The Sound of the Mountain

"The Sound of the Mountain" is a novel written by Yasunari Kawabata, a Japanese author and Nobel laureate. The story revolves around the life of Shingo Ogata, an older man living in post-World War II Japan. Shingo is a quiet and contemplative individual who is concerned about the disintegration of traditional Japanese values in modern society.

The novel explores themes of loneliness, aging, and the complexities of human relationships. Shingo has a strained relationship with his wife, Yasuko, and he finds solace in observing the lives and relationships of his children and grandchildren. He becomes particularly fascinated by his daughter-in-law, Kikuko, and develops a deep emotional connection with her.

Character relationships

Shingo's relationships with his family members are depicted in various ways, highlighting the complexities and dynamics within these connections. Here are some specific examples:

• Shingo and his wife, Yasuko: Shingo's relationship with his wife is distant and strained. They live together but lack emotional intimacy. Shingo observes Yasuko's affairs with indifference, as he has also had his own extramarital relationships. Their lack of communication and emotional connection symbolize the breakdown of traditional values and the challenges faced by marriages in modern society.
• Shingo and his son, Shuichi: Shingo has a strained relationship with his son. Shuichi is distant and preoccupied with his own life, often neglecting his responsibilities towards his family. Shingo feels a sense of disappointment and regret in his inability to connect with his son on a deeper level.
• Shingo and his daughter-in-law, Kikuko. Shingo develops a deep emotional bond with Kikuko, who is married to his son. They share intimate conversations and find solace in each other's company. However, their relationship remains platonic, and Shingo grapples with his conflicting desires and the boundaries of propriety.
• Shingo and his grandchildren: Shingo observes his grandchildren, sensing the disconnection between generations. He longs for a stronger connection with them but finds it challenging due to the generation gap and his own feelings of inadequacy.

Dreams haunt Shingo throughout the book about his past, reflecting on his failed relationships and missed opportunities. He also reflects on the beauty of nature, finding solace in the sound of the nearby mountain.