)Morality (respectful v objectifying, hard-working v lazy)Role in society (fisherman v business man/rich kid)Body (draft)IslandInnocent sheltered, protected by islandReliant faith in nature and sea, lifestyles attuned to innate connection with natureShinjiYasuo
Does not have a watch, tells time by the starsWatch with luminescent face
Wears hand-me-down sweatersWears a leather jacket
Read mothers and Hatsues letters Hopelessly addicted to pulp magazines
Proud of island, sea only brings the good and right things that the island needspg 53Proud of being able to speak without island dialect
Believing he had penetrated to womans moralistic core, he insisted no further.Slipped off and bought himself a piecepg 60
Doesnt take advantage of HatsueTries to seduce Hatsue by unfair means
Examiners questionsWhy did you choose this theme/motif?What do you find interesting about your chosen theme?How are we first introduced to the theme/motif?Does the theme link with any particular character?Why do you think Mishima made this such an important theme/motif?Where in the novel does Mishima draw the readers attention to the theme/motif? How and why?In what ways has Mishima used language to highlight the theme/motif?