After the Banquet: Analysis of Major Characters
"After the Banquet" explores the complexities of its major characters against a backdrop of political ideology and personal conflict. Central to the narrative is Kazu Fukuzawa, the owner of the After the Show Retreat, who embodies a serene and harmonious existence, finding solace in her garden and restaurant. Her marriage to Yuken Noguchi, an intellectual involved with a radical political party, introduces discord as she grapples with her identity amidst his rigid views and emotional detachment. Noguchi's character is marked by a stark contrast to Kazu; he is described as cold and calculating, burdened by his own ideals and societal expectations. Supporting characters, like the radical pamphleteer Totskuka and campaign manager Soichi Yamazaki, further illustrate the tensions inherent in the political landscape. Meanwhile, Genki Nagayama, a conservative politician, brings themes of power and desire into the mix, seeking to manipulate Kazu for his own ends. The interplay of these characters highlights the struggle between personal integrity and external pressures, ultimately leading Kazu to reclaim her individuality by returning to her roots. This exploration of character dynamics offers a rich commentary on the impact of political ideologies on personal relationships and self-identity.
After the Banquet: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Yukio Mishima
First published: Utage no ato, 1960 (English translation, 1963)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Tokyo, Japan
Plot: Satire
Time: The late 1950's
Kazu Fukuzawa, owner of the After the Show Retreat in Setsugoan. Kazu lives remote from civilized and noisy life, on the high grounds in the hills near Tokyo. In both her garden and her restaurant, every detail is calculated to please and soothe the eye. Seeking to combine rustic simplicity with elegance and aesthetic sense, Kazu hopes that her garden conveys a sense of detachment from worldly pleasures. Her natural state is ecstatic wonder, and she exudes love as the sun gives out heat. Her energy is an eternal delight to her visitors. Her harmonious life is challenged when she marries Noguchi. Although at times she identifies herself so deeply with the political views of her husband's party as to forget herself as an independent individual, she gradually becomes like an actress playing a role in a play based on the ideology of the radical party. In the end, however, she chooses not to submit to the dictates of society, politics, or even her husband. Instead, she returns to her sources of spiritual solace: her garden and restaurant.
Yuken Noguchi, an intellectual of the radical party. Although he is married to the peaceful Kazu Fukuzawa, Noguchi seems to be in total disharmony with himself, with society, and with nature. He hides behind an ambiguous smile, laconic conversations, artificial attitudes, cold manners, acidulous reactions, and expressionless eyes. His stingy frugality indicates his choked emotional world, and his frigidity results from sexual desires undermined by prejudices. He is blinded by righteousness; he fails to see the essence of things. His absentmindedness in relation to everyone is in tune with the cold air and gloomy atmosphere around him, whatever the season. Noguchi is enterprising and calculating. He believes that he must organize his party rationally to show a favorable balance of profits and costs. He seems to object to life rather than be subject to it. His wish still to be young contradicts his aged house, his clothing, and the comb that he has owned for thirty years.
Totskuka, a radical pamphleteer. He is stubborn in his beliefs and distorts the truth with brutal directness and uses irresponsible lies in a political pamphlet in order to secure forcefully the victory of his party.
Soichi Yamazaki, Noguchi's campaign manager for the radical party. He takes painstaking care in maintaining a devout and faithful friendship with both Noguchi and Kazu Fukuzawa. He is sincere about his promise to assist Kazu at any time.
Genki Nagayama, an old conservative politician. His indulgences in lust and power, and in money and sex, push him to prevent an auction of Kazu's property. He is disappointed that she will not sell herself to him.