The Structure of the Novel

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 126 views

Structural Analysis of the Novel "Secret Hati" by Natsume Soseki

Introduction

Literary works are a reflection of the feelings of society that describe the reality of life. In the category of literary works, there are two main types, namely fiction and non-fiction, with novels becoming one of the most popular forms of fiction. The novel contains two important elements: intrinsic elements originating from within the work itself, and extrinsic elements related to external factors. One of the interesting novels to be analyzed is the "secret of heart" by Natsume Soseki. This novel tells the story of a character who holds a deep secret that makes him feel alienated and lonely, because there is no one he can trust.

The Structure of the Novel

In structural studies, the novel "Secret Heart" has a well-arranged theme and plot, starting from the introduction (exposition) to the action of falling (falling action). Elements such as background, point of view, and mandate are also clearly presented, although the authors find imbalances in the characterization elements. This is because the character of the protagonist, namely sensei, is more dominant than the antagonist. This imbalance makes the storyline feel a little monotonous.

Themes and Plot

Through a structural approach, we can dig deeper into the themes contained in this novel, namely the silence experienced by individuals in the midst of modern life that is constantly changing. The protagonist, Sensei, became a suspicious figure of the people around him, resulted in him acting manipulatively in order to achieve his goals. The tension in the story appears in the Inciting Force phase to the climax, when Sensei pretended to be sick to propose to Ojosan, without the knowledge of his close friends. When Sensei realized his mistake, he wanted to apologize, but unfortunately, his friend died, leaving Sensei in a deep guilt and pushed him towards a tragic decision to end his life.

Characterization

In terms of characterizations, Sensei is described as a vengeful individual, which makes it the only antagonist in the story. The existence of a protagonist who makes more the dynamics of the story less varied. This novel takes background in various places such as Kamakura, Tokyo, and Zoshigaya, and tells the story of time changes from summer to winter. Social elements are also clearly visible, such as the tradition of playing Japanese musical instruments, Koto, and the habit of burning incense in order to commemorate the dead.

Background and Setting

The background has a close relationship with themes and plot. The first meeting between Sensei and the character "I" took place in Kamakura in the summer, marking the beginning of their familiarity. Then, this familiarity continues to develop in Tokyo, a place to live sensei. Sensei's routine attitude to make a pilgrimage to the grave of his friend in Zoshigaya reflects the guilt that always follows him. The point of view used in this novel is the first person's point of view, which strengthens the emotional depth of the narratives and experiences of the characters.

Point of View and Perspective

Further analysis shows that the relationship between perspective with themes, plot, and characterization is well established, providing depth to the characters and events that occur. By using the point of view of the first person, the author succeeded in conveying a deep moral message, reminding the reader to respect parents and always be kind to others.

Conclusion

Overall, based on structural analysis, it can be concluded that the novel "Secret Heart" by Natsume Soseki shows the link between themes, plot, characterization, setting, point of view, and mandate. Although there is an imbalance in characterization, this novel still offers a solid and touching narrative structure. With a deep message and complex character, this novel invites the reader to reflect on the meaning of silence in life and the importance of mutual respect in human relations.

Recommendations

Based on the analysis, the following recommendations can be made:

The author should consider adding more depth to the characterization of the antagonist to create a more balanced storyline.
The use of the first person point of view is effective in conveying the emotional depth of the characters and events, but the author should consider using other narrative techniques to create a more varied narrative structure.
The background and setting of the novel are well-established, but the author should consider adding more details to create a more immersive experience for the reader.

Limitations

The analysis of the novel "Secret Heart" by Natsume Soseki has several limitations. Firstly, the analysis is based on a structural approach, which may not capture the full complexity of the novel. Secondly, the analysis is limited to the themes, plot, characterization, setting, point of view, and mandate of the novel, and may not consider other important aspects of the novel. Finally, the analysis is based on a single novel, and may not be representative of other novels by Natsume Soseki or other authors.

Future Research Directions

Future research directions for the analysis of the novel "Secret Heart" by Natsume Soseki include:

A more in-depth analysis of the characterization of the antagonist to create a more balanced storyline.
An analysis of the use of narrative techniques, such as the first person point of view, to create a more varied narrative structure.
An analysis of the background and setting of the novel to create a more immersive experience for the reader.
A comparison of the novel "Secret Heart" with other novels by Natsume Soseki or other authors to identify similarities and differences in their narrative structures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the novel "Secret Heart" by Natsume Soseki is a complex and thought-provoking work that invites the reader to reflect on the meaning of silence in life and the importance of mutual respect in human relations. The analysis of the novel has shown that it has a well-arranged theme and plot, with a clear relationship between perspective, themes, plot, and characterization. Although there is an imbalance in characterization, the novel still offers a solid and touching narrative structure. With a deep message and complex character, this novel is a must-read for anyone interested in literary analysis and the study of narrative structures.
Q&A: Structural Analysis of the Novel "Secret Hati" by Natsume Soseki

Introduction

In our previous article, we conducted a structural analysis of the novel "Secret Hati" by Natsume Soseki. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the novel and its analysis.

Q: What is the main theme of the novel "Secret Hati"?

A: The main theme of the novel "Secret Hati" is the silence experienced by individuals in the midst of modern life that is constantly changing. The novel explores the idea that silence can be a powerful tool for communication, but also a source of isolation and loneliness.

Q: Who is the protagonist of the novel "Secret Hati"?

A: The protagonist of the novel "Secret Hati" is Sensei, a vengeful individual who is driven by a deep sense of guilt and responsibility. Sensei is a complex character who is both likable and unlikable at the same time.

Q: What is the significance of the background and setting of the novel "Secret Hati"?

A: The background and setting of the novel "Secret Hati" are significant because they provide a sense of context and atmosphere for the story. The novel takes place in various locations, including Kamakura, Tokyo, and Zoshigaya, which adds to the sense of realism and authenticity.

Q: How does the author use the first person point of view in the novel "Secret Hati"?

A: The author uses the first person point of view in the novel "Secret Hati" to create a sense of intimacy and immediacy. The use of the first person point of view allows the reader to experience the story from the protagonist's perspective, which adds to the sense of emotional depth and complexity.

Q: What is the significance of the character "I" in the novel "Secret Hati"?

A: The character "I" is significant because they serve as a foil to Sensei. The character "I" is a more optimistic and open-minded individual who is able to see the world in a different way. The contrast between Sensei and the character "I" highlights the complexities of human nature and the different ways in which people experience the world.

Q: How does the novel "Secret Hati" relate to the broader themes of Japanese literature?

A: The novel "Secret Hati" relates to the broader themes of Japanese literature in its exploration of the human condition. The novel explores the idea that humans are complex and multifaceted, and that we are all capable of both good and evil. This theme is a common one in Japanese literature, and is explored in works such as "The Tale of Genji" and "The Pillow Book".

Q: What are some of the limitations of the analysis of the novel "Secret Hati"?

A: Some of the limitations of the analysis of the novel "Secret Hati" include the fact that it is based on a structural approach, which may not capture the full complexity of the novel. Additionally, the analysis is limited to the themes, plot, characterization, setting, point of view, and mandate of the novel, and may not consider other important aspects of the novel.

Q: What are some of the future research directions for the analysis of the novel "Secret Hati"?

A: Some of the future research directions for the analysis of the novel "Secret Hati" include a more in-depth analysis of the characterization of the antagonist, an analysis of the use of narrative techniques, such as the first person point of view, and an analysis of the background and setting of the novel.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the novel "Secret Hati" by Natsume Soseki is a complex and thought-provoking work that invites the reader to reflect on the meaning of silence in life and the importance of mutual respect in human relations. The analysis of the novel has shown that it has a well-arranged theme and plot, with a clear relationship between perspective, themes, plot, and characterization. We hope that this Q&A article has provided a useful summary of the analysis and has sparked further discussion and debate about the novel.