Yukio Mishima’s The Decay of the Angel is a complex and enigmatic work of literature that is rich with symbolism and allegory. In this article, we will delve into the meaning behind the various symbols and motifs present in the novel, and explore how they contribute to the overall themes and messages of the story. From the recurring imagery of angels and demons, to the use of color and sound, we will examine how Mishima masterfully employs these literary devices to create a work that is both haunting and thought-provoking.
Background Information
Yukio Mishima was a Japanese author, playwright, and actor who is considered one of the most important writers of the 20th century. He was born in Tokyo in 1925 and began writing at a young age. Mishima’s work often explored themes of death, sexuality, and the struggle for personal identity in a rapidly changing world. He was also known for his controversial political views and his fascination with traditional Japanese culture. Mishima committed suicide in 1970 at the age of 45, an act that shocked the literary world and cemented his legacy as a complex and enigmatic figure. The Decay of the Angel is the final novel in Mishima’s tetralogy, The Sea of Fertility, and is widely regarded as one of his most challenging and thought-provoking works. In this literary analysis, we will explore the symbolism and themes of The Decay of the Angel and examine how Mishima’s unique perspective on life and death is reflected in his writing.
Character Analysis
The protagonist of Yukio Mishima’s The Decay of the Angel, Honda, is a complex character whose beliefs and actions are shaped by his experiences and the people he encounters. At the beginning of the novel, Honda is a retired businessman who is content with his life of leisure. However, his encounter with the young and beautiful Tōru changes his perspective on life and leads him on a journey of self-discovery.
Honda is a man of contradictions. He is both fascinated and repulsed by Tōru’s youth and beauty, and his desire for her is tempered by his sense of duty and responsibility. He is also conflicted about his own mortality and the meaning of life, which he grapples with throughout the novel.
Despite his flaws, Honda is a sympathetic character who is genuinely concerned for the well-being of those around him. He is particularly protective of Tōru, whom he sees as a vulnerable and innocent young woman. His relationship with her is complex, as he is both a father figure and a potential lover.
Overall, Honda is a character who is constantly evolving and changing throughout the novel. His journey of self-discovery is both fascinating and poignant, and his struggles with mortality and the meaning of life are universal themes that will resonate with readers.
Symbolism of the Angel
The angel is a symbol that has been used in literature for centuries, representing purity, innocence, and divine intervention. In Yukio Mishima’s The Decay of the Angel, the angel takes on a more complex meaning, representing both the protagonist’s desire for transcendence and his ultimate failure to achieve it. The angel appears to the protagonist, Honda, as a young girl with wings, and he becomes obsessed with her, seeing her as a symbol of his own spiritual aspirations. However, as the novel progresses, it becomes clear that the angel is not a divine being, but rather a manifestation of Honda’s own delusions. The angel’s decay, then, represents not only Honda’s failure to achieve transcendence, but also the ultimate futility of such aspirations in a world that is inherently flawed. Through the symbolism of the angel, Mishima explores the human desire for transcendence and the limitations of that desire in a world that is both beautiful and cruel.
Symbolism of the Lotus
The lotus flower has been a symbol of purity, enlightenment, and rebirth in many cultures throughout history. In Yukio Mishima’s The Decay of the Angel, the lotus is used as a symbol to represent the protagonist’s journey towards enlightenment and transcendence. The lotus is often associated with Buddhism, and Mishima uses this symbolism to explore the themes of spirituality and the search for meaning in life. As the protagonist, Honda, becomes more aware of his mortality and the impermanence of life, he begins to seek a deeper understanding of the world around him. The lotus serves as a reminder that even in the midst of decay and destruction, there is the potential for growth and renewal. Through the symbolism of the lotus, Mishima invites readers to contemplate the nature of existence and the possibility of transcendence beyond the physical realm.
Symbolism of the Sea
The sea has long been a symbol of both life and death, representing the vast unknown and the power of nature. In Yukio Mishima’s The Decay of the Angel, the sea plays a significant role in the symbolism of the novel. The protagonist, Honda, often contemplates the sea and its endless expanse, which represents the infinite possibilities of life. However, the sea also serves as a reminder of the inevitability of death, as it is a force that cannot be controlled or tamed. Mishima uses the sea as a metaphor for the cycle of life and death, and the characters’ relationship with it reflects their own attitudes towards mortality. The sea is a powerful symbol that adds depth and meaning to the novel, and its presence throughout the story serves as a constant reminder of the fragility of life.
Symbolism of Death
In Yukio Mishima’s The Decay of the Angel, death is a recurring theme that is explored through various symbols. One of the most prominent symbols of death in the novel is the image of the butterfly. The butterfly is often associated with transformation and rebirth, but in the context of the novel, it takes on a darker meaning. The protagonist, Honda, sees a butterfly in his dreams that he believes represents his own impending death. The butterfly is also associated with the character of Isao, who is described as having a butterfly-like fragility and beauty. Isao’s death is violent and gruesome, and the image of the butterfly is used to contrast the brutality of his death with the delicate beauty of the insect. Through the use of the butterfly symbol, Mishima explores the complex relationship between life and death, beauty and violence.
Religious Symbolism
Religious symbolism plays a significant role in Yukio Mishima’s The Decay of the Angel. The novel is filled with references to Buddhism, Christianity, and Shintoism, which are used to explore the themes of death, rebirth, and transcendence. Mishima’s use of religious symbolism is not only a reflection of his own spiritual beliefs but also a commentary on the state of Japanese society in the post-war era. The novel’s protagonist, Honda, is a symbol of the traditional Japanese values that were lost during the war, and his journey towards enlightenment is a metaphor for Japan’s search for a new identity. Mishima’s use of religious symbolism is a testament to his skill as a writer and his ability to create a work that is both deeply personal and universally relevant.
Philosophical Themes
One of the main philosophical themes present in Yukio Mishima’s The Decay of the Angel is the concept of death and the afterlife. Mishima explores the idea of what happens after we die and whether or not there is a higher power or purpose to our existence. The protagonist, Honda, grapples with these questions as he faces his own mortality and the impending death of his young lover, Isao. Mishima also touches on the theme of reincarnation and the possibility of being reborn into a new life. These philosophical themes add depth and complexity to the novel, forcing readers to contemplate their own beliefs about life and death.
Gender and Sexuality
In Yukio Mishima’s The Decay of the Angel, the themes of gender and sexuality are explored through the character of Isao, a young man who is both attracted to and repulsed by the idea of femininity. Isao’s confusion about his own sexuality is mirrored in the novel’s exploration of traditional gender roles and the societal expectations placed upon men and women. Mishima’s use of symbolism, such as the recurring image of the butterfly, further emphasizes the fluidity and complexity of gender and sexuality in the novel. Through Isao’s journey of self-discovery, Mishima challenges readers to question their own assumptions about gender and sexuality, and to consider the ways in which societal norms can limit individual expression and identity.
Imagery and Metaphor
In Yukio Mishima’s The Decay of the Angel, imagery and metaphor play a crucial role in conveying the themes and messages of the novel. One of the most prominent examples of this is the recurring image of the butterfly, which serves as a metaphor for the protagonist’s transformation and eventual transcendence. As the novel progresses, the butterfly imagery becomes increasingly prevalent, culminating in the final scene where the protagonist is described as having “spread his wings and taken flight.” This powerful image not only symbolizes the protagonist’s spiritual journey but also serves as a commentary on the human desire for transcendence and the limitations of the physical world. Through the use of vivid and evocative imagery, Mishima creates a rich and complex narrative that invites readers to explore the deeper meanings and themes of the novel.
Narrative Structure
The narrative structure of Yukio Mishima’s The Decay of the Angel is complex and multi-layered. The novel is divided into four parts, each of which is narrated by a different character. The first part is narrated by the protagonist, a young man named Tōru, who is tasked with caring for the elderly and eccentric Kiyoaki Matsugae. The second part is narrated by Kiyoaki’s former lover, Satoko, who provides insight into his past and his relationships. The third part is narrated by Tōru’s uncle, Isao, who is a right-wing extremist and provides a political commentary on the events of the novel. The final part is narrated by Tōru’s sister, Yasuko, who brings the story to a close.
The narrative structure of The Decay of the Angel is significant because it allows Mishima to explore different perspectives and themes throughout the novel. Each narrator brings their own biases and experiences to the story, which adds depth and complexity to the characters and their relationships. Additionally, the shifting perspectives allow Mishima to explore different themes, such as love, death, and politics, from multiple angles.
Overall, the narrative structure of The Decay of the Angel is a key element of the novel’s literary analysis. By examining the different perspectives and themes presented in each part, readers can gain a deeper understanding of Mishima’s complex and thought-provoking work.
Setting and Atmosphere
The setting and atmosphere of Yukio Mishima’s The Decay of the Angel play a crucial role in the overall symbolism of the novel. The story takes place in Tokyo during the 1970s, a time of great change and modernization in Japan. Mishima uses this setting to contrast the traditional values of the protagonist, Honda, with the rapidly changing society around him. The atmosphere is one of melancholy and decay, as Honda reflects on his past and the inevitability of his own death. The decaying cityscape serves as a metaphor for the decay of traditional Japanese values and the loss of cultural identity. Mishima’s use of setting and atmosphere creates a sense of unease and foreboding throughout the novel, as Honda struggles to come to terms with his own mortality and the changing world around him.
Comparison to Other Works by Mishima
In comparison to other works by Yukio Mishima, The Decay of the Angel stands out as a departure from his usual themes of violence and eroticism. While Mishima’s earlier works, such as Confessions of a Mask and The Temple of the Golden Pavilion, explore the darker aspects of human nature, The Decay of the Angel takes a more introspective approach. The novel delves into the psyche of its protagonist, Honda, as he grapples with the meaning of life and death.
Furthermore, The Decay of the Angel is unique in its use of symbolism. Mishima employs a variety of symbols throughout the novel, including the butterfly, the angel, and the sea, to convey Honda’s inner turmoil. This is in contrast to Mishima’s earlier works, which often rely on graphic violence and sexual imagery to convey their themes.
Overall, The Decay of the Angel showcases Mishima’s versatility as a writer and his ability to explore a wide range of themes and literary techniques. While it may not be as well-known as some of his other works, it is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that deserves to be studied and appreciated.
Reception and Criticism
The reception and criticism of Yukio Mishima’s The Decay of the Angel has been mixed. Some critics have praised the novel for its intricate symbolism and exploration of themes such as mortality and the search for meaning in life. Others, however, have criticized the novel for its confusing and disjointed narrative structure, as well as its controversial portrayal of suicide. Despite these criticisms, The Decay of the Angel remains a significant work in Mishima’s oeuvre and a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.
Political and Historical Context
Yukio Mishima’s The Decay of the Angel was published in 1971, just a year before the author’s infamous suicide. The novel is the fourth and final installment in Mishima’s tetralogy, The Sea of Fertility, which explores the themes of reincarnation, death, and the decline of traditional Japanese values. The political and historical context of the novel is crucial to understanding Mishima’s symbolism and themes. In the 1960s, Japan was experiencing rapid economic growth and modernization, which led to a cultural shift away from traditional values and towards Westernization. Mishima, a staunch nationalist and traditionalist, was deeply troubled by this shift and saw it as a threat to Japanese identity. The Decay of the Angel can be seen as a commentary on this cultural shift and a warning against the dangers of abandoning traditional values.
Mishima’s Personal Life and Beliefs
Yukio Mishima’s personal life and beliefs heavily influenced his writing, particularly in his final novel, The Decay of the Angel. Mishima was a controversial figure in Japan, known for his extreme nationalism and fascination with traditional Japanese culture. He was also open about his homosexuality, which was considered taboo in Japanese society at the time. These personal beliefs are reflected in the themes of The Decay of the Angel, which explores the decay of traditional Japanese values and the struggle to find meaning in a rapidly changing world. Mishima’s own tragic end, in which he committed ritual suicide after a failed coup attempt, adds another layer of complexity to his work and raises questions about the role of the artist in society.
Impact and Legacy
The impact and legacy of Yukio Mishima’s The Decay of the Angel is significant in the literary world. The novel is the final installment of Mishima’s tetralogy, The Sea of Fertility, and it explores themes of death, rebirth, and the cyclical nature of life. Mishima’s use of symbolism and allegory in the novel has left a lasting impression on readers and scholars alike. The novel’s exploration of the human condition and the search for meaning in life has resonated with readers across generations. Mishima’s legacy as a writer and cultural icon has also been shaped by his controversial death, which he orchestrated as a political statement. The Decay of the Angel is a testament to Mishima’s literary prowess and his ability to create thought-provoking works that continue to captivate readers today.