Ukigumo 1000 - Lecture notes Drifting Cloud PDF

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Drifting Cloud...

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The Drifting Cloud is known for its combination of traditional and modern language, as well as the talent of its author, Futabatei Shimei. The novel provides a deep yet playful interpretation of the life of its main character, Utsumi Bunzo, and his extended family. This storyline was able to communicate with the reader and create a plot that will resonate with them on a personal level. Futabatei’s inclusion of economic, social and historical elements into his novel provides a window into the time period, accurately demonstrating their values and struggles. The primary piece in the plot of The Drifting Cloud is about Utsumi Bunzo, who is a young man that gets fired from his job as a government official. He is living with his uncle’s family in Tokyo while he saves up money so that he can buy his own house with his mother, which becomes an issue once he no longer has any income. This also has an impact on his aunt Omasa because she originally wanted her daughter Osei to marry him but starts to think otherwise. As a result of his job loss, he digs himself into a pit of despair, Shimei writing that “he chose to let circumstances take their course and give himself the airs of a martyr” (Futabatei, 2). In addition to this, Futabatei’s work focused on “youth who led Japan to a new eminence in the Meiji period” (University of Pittsburgh). This shines a light on how individualism played a role in this novel. The economic struggles that Bunzo deals with highlight the importance of money in being successful. Bunzo’s job loss leads to his financial difficulties. He had been living with extended family so that he could earn enough money to make his own way in society. Life had already been difficult for him, however once he lost his job, life became even more difficult. The responsibility that was resting on his shoulder had suddenly become even heavier, resulting in his angry attitude and aggravated appearance. This aspect made the piece an interesting read because of its relatability. Many people can relate to financial struggles and the complications of a weak

economy. Bunzo’s story resonates with the people who have dealt with these difficulties and shows them that this is not the end of their story. When Bunzo’s family becomes aware that he has lost his job, they express their disappointment with him. However, instead of trying to make things right with them, he continuously pushes them away. He stays in his room and complains to himself about how he has been treated unjustly. The beginning of the novel also describes his state as “angry, although at no one in particular” (Futabatei, 2). This also contributes to his relationships with other people, and how he pushes them away. The first time that Bunzo is introduced, he is described as “the man of misfortune and woe, had nothing about him of chrysanthemum-viewing” (Futabatei, 2). He is clearly portrayed as having reached his lowest point and being depressed with the way that his life is going. As a result, he expressed this frustration with his previous job and disappointment in himself by taking it out on the people in his life. Instead of going out with them and spending time together, he chooses to stay behind and effectively pushes them away from him. This also causes them to think less of him, especially as time goes on and he stays locked away in his room instead of making an effort to be with them. This is a point that makes the story stand out because it shows a depiction of mental health, even though it was written over a century ago. This is not a common occurrence, which is also a key component that makes it stand out as a modern Japanese piece. Arguably one of the most unique aspects of this work is the use of colloquial language which accurately reflects the times in which it was written, which was 1887-1889 (Kuiper). This use of modern syntax started to replace classical Japanese literary language, which is called gembun itchi, or the “unification of spoken and written language” (Augustyn). However, Futabatei still incorporated important aspects of historical Japanese culture to keep it alive. “His

sash was also of something chic: he was attired as usual in the height of fashion” (Futabatei, 3). This description of traditional Japanese clothing depicts it as modern and fashionable, highlighting the views of the time. This is part of the contrast that arises in gembun itchi, since the novel is seen as modern but also incorporates the traditional appearances that were used in Japanese culture at the time. This concept is also seen in the description of chrysanthemums. “It was the second of November, the beginning of the ‘month of chrysanthemums’ according to the old calendar” (Futabatei, 1). The use of chrysanthemums is prominent throughout the work, often described as beautiful and lively. The metaphoric value here is profound, as it symbolizes the beauty of the world, yet Bunzo believes that he could never be compared to these flowers because of his low sense of self-worth. If the story had been continued, it may have played with this idea further and emphasized how he eventually grew and “blossomed” into a beautiful flower, reaching his full potential and embracing himself. Futabatei’s writing describes the struggles of the time through a fiction story. The context in which the characters exist, and the plot events occur portray different aspects of life in Japanese culture. Bunzo’s job struggle describes the economic pressures of society and difficulties in building a life for oneself. His complex social life demonstrates how one can push away the people close to them as a result of bad life events. Lastly, Futabatei’s combination of spoken and written language led to his novel being portrayed as modern, despite his use of traditional Japanese history. Futabatei was successful in creating a story that resonates with readers on a personal level, simultaneously describing the issues of the time.

References

Augustyn, Adam. “Futabatei Shimei.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/biography/Futabatei-Shimei.

“Futabatei Shimei.” Futabatei Shimei | Japan Module, University of Pittsburgh, www.japanpitt.pitt.edu/glossary/futabatei-shimei.

Futabatei, Shimei. Ukigumo. Shinchoosha, 1978.

Kuiper, Kathleen. “Ukigumo.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/topic/Ukigumo....