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The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea summary
Brief summary
The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea by Yukio Mishima is a haunting tale of a sailor who abandons his adventurous life at sea for love, only to clash with the dark and nihilistic worldview of a group of young boys.
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The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea
Summary of key ideas
Admiration Turned to Loathing
In The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea by Yukio Mishima, we meet Noboru, a thirteen-year-old boy who is a member of a group of disaffected youths. They reject the adult world, believing it to be hypocritical and sentimental. Noboru admires his mother, Fusako, and longs for a father figure. His admiration turns to loathing when Fusako falls in love with Ryuji, a sailor, and plans to marry him.
Ryuji, the sailor, is an embodiment of Noboru's romanticized ideals of masculinity. He represents the free spirit of the sea, and Noboru initially idolizes him. However, Ryuji's decision to leave his life at sea and marry Fusako shatters Noboru's image of him. Noboru and his friends, influenced by their nihilistic philosophy, view Ryuji's choice as a betrayal of his pure, heroic nature.
The Dark Plot Unfolds
As the story progresses, we witness the sinister plotting of Noboru and his friends. They view themselves as a superior and secret society, above the laws and morals of the adult world. They decide to initiate Ryuji into their nihilistic beliefs by executing a brutal plan. This plan involves a ritualistic murder of a stray cat, a symbol of Ryuji's perceived betrayal of his true self.
Ryuji, oblivious to the boys' plot, is busy preparing for his new life with Fusako. He is excited about his upcoming marriage and the prospect of a stable, domestic life. In stark contrast, the boys are planning his execution with cold-blooded determination, believing it to be a necessary act to preserve Ryuji's honor and purity.
The Tragic Conclusion
The novel reaches its tragic climax when Ryuji, in an attempt to impress Noboru, brags about his heroic past as a sailor. This act, meant to win Noboru's approval, seals his fate. The boys see this as a confirmation of Ryuji's betrayal of his true self, and they carry out their plan to murder him. The brutal killing is described with disturbing detail, emphasizing the boys' detachment from conventional morality.
After Ryuji's death, Noboru is initially proud of the execution, viewing it as a reaffirmation of his beliefs. However, he soon becomes haunted by the gruesome act. He begins to question the nihilistic philosophy he once embraced, realizing the depth of his own darkness. In the end, he is left alone, struggling to come to terms with his role in Ryuji's tragic end.
The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea
As the novel concludes, we are left with a sense of deep unease. The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea is a chilling exploration of the destructive potential of youthful disillusionment. Mishima's masterful prose takes us on a journey into the minds of disaffected youth, revealing the terrifying consequences of their distorted worldview. The novel forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about the nature of innocence, the allure of nihilism, and the dark potential that lies within us all.
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What is The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea about?
The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea by Yukio Mishima is a haunting and thought-provoking novel that delves into the themes of love, betrayal, and the dark impulses of human nature. Set in post-war Japan, the story follows a young boy named Noboru who becomes fascinated with a sailor named Ryuji. As their lives become intertwined, the novel explores the complexities of their relationships and the consequences of their actions.
The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea Review
The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea (1963) tells the story of a widowed sailor and his relationship with a widow and her son Noboru. Here's why this book is worth picking up:
- Explores themes of morality, society, and identity, inviting readers to contemplate the complexities of human behavior.
- Offers a deep dive into the minds of the characters, revealing their innermost thoughts and motives with gripping intensity.
- Leaves a lingering impact with its dark and thought-provoking narrative, ensuring that readers are captivated till the very end.
Who should read The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea?
Readers who enjoy psychological exploration and complex characters
Those interested in themes of youth, rebellion, and societal norms
People who appreciate lyrical and evocative writing
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The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea FAQs
What is the main message of The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea?
The main message of The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea is about the clash between traditional values and the desire for freedom.
How long does it take to read The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea?
Read time varies, but The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea can be enjoyed in a few hours. The Blinkist summary takes about 15 minutes.
Is The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea is worth reading for its exploration of youth, rebellion, and consequences, providing a thought-provoking experience.
Who is the author of The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea?
The author of The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea is Yukio Mishima.
What to read after The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea?
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