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The Old Capital

By Yasunari Kawabata

A Novel Analysis
Submitted to the Faculty of the College of Education
Romblon State University, Odiongan, Romblon
In partial fulfilment of the requirements
of the course

EL 116
CONTEMPORARY, POPULAR, AND
EMERGENT LITERATURE

Submitted by:

Michael Falcutila Jr.

BSED 3 – 3A

MAY 2023
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Introduction
Reading is more than just a hobby. It is a multilayered and genuinely complex process
of intellectual, emotional, and cultural enrichment. It is a trip to the universe of dreams,
a door to the treasures of knowledge and a monitor to the souls of different people. We
should tap on not just what is mentioned in the line but should double-tap and read its
context as well.
In relation with that, this output tackles on the piece of literature, entitled The Old Capital
by Yasunari Kawabata, as the subject of analysis. This includes the background of the
novel, the author, summary, and relevance of the novel to modern times.Furthermore,
this analysis aims to investigate, assess and comprehend the work using Formalism
approach only.
Background of the Novel

The Old Capital by Yasunari Kawabata is based on the traditions and culture of Kyoto, a
city in Japan that was the capital of the country for over a thousand years. It was first
published in Japan in 1962 under the title "Koto. It is set in the traditional city of
Kyoto, Japan, this deeply poetic story revolves around Chieko who becomes
bewildered and troubled as she discovers the true facets of her past. With the
harmony and time–honored customs of a Japanese backdrop, the story
becomes poignant as Chieko’s longing and confusion develops.

The novel is set against the backdrop of Kyoto's traditional festivals and celebrations,
such as the Gion Festival and the Aoi Festival, which are deeply rooted in the city's
cultural heritage. Kawabata uses these festivals to explore themes of identity, family, and
tradition, as Chieko navigates her relationships with her adoptive parents, her twin sister,
and a young man who becomes her companion.

One of the three novels cited specifically by the Nobel Committee when they awarded
Yasunari Kawabata the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1968. Kawabata's
writing style is characterized by his lyrical and evocative prose, which
brings the city of Kyoto and its people to life. The Old Capital is
considered one of Kawabata's most accessible works, and it has been
translated into many languages, making it widely available to readers
around the world. The novel has also been adapted into a film and a
television series in Japan.

Author
Yasunari Kawabata was a Japanese novelist and short story writer, born on June 11, 1899 at
Osaka, Japan. He was born into a well-established family

Summary

The Old Capital is a novel by Yasunari Kawabata that tells the story of Chieko Sadas, a
young woman who was adopted as a baby and raised in Kyoto by a dry goods wholesaler,
Takichiro Sadas, and his wife, Shige. Chieko is a talented embroiderer who creates
beautiful silk kimonos for her family's business.

The novel begins with Chieko's 19th birthday, which coincides with the Gion Festival.
Chieko is haunted by the memory of her biological mother, who was a geisha in Kyoto.
She feels a deep connection to the city and its traditions, but she also feels like an
outsider.

Chieko's life takes a turn when she meets a young man named Hideo, who is the son of a
kimono merchant. Hideo is immediately drawn to Chieko's beauty and talent, and the two
of them begin a romantic relationship. However, their relationship is complicated by
Chieko's feelings of guilt and obligation towards her adoptive parents, who have always
been kind and supportive of her.

As Chieko and Hideo's relationship develops, Chieko learns more about her biological
mother and her past. She discovers that her mother was a member of the Nakamura
family, who were once wealthy kimono merchants. Chieko also learns that she has a twin
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sister, Naeko, who was raised by the Nakamura family.

Chieko and Naeko eventually meet, and they form a close bond. However, their
relationship is also complicated by the fact that Naeko is engaged to be married to a man
who is not of their social class. Chieko feels torn between her loyalty to her adoptive family
and her desire to help her twin sister.

Literary Analysis
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte published in 1847 falls under the category of the novel
which is a classic gothic usually feature supernatural elements, ominous settings, and threats to
young women, often involving imprisonment in an isolated mansion.
The writing style is characterized by its vivid and evocative language, intricate narrative
structure, and intense emotional expression. It employs rich imagery to describe the harsh
landscapes of the Yorkshire moors and the passionate relationships between characters. The use
of first-person narratives, flashbacks, and multiple perspectives adds complexity to the
storytelling. Brontë's prose is known for its poetic quality, contributing to the novel's
atmospheric and emotionally charged tone.
It features a multi-layered narrative structure with multiple points of view. The primary narrator
is Mr. Lockwood, an outsider who rents Thrushcross Grange. Through his eyes, readers are
introduced to the mysterious world of Wuthering Heights and its inhabitants.
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However, much of the story is recounted by other characters through their own perspectives,
mainly Nelly Dean, the housekeeper.
The use of multiple narrators provides a complex and fragmented view of the events, allowing
readers to see the story from different angles. This narrative technique adds depth to the
characters and contributes to the overall complexity of the novel.
The main themes of this novel are love, passion, and vengeance. It is the love between Heathcliff
and Catherine that permeates the novel, though it assumes dangerous proportions as the plot
thickens. Catherine rejects Heathcliff choosing instead Edgar Linton. This instigates the theme of
revenge as Heathcliff's pure love turns bitter and devilish, destroying relationships in its wake.
Upon reading the novel, readers can immediately understand the character’s name used carry
symbolic meanings aligns with their traits. Heathcliff suggests a connection with the heath,
emphasizing his wild and untamed nature. Catherine means pure or clear. Edgar Linton means a
sense of refinement and gentility and Isabela Linton means beauty and elegance.
The setting serves as a powerful symbol that mirrors the characters' emotions and conflicts.
Wuthering Heights, with its harsh and isolated moorland location, represents the untamed and
passionate nature of its inhabitants. The rugged landscape reflects the wild and tumultuous
relationships, particularly that of Heathcliff and Catherine.
On the other hand, Thrushcross Grange symbolizes civilization, order, and refinement. Its
elegant surroundings stand in stark contrast to the rugged Wuthering Heights. This duality of
settings signifies the clash between nature and culture, passion and restraint. The moors
themselves represent the vast and uncontrollable forces influencing the characters' lives.
Overall, the setting becomes a symbolic backdrop that enhances the novel's themes and
intensifies the emotional depth of the characters' experiences.
The climax of the story occurs in the latter part of the novel when Heathcliff's relentless pursuit
of revenge reaches its peak. Following the death of Catherine Earnshaw, Heathcliff becomes
consumed by a desire for vengeance against those he believes wronged him, especially the
Lintons and the next generation of Earnshaws.
One significant event during this climax is Heathcliff's manipulation of Hareton Earnshaw and
his treatment of him as a servant, mirroring the mistreatment Heathcliff himself endured.
Additionally, Heathcliff's torment of Catherine Linton and his strategic actions to secure
ownership of Thrushcross Grange contribute to the intense and dramatic climax.
One of the contributing factors why the novel is of greatness is the portrayal of ifferent conflict.
Man vs.man can be seen in the rivalry and animosity between Heathcliff and Hindley, Heathcliff
and Edgar, and the various relationships within the Earnshaw and Linton families create intense
interpersonal conflicts between characters. Man vs. Nature is also depicted in the harsh and
desolate moorland setting mirrors the tumultuous emotions and conflicts within the characters.
Nature serves as a backdrop that reflects and intensifies the emotional struggles of the characters.
Moreover, Man vs. Self is presented to characters such as Heathcliff and Catherine grapple with
internal conflicts, torn between love and societal expectations. Heathcliff's inner turmoil and
Catherine's struggle to reconcile her feelings for Heathcliff and her societal obligations illustrate
this internal conflict. Man vs. Society can be seen also as the societal norms and class structures
of the time play a significant role in the characters' lives. Heathcliff's social status and the
expectations surrounding marriage contribute to conflicts with societal expectations.
It is also rich in iterary devices that contribute to the novel depth and complexity. Some
prominent literary devices includes foreshadowing to give hint to future events. For example,
early descriptions of the moors and Wuthering Heights create a foreboding atmosphere that
foreshadows the intense conflicts to come. Flashback that provides
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insight into the history of Wuthering Heights and its characters. These flashbacks gradually
reveal the complex relationships and motivations driving the story.
Two central and interwined opposing forces in the novel is loved vs. hatred. The novel explores
intense, passionate, and often destructive love, particularly between Heathcliff and Catherine.
Their love is profound, transcending conventional boundaries and societal norms.This love is
also intertwined with intense hatred and revenge. Heathcliff's deep love for Catherine transforms
into a vengeful force against those he perceives as hindrances or enemies, leading to a cycle of
revenge and suffering.
There are also phrases and words with various meanings presented at the novel such as
Catherine’s ghost. In its literal meaning , we conclude it as Catherine Earnshaw’s spirit. It also
symbolizes the lingering influence of the past on the present and the characters' lives. Another
word is the moors. We open referred to it as open, wild expanses of land. But in its figurative
meaning, it symbolizes freedom, but also isolation and desolation that is highly depicted in the
novel.
Love and hate are emotions experienced and feels by the character but it also often intertwined
and blurred, showcasing the complex and intense relationships in the novel. These words and
phrases contribute to the novel's depth, as they often carry both literal and symbolic meanings,
adding layers to the narrative.
Readers will experience a range of intense emotions including melancholy since the novel's
tragic and haunting atmosphere evokes a sense of deep sadness. Frustration since the complex
and often destructive relationships may frustrate readers as they witness characters making
seemingly irrational choices.Readers may also feel sympathy for certain characters who suffer or
endure hardships, such as Heathcliff's harsh upbringing.
The non-linear narrative and complex family relationships can lead to confusion, prompting
readers to piece together the intricate plot. The portrayal of unrequited love and the destructive
consequences of Heathcliff and Catherine's choices can evoke a profound sense of anguish.The
unconventional and passionate nature of the characters and their relationships can captivate
readers, drawing them into the novel's unique world.
Certain actions and behaviors of characters, particularly Heathcliff, may evoke feelings of
disgust and moral repulsion.The novel's gothic elements, the portrayal of the moors, and the
intensity of emotions can inspire a sense of awe in readers.
It portrays various forms of repression, both societal and personal. Socially, characters are bound
by class distinctions and societal expectations, leading to constraints on their choices and
relationships. Heathcliff, for instance, faces discrimination due to his lower social status.
Individually, characters experience internal repression. Cathy's struggle with societal norms
restrains her from openly expressing her love for Heathcliff, leading her to marry Edgar Linton
instead. Heathcliff's love for Cathy becomes a source of torment, and his desire for revenge
becomes a manifestation of the repression he faces.
The novel underscores how societal expectations and personal conflicts can result in emotional
and psychological repression, shaping the characters' destinies in profound ways.
The authors message in the novel encompasses a critique of societal norms, a portrayal of the
destructive nature of unchecked passion, and an exploration of the lasting effects of personal
choices. Through the complex characters and their tumultuous relationships, she challenges
conventional ideas about love and morality.
It encourages us readers to reflect on the consequences of societal expectations and the
repression of true emotions. She suggests that blindly adhering to societal norms can lead to
tragedy, and she emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing one's true self.
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Her novel serves as a cautionary tale about the potential harm of revenge and the long- lasting
impact of choices on individuals and generations. It prompts readers to question the societal
structures that constrain individuals and to consider the profound consequences of unrestrained
passion.
It can be analyzed through a psychoanalytic literary lens, particularly in exploring the characters'
unconscious desires, conflicts, and motivations. Some psychoanalytic themes includes repressed
desires and forbidden love in which the characters in the novel grapple with repressed desires
and forbidden love. The intense and often destructive relationships between characters like
Heathcliff and Catherine reveal subconscious longings and conflicts that influence their actions.
Another one is Oedipus complex tha can be seen in Heathcliff's relationship with Catherine and
his complex feelings towards Hindley, his male rival.
Furthemore, dual nature of characters, unconscious motivations and dreams and symbolism also
depicted in the novel. By applying a psychoanalytic literary theory to the readers can uncover
layers of meaning beneath the surface of the characters' actions, revealing the psychological
complexities that contribute to the novel's enduring intrigue.
Also, it can be analyzed through a Marxist lens, particularly in its exploration of social class,
economic inequality, and the impact of societal structures on individuals. Some Marxist themes
in the novel includes class structure, ownership and property, exploitation and alienation and
economic determinism.
Through examining these Marxist themes, readers can gain insights into how Emily Brontë used
"Wuthering Heights" to comment on the social and economic realities of her time, emphasizing
the profound effects of class distinctions and societal structures on the lives of the characters.
The author does not have a clear-cut moral or didactic conclusion. The novel is complex and
open to various interpretations. However, Brontë seems to convey the destructive nature of
unchecked passion, the consequences of societal repression, and the enduring impact of one's
choices on both individual lives and future generations.
The novel challenges conventional ideas of love and morality, inviting readers to contemplate the
blurred lines between good and evil. It emphasizes the long-lasting effects of trauma, revenge,
and societal expectations on the human psyche. Rather than providing a tidy resolution, Brontë
leaves readers with a haunting and ambiguous tale that prompts reflection on the complexities of
human nature and relationships. The enduring appeal of "Wuthering Heights" lies in its ability to
provoke thought and elicit a range of emotional responses from its readers.
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Relevance to the Novel to Modern Times

It is today due to its exploration of timeless themes such as love, revenge, social class, and the
complexity of human relationships. The novel's enduring appeal lies in its portrayal of the darker
aspects of human nature, making it relatable to readers across different eras. The intense and
passionate characters, particularly Heathcliff and Catherine, resonate with contemporary
audiences, as their struggles and conflicts mirror the complexities of love and societal
expectations.
Additionally, the novel challenges traditional Victorian norms, offering a unique perspective on
class divisions and the impact of societal expectations on individuals. Themes of isolation,
revenge, and the consequences of unchecked passion continue to be relevant in discussions about
human behavior and relationships.
Furthermore , it also prompts reflections on the consequences of unresolved trauma and the
enduring effects of past actions on future generations, adding a psychological depth that
transcends its historical setting.

Works Cited
Britannica, T. Information Architects of Encyclopaedia (2023, December 11). Emily Brontë.
Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/facts/Emily-Bronte
SparkNotes LLC. (2023). Wuthering Heights Emily Bronte. Retrieved from
https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/wuthering/context/
Theune, Sage. ( 2023, June 9). Wuthering Heights/Cliffnotes. Retrieved from
https://wuthering-heights.co.uk/summary.php/03/faq
Bowen, Kristy & Boyles, David. ( 2023, November 21). Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte |
Summary, Setting & Analysis. Retrieved from
https://study.com/academy/lesson/inspirations-for-wuthering-heights.html