Post by I Lam on Sept 23, 2015 23:50:11 GMT
Hahaha! I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Though, I read the ancient and now free translation (which was honestly more to my taste). But overall, I love Botchan's character. He's certainly not the most perfect person, but he was indeed "straight as an arrow"--despite being self righteous, arrogant, and rather quick to judge, he's straightforward and true to himself, holding on to his integrity to himself and others throughout the story. Maybe it's because I'm a bit ill-natured, but I also related a lot to his various shenanigans, so I found his narrative really amusing all throughout. It's really a shame that he wasn't able to actually overthrow Redshirt and them, but I guess that's life!
I think the main theme of this story is honor, in that whatever you do, your sense of integrity alone must never waver. There's an emphasis on owning up to your own mischief, and 'straightness', be that of speech or action. In the end, Botchan is a likeable character because he always stands by his convictions, and never bends to the crookedness of others. Till the end, he is a man of principles.
By now, it's likely clear that my sympathy rests with Botchan. I really don't see any need to have sympathy for Redshirt, considering he only got about an ounce of the retribution he deserved and otherwise the entire town wrapped around his finger. Honestly, I'd like to beat him a little too. As for the Hanger-on (Clown in my translation)--well--maybe I should feel sympathy for his lack of individuality and overall mediocrity, but he essentially plays the role of the tyrant's right-hand man, which I've never been fond of. In my opinion, it's a whole lot more difficult for someone with strong beliefs like Botchan to withstand the backwardness of that town, and I'm really glad he left.
Okay, I gave up on finding quotes.
My discussion question: Do you think the Principal is in cahoots with Red Shirt, or is he just being lead by the nose?
I think the main theme of this story is honor, in that whatever you do, your sense of integrity alone must never waver. There's an emphasis on owning up to your own mischief, and 'straightness', be that of speech or action. In the end, Botchan is a likeable character because he always stands by his convictions, and never bends to the crookedness of others. Till the end, he is a man of principles.
By now, it's likely clear that my sympathy rests with Botchan. I really don't see any need to have sympathy for Redshirt, considering he only got about an ounce of the retribution he deserved and otherwise the entire town wrapped around his finger. Honestly, I'd like to beat him a little too. As for the Hanger-on (Clown in my translation)--well--maybe I should feel sympathy for his lack of individuality and overall mediocrity, but he essentially plays the role of the tyrant's right-hand man, which I've never been fond of. In my opinion, it's a whole lot more difficult for someone with strong beliefs like Botchan to withstand the backwardness of that town, and I'm really glad he left.
Okay, I gave up on finding quotes.
My discussion question: Do you think the Principal is in cahoots with Red Shirt, or is he just being lead by the nose?