313 "Spring Snow" (from The Sea of Fertility) by Yukio Mishima
Mar 4, 2021
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Joining the podcast is Yukio Mishima, a Japanese author known for his dramatic death and his work in The Sea of Fertility. The episode explores Mishima's intense and complex works, his conservative right-wing views, and love for theater. It also delves into his prolific writing career and provides a detailed description of the Matsugay mansion. The chapter concludes with a reflection on embracing life and finding entertainment on your commute.
Kyuaki and Honda discuss their memories of war and the impact of powerful war photograph.
Kyuaki's aversion to militaristic ideals clashes with his lavish upbringing and yearning for purpose.
Kyuaki's sense of futility in life and vivid dreams highlight his longing for fulfillment and exploration of happiness.
Deep dives
Kyuaki Matsugay and Shigakuni Honda recall memories of the Russo-Japanese War
Kyuaki and Honda discuss their vague memories of the war and how their classmates embellish their own recollections. They also talk about a powerful war photograph depicting soldiers surrounding a wooden memorial, which deeply impacts Kyuaki.
Kyuaki's upbringing in the Matsugay household
Kyuaki grew up in a large, lavish estate with a samurai background. His mother's constant changing of hairstyles, the extravagant family rituals, and the luxurious surroundings contrast with Kyuaki's aversion to militaristic ideals and his yearning for a purposeful life.
The friendship between Kyuaki and Shigakuni Honda
Kyuaki and Honda, despite their contrasting appearances and temperaments, share a close friendship. Honda serves as a leader and protector for Kyuaki, who often feels indifferent and unfulfilled in life.
Kyuaki's existential uncertainties and dreams
Kyuaki struggles with a sense of futility in life and believes that his elegance is like a thorn, destroying his family and hindering his own purpose. He often experiences vivid dreams, such as the one about his own coffin, and records them in a secret journal.
Boating on the pond and contemplating life
Kyuaki and Honda go boating on the serene pond in the Matsugay estate. Kyuaki's preoccupations and melancholic nature contrast with Honda's optimistic perspective as they discuss happiness and Kyuaki's insatiable greed for something more.
After taking a look at the eventful life and dramatic death of Yukio Mishima in our last episode, Jacke turns to a closer look at the works of Mishima, including appraisals by Jay McInerney and Haruki Murakami, before turning to a deep dive into the world of Spring Snow, the first volume in Mishima's four-book masterpiece The Sea of Fertility.
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Since you're listening to The History of Literature, we'd like to suggest you also try other Podglomerate shows surrounding literature, history, and storytelling like Storybound, Micheaux Mission, and The History of Standup.