A Kiekergaardian reading of Natsume Sōseki: Sanshirō, Sorekara and Mon

Abstract

In this paper we intend to test an interpretative hypothesis in order to read the usually named first trilogy of Japanese novelist Natsume Sōseki, be that as a whole or regarding each work separately. Our hypothesis consists of applying Søren Kierkegaard’s theory of the three stages as a frame for the reading of each novel of the trilogy, in order to highlight elements that have so far gone unnoticed, as well as a frame for a reading of the works as a whole. Even though we do not enter the subject of a direct influence of Kierkegaard upon Sōseki, the parallel reading of both authors offers a wealth of hypothesis that should not be ignored. We arrive at the conclusion that this framework is in a great deal functional, although some limitations should be pointed out.