The basic plot of the modern Japanese novel
Transcript of The basic plot of the modern Japanese novel
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).