10　　人文・自然研究　第 14 号

The basic plot of the modern Japanese novel

Makoto MATSUBARA

　Modern Japanese fiction developed an entirely new reputation due to the influence of Tsub-

ouchi Shōyō, and his famous work of literary criticism Shōsetsu Shinzui （1885―86）. Shōyō des-

ignated that ninjō, the emotional state of the heart, should be the predominant theme for a

novel.

　A typical Japanese novel that used ninjō as its theme followed these basic plot points : （1） the

novel introduces the protagonist, who has a proud, serious, and delicate personality ; （2） the

protagonist, living away from home （or in a state of independence）, is presented with a chance

for success, but then loses it ; （3） frustration causes the protagonist to experience an emotional

disturbance ; （4） the novel ends without the protagonist finding a resolution for their lack of

success.

　Futabatei Shimei’s Ukigumo （1887―89, the first modern Japanese novel） adopted this for-

mat. Subsequently, this format became widespread among other works such as Mori Ōgai’s

“Maihime” （1890）, Higuchi Ichiyō’s “Nigorie” （1895）, Tayama Katai’s “Futon” （1907）, and

Natsume Sōseki’s Kokoro （1914）.