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Light and Dark: A Novel (Weatherhead Books on Asia),Used
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Light and Dark, Natsume Soseki's longest novel and masterpiece, although unfinished, is a minutely observed study of hautebourgeois manners on the eve of World War I. It is also a psychological portrait of a new marriage that achieves a depth and exactitude of character revelation that had no precedent in Japan at the time of its publication and has not been equaled since. With Light and Dark, Soseki invented the modern Japanese novel.Recovering in a clinic following surgery, thirtyyearold Tsuda Yoshio receives visits from a procession of intimates: his coquettish young wife, ONobu; his unsparing younger sister, OHide, who blames ONobu's extravagance for her brother's financial difficulties; his selfdeprecating friend, Kobayashi, a ne'erdowell and troublemaker who might have stepped from the pages of a Dostoevsky novel; and his employer's wife, Madam Yoshikawa, a conniving meddler with a connection to Tsuda that is unknown to the others. Divergent interests create friction among this closely interrelated cast of characters that explodes into scenes of jealousy, rancor, and recrimination that will astonish Western readers conditioned to expect Japanese reticence.Released from the clinic, Tsuda leaves Tokyo to continue his convalescence at a hotsprings resort. For reasons of her own, Madam Yoshikawa informs him that a woman who inhabits his dreams, Kiyoko, is staying alone at the same inn, recovering from a miscarriage. Dissuading ONobu from accompanying him, Tsuda travels to the spa, a lengthy journey fraught with real and symbolic obstacles that feels like a passage from one world to another. He encounters Kiyoko, who attempts to avoid him, but finally manages a meeting alone with her in her room. Soseki's final scene is a sublime exercise in indirection that leaves Tsuda to 'explain the meaning of her smile.'
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- Q: What is the main theme of 'Light and Dark' by Natsume Sōseki? A: The main theme of 'Light and Dark' revolves around the complexities of human relationships, particularly within the context of a new marriage, as well as the societal norms of the haute-bourgeois class during the eve of World War I.
- Q: Is 'Light and Dark' considered a classic in Japanese literature? A: 'Light and Dark' is widely regarded as a classic and is noted for its role in the evolution of the modern Japanese novel, showcasing Sōseki's innovative narrative style.
- Q: What is the length of 'Light and Dark'? A: 'Light and Dark' has a total of 464 pages, making it a substantial read that delves deeply into character development and psychological themes.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Light and Dark'? A: The author of 'Light and Dark' is Natsume Sōseki, a prominent figure in Japanese literature known for his influential works and unique writing style.
- Q: What type of binding does 'Light and Dark' have? A: 'Light and Dark' is available in hardcover binding, which adds to its durability and makes it an excellent addition to any bookshelf.
- Q: When was 'Light and Dark' published? A: 'Light and Dark' was published on December 3, 2013, as part of the Weatherhead Books on Asia series.
- Q: What can readers expect from the character development in 'Light and Dark'? A: Readers can expect nuanced and profound character development in 'Light and Dark', particularly as Sōseki provides deep psychological insights into the motivations and emotions of the characters.
- Q: Is 'Light and Dark' suitable for readers unfamiliar with Japanese literature? A: 'Light and Dark' can be suitable for readers new to Japanese literature, as it presents universal themes of love, jealousy, and societal pressure, though some cultural references may require contextual understanding.
- Q: What is unique about the narrative style of 'Light and Dark'? A: The narrative style of 'Light and Dark' is notable for its psychological depth and character-driven plot, which marked a significant shift in Japanese literature at the time of its publication.
- Q: Are there any illustrations in 'Light and Dark'? A: 'Light and Dark' is published as an illustrated edition, which may provide readers with visual context to enhance their understanding of the story.