Terukichi Miyata Flashcards
Mishima describes the way a life lived close to nature, and with great courage, defies the effects of time. (vigour)
Old though he was, his vigor was undiminished (p.105)
Mishima describes Terukichi’s nakedness in the bathhouse as a miracle to behold. (limbs)
Gold-and-copper-colored limbs showed no sign of slackness (p.106)
Mishima uses nature imagery to convey Terukichi’s self-confidence and authority. (lion)
His white hair bristled wildly like the mane of a lion (p.106)
Mishima describes Terukichi as the embodiment of the best in Japanese masculinity. All are intrinsic qualities, not a product of an entitlement born of privilege like Yasuo’s.
Terukichi was the personification of all Uta-jima’s toil and determination and ambition and strength. (p.106)
Mishima emphasizes that knowledge, skill, and experience are the basis of success, not the material success and social status that might come from them.
The uncanny accuracy of his weather predictions… and the great pride he took in knowing all the history and traditions of the island (p.106)
Mishima describes how intrinsic qualities like courage, determination and experience can turn a man into a legend. Compare this to Yasuo who feels he is a legend just because he owns a watch and leather jacket. (statue)
He was an old man who, while still living, could act like a bronze statue erected to his own memory (p.106)
The rumours of Shinji and Hatsue were first told to Yasuo by Chiyoko, and eventually spread to the entire village by Yasuo. Uncle Teru hears them at the bath house. (laundry)
The old man shook the two heads in the water and knocked them together, just as though he were rinsing out laundry. (p.108)
Mishima describes Terukichi’s house, which despite his wealth, is not that different to the houses around it.
One of the richest men in the village … nor was it different from the other houses (p.125)
Terukichi awards his daughter Hatsue’s hand in marriage to Shinji because it was Shinji who proved his worth by single-handedly saving the Utajima-maru from the storm.
The only thing that really counts in a man is his get-up-and-go … Family and money are all secondary. (p.175)
