A study of Natsume Sōseki's novel Sanshirō [article]

Chigusa Kimura-Steven, University Of Canterbury
2010
This thesis is an analytical study of a novel, Sanshiro, by the Japanese writer, Natsume Soseki (1867-1916). The main objective of the thesis is to examine various aspects of Sanshiro. However, an attempt is made to analyse thematic and other cOIDlections which exist in San shiro and the following two works, Sorekara and Mon. The reason for the latter is that although Soseki himself indicates in the introduction to the second work, Sorekara, that the three novels should be regarded as a
more » ... ng series i.e. as a trilogy, most critics argue that they do not form a trilogy, because no apparent thematic links can be found. The Introduction provides a discussion of problems in the analytical methods previously employed as well as an outline of the theoretical perspective adopted in the present study of Sanshiro. Parts I, II and III are devoted to a detailed examination of the novel itself. In Part N two major themes which link Sanshiro, Sorekara and Mon , but which have not hitherto been identified by the existing scholarship, will be discussed. In the last chapter of Part IV, possible reasons for Soseki's choice of these two themes for this trilogy are examined. The text of this thesis is written in Japanese. This is because it is intended to engage in the major debate on the above which has been taking place in Japan.
doi:10.26021/4259 fatcat:sa3wiltrw5hxnfjomk7hn3pn3a