Overcoming the Modern - Kawabata's 'Yukiguni' Essay

Overcoming the Modern - Kawabatas Yukiguni - Essay Example246). A love affair between fecund Tokyo dilettante, Shimamura, and a young geisha, Komako, is the main story of the novel. However, heathen symbolism interwoven in the plot of the story makes it look like a Japanese puzzle. It is both interesting to read and complex to understand all the meanings of writers cultural riddles. One has to be well aw ar of Japanese cultural nuances to accept Kawabatas book as easy reading of a love story. Romantic relationship is not the main idea the writer wants to express. there are much more issues of cultural identity which are raised in this literary work.To understand and appreciate Kawabatas Yukiguni a reader has to be competent in Japanese culture and literature enough. Also difference in mentality and perceptions of Japanese and Western culture might influence on understanding Kawabatas work. There is no wonder in different interpretations of the main messages meaning, because Kawaba ta characters are determined by forces so completely beyond their lead that these characters typically appear to the Western reader almost pathologically passive and irresolute (Pollack, 102). At the same time, however, life and human relationships in different cultures are much alike. There is no wonder that a non-Japanese reader will associate himself/herself with Shimamura or Komato.Furthermore, most of Kawabatas works are claimed to be plotless. reading Snow Country requires some meditation and contemplation. Otherwise, the reader might lose not only interest, but complete understanding of the essence of this book. Having enough cognition about Japan and its culture, one has to be able to read between the lines to understand Japaneseness of Kawabatas novel. According to Pollack, Japanese writers work is ground on Tanabata legend (misfortunate astral lover who are