No Longer Human Mishima

Caroline Mae

2 min read

·

01-01-2025

6

0

Share

Yukio Mishima's No Longer Human isn't just a novel; it's a visceral plunge into the fragmented psyche of its protagonist, Oba Yozo. Published in 1948, this semi-autobiographical masterpiece remains chillingly relevant, exploring themes of alienation, societal pressure, and the desperate search for genuine connection in a world that feels increasingly hostile.

A Mask of Sanity

The narrative unfolds through Yozo's fragmented recollections, presented as a series of confession-like accounts. He's a man perpetually trapped behind a carefully constructed mask of normalcy, a performance designed to conceal his crippling anxiety and profound sense of otherness. Yozo's inability to genuinely connect with others stems from a deep-seated fear of judgment, a fear born from early childhood experiences of feeling fundamentally different.

The Weight of Expectations

Mishima masterfully portrays the crushing weight of societal expectations placed upon individuals. Yozo's attempts to conform—to fit into the mold of acceptable behavior—only serve to exacerbate his inner turmoil. His constant need to please, his desperate craving for acceptance, ultimately leads to a series of self-destructive actions and fleeting, unsatisfying relationships.

A Spiral of Despair

No Longer Human is not a story of easy answers or simple resolutions. It's a bleak depiction of a man spiraling into deeper and deeper despair. His struggles with mental health are presented with a raw honesty that is both unsettling and deeply affecting. The novel doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of human nature, the capacity for self-destruction, and the agonizing loneliness that can consume a person.

Beyond the Surface

While the narrative is undeniably dark, it's also profoundly insightful. Mishima's writing shines a light on the human condition, exploring the universal anxieties of belonging and the struggle to reconcile our inner selves with the expectations of the external world. The novel's enduring power lies in its unflinching portrayal of vulnerability and its exploration of the complex interplay between individual experience and societal pressures.

A Lasting Legacy

No Longer Human remains a significant work of Japanese literature, consistently lauded for its psychological depth and unflinching honesty. It continues to resonate with readers because it speaks to our shared anxieties and the enduring human struggle for connection and meaning in a world that often feels alienating. It's a challenging, at times disturbing, but ultimately unforgettable reading experience.