Loneliness Comparison of The Tale of Genji and Kokoro
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Loneliness and the Meiji Era:
Comparison of "The Tale of Genji" and "Kokoro"
In the 'The Tale of Genji', the main character, Genji, is seen to be a very womanizing creature, but the underlying emotions told in the novel seem to be those of loneliness. In comparison, the book 'Kokoro' emphasizes a man who spends his life worrying in loneliness. The Japanese word kokoro means 'the heart of things' and in many ways that is exactly what this book it about; the
heart of the human condition. Thus, both books are of loneliness and of men who appear to be destined to be alone despite different types of relationships.
In 'The Tale of Genji', there are many themes of loneliness, but only subtly hinted at. The most obvious of them all is when Genji is sent into exile. It is told that he feels great regret for the actions he has taken, and he wishes to be left alone: "The waves of the strand, like moans of helpless longing. The winds like messengers from those who grieve?" (Suma pg. 261)
In the instance of Sensei visiting his friend's grave, we can see loneliness and isolation with the human condition demonstrated by his lack of emotions and comfort towards others when there...