Characters:
Shimamura--critic of the occidental
ballet
Komako--geisha, once associated
with Yokio and an acquaintance of Yoko
Yoko--the fresh beauty who tends
the sick man on the train (Yukio)
Movement of Narrative:
Novel begins with the image of
the train penetrating the landscape. This marks the return of Shimamura
to Snow Country. It is December and S. is intrigued with the image
of Yoko, who he studies in the reflection of the window
On page 16, the narrative flashes back to May when S. met Komako who did not then wear the long skirts of the Geisha
On 38, the narrative resumes its course in December when S. explains that the only reason he came back to the hot springs was to see Komako.
Theme:
Wasted effort: Diary/Occidental
Ballet, the relationship
The figures and the background
were unrelated, and yet the figures, transparent and intangible, and the
background, dim in the gathering darkness, melted together into a sort
of symbolic world not of this world. (the ideal)
In this quote, the figures and
the background refer to the couple and the reflection of the landscape.
Here, the narrator recognizes the beauty of Yoko and he acknowledges her
tenderness for Yukio. The landscape is pure and so is she, so they complement
one another. Her purity, moreover, seems not of this world.
It seems platonic.
Platonic Forms:
ex. Human realm--rose as an image
of beauty
Platonic--the ideal--Beauty, perfection
ex. court system
the ideal: Justice
Particularly when a light out
in the mountains shone in the center of the girl's face, Shimamura felt
his chest rise at the inexpressible beauty of it.
In this line, Shimamura lacks the
words to express the beauty of Yoko. But, ironically, Kawabata does
manage to convey the beauty his protagonist feels.
Contrasts:
Snow and black peaks of the mountain
Komako's powder and her raven black
hair
Komako's blush and her powder
Komako's Innocence and her experience
Yoko's innocence and Komako's experience
Sickness (TB) and health (Yoko)
Style:
Difficulty because of ambiguity
Lyrical, K. uses images rather
than plot
Reflects Asian thought:
Not direct; people avoid confrontation
Not strictly chronological
Appreciation for simplicity
Novel of contemplation