The Silent Cry: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Silent Cry: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the complex lives of the Nedokoro family and their interactions with the broader social context of their native village. Central to the narrative is Mitsusaburo (Mitsu) Nedokoro, a young academic aristocrat grappling with personal tragedies, including the suicide of a friend and the challenges posed by his child’s mental disability. His stoicism contrasts sharply with the tumultuous return of his younger brother, Takashi (Taka), a charismatic yet destructive figure who seeks to rekindle familial ties but ultimately spirals into violence and despair, leading to his tragic demise.
Natsumi Nedokoro, Mitsu's wife, embodies the emotional toll of their situation, struggling with alcoholism and unfulfilled motherhood, which complicates her relationship with both Mitsu and Taka. The character of Paek Sun-gi, a Korean entrepreneur, adds depth to themes of cultural tension as he buys the family homestead, navigating perceptions of villainy and civility. Other characters, such as Momoko and Hoshio, illustrate the shifting loyalties and disillusionment within Taka's following, as they confront the repercussions of his actions. Collectively, these characters embody a poignant exploration of grief, identity, and the impact of familial legacies against the backdrop of historical and social upheaval.
The Silent Cry: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Kenzaburo Oe
First published: Man'en gan'nen no futtoboru, 1967 (English translation, 1974)
Genre: Novel
Locale: The Okubo village in Shikoku, Japan; and Tokyo
Plot: Psychological realism
Time: The early
Mitsusaburo (Mitsu) Nedokoro, a young academic aristocrat. A stoic man, he is depressed by two events: the suicide of a friend and the birth of his first child, who is mentally retarded. He notes the details of his wife's depression and her consumption of alcohol, but he feels powerless to change their situation. After the return to Japan of Taka, his younger brother, he consents to a return to their native village to begin life anew. There they are both swept up in research on a peasant revolt in 1860, led by an ancestor. They are also overwhelmed by an awareness of their two dead siblings—an older brother named S. and a young retarded sister. Mitsu tries to balance Taka's romantic versions of their family's deaths through logic and cynicism.
Takashi (Taka) Nedokoro, a reformed student activist. A charismatic young man in his twenties, Taka returns from the United States determined to seek his roots in his native village. Along with a small band of followers, and with his brother and sister-in-law, he completes the arduous journey. Once there, Taka sells the homestead and unilaterally decides to invest the money in a football team. Prone to violence and distortion of events, both past and present, he seduces Natsumi without remorse, murders a young woman senselessly, and finally confesses to his brother his incestuous relationship with their sister. He feels responsible for her death and commits suicide.
Natsumi Nedokoro, Mitsu's wife, who has become an alcoholic since the birth of her retarded son. Natsumi is an intelligent, sensitive young woman who is suffering from her thwarted motherhood and collapsing marriage. She becomes an ardent follower of Taka and eventually becomes pregnant with his child.
Paek Sun-gi, called The Emperor, a Korean former laborer and now owner of a supermarket chain. He buys the Nedokoro homestead and outbuildings. Although Taka paints him as a villain, he appears to be civilized.
Great-grandfather's younger brother, the leader of a peasant revolt in 1860. Thought to have been a deserter and to have brought shame on the clan, he is finally exonerated through Mitsu's research.
Momoko, a young woman who becomes a follower of Taka. At first, she is an enthusiastic follower, but when Taka organizes the riot at the supermarket, she becomes disenchanted.
Hoshio, a young boy who becomes a bodyguard of Taka. In the course of Taka's treachery and violence, Hoshio tells Mitsu that Taka has seduced Natsumi. He, too, is disen-chanted and wants only to leave the village and return to normal life.
Jin, a grossly overweight family retainer. Because of her uncontrollable appetite, her husband and children are under-nourished. Both Mitsu and Taka respect her and make provisions for her shelter even though they sell the homestead. After the riot, Jin's appetite decreases markedly.