Naomi: Analysis of Major Characters
"Naomi: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the intricate relationships and dynamics between the main characters in the narrative, particularly focusing on Joji Kawai and Naomi. Joji, a wealthy engineer from the countryside, becomes enamored with Naomi, a young waitress from a poor background, and seeks to mold her into an ideal modern woman. This relationship is marked by Joji's initial control over Naomi, as he invests in her education and lifestyle, yet it ultimately reveals Naomi's manipulative nature and desire for independence.
Naomi transforms from a naive girl into a willful and selfish individual, influenced not only by Joji but also by her interactions with other characters, such as the brash student Kumagai Seitaro and the sensitive Hamada. Additionally, figures like the sophisticated Russian countess Aleksandra Shlemskaya and Naomi's English teacher Miss Harrison highlight the contrasting influences and values within Naomi's world. As Joji grapples with his feelings of betrayal and loss of control, the narrative delves into themes of love, betrayal, and the complexities of modern relationships, showcasing how personal aspirations and societal expectations can collide. This rich character analysis provides insights into the motivations and transformations that define the interactions between these diverse and compelling figures.
Naomi: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Jun'ichir Tanizaki
First published: Chijin no ai, 1924–1925, serial; 1925, book (English translation, 1985)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Tokyo, Japan, and surrounding areas
Plot: Fiction of manners
Time: 1918–1926
Joji Kawai, a wealthy engineer from the countryside, an insecure man of twenty-eight when he meets and falls in love with Naomi in Tokyo. Lonely and bored, he is attracted by Naomi's Eurasian appearance and decides to develop her into the perfect, modern woman. He persuades her to move in with him; sends her to English, music, and dance classes; buys her clothes; and indulges her various whims. Gradually, he realizes that she is unfaithful, manipulative, and no longer under his control. He kicks her out of their home but later takes her back on her terms, giving her complete freedom to make her own friends, have affairs, and live an idle, luxurious life in a Western-style house in Yokohama.
Naomi, a fifteen-year-old waitress at the Diamond Café when she meets Joji. She is from a poor, apathetic Tokyo family and loves a good time. Under Joji's tutelage, she becomes a beautiful but willful and selfish young woman. She frequently calls him “papa,” and he calls her “baby.” She wants no children or responsibilities and is enamored of all things Western. Joji likens her to their film idol, Mary Pickford, and at the dance at the El Dorado club reflects that she is a wild animal but vital and sensual.
Kumagai Seitaro, a brash, vulgar Keio University student. He becomes Naomi's principal lover and encourages her wild and coarse behavior.
Hamada, a serious young student at Keio University and part of Naomi's fast set of friends. He has an affair with her but is sensitive to the plight of her victims, especially Joji. Caught in Joji's house waiting for Naomi, he divulges that he and others have carried on affairs with Naomi. He helps Joji find Naomi after Joji has kicked her out and urges him not to take her back.
Aleksandra Shlemskaya, a Russian countess who operates a Western-style dance studio in Tokyo after fleeing from revolution in her country. She exudes Western sophistication and power. Holding a whip, like a drill officer she authoritatively teaches her students to keep time with the music. Joji finds the mix of perspiration and perfume alluring and exotic. It is at her studio that Naomi meets members of the Keio Mandolin Club, four of whom become her set of admirers.
Miss Harrison, Naomi's English teacher. She surrounds herself with pictures of her students and defends her abilities to Joji, who sees Naomi making little progress in English.
Haruno Kirako, a beautiful actress at the Imperial theater. She dances with Joji at his and Naomi's first dance. Naomi says spiteful things about Haruno until she joins their table, but Joji is depressed when he compares her refinement with Naomi's vulgarity.