The Temple of the Golden Pavilion Yukio MISHIMA
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“The Temple of the Golden Pavilion” by the Japanese author Yukio Mishima is a captivating novel that delves into themes of beauty, obsession, and destruction. Here’s why different readers might find it intriguing:
Literature Enthusiasts: If you appreciate rich prose, introspective characters, and thought-provoking narratives, this novel will resonate with you. Mishima’s lyrical writing style and exploration of psychological complexities make it a compelling read.
History and Culture Buffs: The novel is loosely based on the true event of the burning of the Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) in Kyoto by a young Buddhist acolyte in 1950. The temple, dating back to before 1400, was a national monument that had survived many historical challenges. Readers interested in Japanese history, architecture, and cultural heritage will find this aspect fascinating.
Philosophy Seekers: Mishima delves into existential questions, the nature of beauty, and the destructive forces within human beings. The protagonist’s obsession with the Golden Pavilion becomes a metaphor for deeper existential struggles.
Psychology and Character Study: The central character, Mizoguchi, grapples with stammering, poverty, and loneliness. His complex emotions and interactions with others provide ample material for psychological analysis.
Lovers of Symbolism: The Golden Pavilion itself symbolizes both beauty and impermanence. Its destruction becomes a powerful allegory for the impermanence of all things.
Synopsis of "The Temple of the Golden Pavilion"
“The Temple of the Golden Pavilion” (Japanese title: Kinkakuji) is a novel by the renowned Japanese author Yukio Mishima. First published in 1956 and later translated into English by Ivan Morris in 1959, this captivating work weaves together themes of beauty, obsession, and destruction.
The novel draws inspiration from a real-life event: the burning of the Reliquary (or Golden Pavilion) of Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto by a young Buddhist acolyte in 1950. The Kinkaku-ji, dating back to before 1400, was a national monument that had survived numerous historical challenges, making the arson a shocking incident in Japan.
Protagonist and Setting:
The story revolves around Mizoguchi, the son of a consumptive Buddhist priest. He lives and works on Cape Nariu on the north coast of Honshū.
As a child, Mizoguchi is repeatedly told by his father that the Golden Pavilion is the most beautiful building in the world, and this idea becomes deeply ingrained in his imagination.
Isolation and Obsession:
Mizoguchi’s stammering and poverty lead to his isolation and lack of friends.
His neighbor’s girl, Uiko, becomes the target of his hatred. When she is killed by her deserter boyfriend, Mizoguchi believes his curse caused her death.
Encounter with the Golden Pavilion:
In the spring of 1944, Mizoguchi’s ill father takes him to visit the Kinkaku-ji, where he meets the temple’s Superior, Tayama Dosen.
After his father’s death, Mizoguchi becomes an acolyte at the temple and befriends Tsurukawa.
Desire for Destruction:
During the 1944–45 school year, Mizoguchi works at a factory and secretly hopes that the Golden Pavilion will be destroyed by firebombing. However, Kyoto remains unscathed.
Complex Relationships:
Mizoguchi encounters a drunk American soldier at the temple, leading to a disturbing incident.
He drifts away from Tsurukawa and befriends Kashiwagi, a cynical boy with a clubfoot.
Revelations and Tragedy:
Mizoguchi learns about a woman he saw two years earlier and realizes her connection to a tragic loss during the war.
Tsurukawa dies in an accident, further impacting Mizoguchi’s life.
“The Temple of the Golden Pavilion” delves into existential questions, the impermanence of beauty, and the destructive forces within human beings. It’s a haunting exploration of obsession and tragedy set against the backdrop of a revered national monument.
Who is Yukio MISHIMA?
Yukio Mishima was a Japanese author, poet, playwright, actor, model, Shintoist, nationalist, and founder of the Tatenokai (Shield Society). He is considered one of the most important Japanese authors of the 20th century and is known for his works such as “The Sound of Waves,” “The Temple of the Golden Pavilion,” and “Confessions of a Mask”. Mishima’s works often dealt with themes of death, sexuality, and the search for meaning in life. He was also known for his controversial political views and his involvement in the Tatenokai, a right-wing paramilitary group. Mishima died by suicide in 1970 after staging a failed coup attempt at a military base in Tokyo.