Post by Teng Lai Chang on Sept 30, 2015 4:33:15 GMT
Botchan is an interesting and fun read. I particularly love the character of Botchan. He's definitely not a perfect or gentle person, but I like that he's very hot-headed, strong-willed, and determined. He doesn't succumb to the wishes of others such as Redshirt and the obnoxious and spoiled students, and neither does he go back on his moral values and integrity. He's protective of his friends and isn't afraid to speak the truth and right from wrong.
Some of the main themes are perserverence and sticking to one's principles and values, never succumbing to the temptations of others. Botchan, clearly, is a man of his word. He detests the bureaucracy and injustices seen in the school, and attempts to fight and change it. But the author, Natsume Soseki, is very realistic about this point. The changes don't come immediately, and not everything is succesful as the powerful and strong still rule on top (Badger and Redshirt), the weak are pushed away (Pale Squash and Porcupine), and the students don't feel apologetic or remorseful for what they did to Botchan (I have much sympathy for Botchan. He doesn't deserve the torment inflicted by the students. I have no sympathy for the students as they were rude, spoiled, and naughty. Also, no sympathy for Redshirt as he's a complete douchebag and Hanger's a follower with bad morals).
But I do feel that that doesn't mean things won't change, but just it takes time, and not all people are cruel and deceptive like Redshirt and Hanger. Pale Squash is kind and warm to all people, even to Badger and Redshirt, who are hypocrites and two-faced and Porcupine is courageous, righteous, and willing to help. Botchan's experiences, including meeting the kind, old Pale Squash and courageous, righteous Porcupine, made Botchan grow in maturity. His interactions with nice and moralistic people led him to appreciate the important people (Kiyo) around him. Also, maybe he saw himself in those obnoxious students and Badger and Redshirt (most likely not), but didn't become like them because the presence of Kiyo helped him become the person who he is, a person with morals and integrity. Thus, he is always thankful to Kiyo for being his family.
Discussion Question: What were the importance of the nicknames he gave for the school's faculty (Badger, Redshirt, Hanger, Pale Squash, and Porcupine)? Did these nicknames have any significant meanings?
Some of the main themes are perserverence and sticking to one's principles and values, never succumbing to the temptations of others. Botchan, clearly, is a man of his word. He detests the bureaucracy and injustices seen in the school, and attempts to fight and change it. But the author, Natsume Soseki, is very realistic about this point. The changes don't come immediately, and not everything is succesful as the powerful and strong still rule on top (Badger and Redshirt), the weak are pushed away (Pale Squash and Porcupine), and the students don't feel apologetic or remorseful for what they did to Botchan (I have much sympathy for Botchan. He doesn't deserve the torment inflicted by the students. I have no sympathy for the students as they were rude, spoiled, and naughty. Also, no sympathy for Redshirt as he's a complete douchebag and Hanger's a follower with bad morals).
But I do feel that that doesn't mean things won't change, but just it takes time, and not all people are cruel and deceptive like Redshirt and Hanger. Pale Squash is kind and warm to all people, even to Badger and Redshirt, who are hypocrites and two-faced and Porcupine is courageous, righteous, and willing to help. Botchan's experiences, including meeting the kind, old Pale Squash and courageous, righteous Porcupine, made Botchan grow in maturity. His interactions with nice and moralistic people led him to appreciate the important people (Kiyo) around him. Also, maybe he saw himself in those obnoxious students and Badger and Redshirt (most likely not), but didn't become like them because the presence of Kiyo helped him become the person who he is, a person with morals and integrity. Thus, he is always thankful to Kiyo for being his family.
Discussion Question: What were the importance of the nicknames he gave for the school's faculty (Badger, Redshirt, Hanger, Pale Squash, and Porcupine)? Did these nicknames have any significant meanings?
