Yukio Mishima could not have chosen a better title for his story, "Patriotism." Mishimas characters demonstrate his idea of patriotism. In the story, Lieutenant Shinji Takeyama and his young wife, Reiko becomes martyrs. .
The importance of the information in the first sentence of the story is indicated by the great length of the sentence as well as its placement in the story. First mentioned is the reason the Lieutenant commits suicide, his patriotism, and next that he does commit suicide. Death becomes the ultimate test of patriotism. The second sentence recounts Reikos suicide. Its placement in the story as second does not necessarily render it less important, but instead subsidiary. .
Next the reasons they commit suicide are reiterated as the text of their "farewell" notes, drawing the comparison of love for ones country to the love in a new marriage. .
The couple is referred to as dedicated, heroic, youthful, and beautiful. Yukio Mishima values youth, and the couple represents all that is beautiful to him. Mishima goes to great length to describe their perfection thus inferring his ideals. .
Shinji and Reikos suicides are so venerable, according to Mishima that "the gods themselves weep." In the Lieutenants house, the god shelf is under the stairs. The gods and the leaders of Japan represented on this shelf are held on the same level to Mishima. This creates the comparison of reverence to ones gods to reverence for ones country. The suicides are performed upstairs, above the god shelf, giving the suicides superior status. Mishima also describes the relationship between the two as supernatural. They are above nature and the gods. "For Reiko had never, even to herself, thought of those soaring joys of the flesh as mere pleasure." It is more than that. "A hot moistness of the flesh which defied the snows," it is described as. Furthermore, the Lieutenant sees the consummation of their flesh and the sincerity of his patriotism as parts of the same thing.
Patriotism: An Extended Definition What is the driving force that supplies men and women the courage to step into bloody battlefields? What are the tears in the eyes of American people as they watch their nations flag fly on top of the rubble that once provided the World Trade Center? Where d...
No matter where one looks there is some sign of patriotism. ... These different expressions of patriotism and the rise of patriotism have had many effects on the United States. ... Hence, there are many different acts of patriotism. For starters, patriotism is seen all across the country. ... In conclusion, American patriotism is back. ...
We know that we witnessed both heroism and Patriotism it on Sept. 11. ... Patriotism is having another effect on the nation. ... Our patriotism, as we are all learning, can be misguided and exploited. ... (NY times online) Finally, we have good old consumer patriotism. ... Patriotism needs to be taken with a dose of common sense and intelligence. ...
However, that war has proved to me how lucky we are to have our freedom and patriotism. Patriotism is another very important quality to have for your country. ... Patriotism is the pride, loyalty, and respect we have for our country. ... Patriotism is what holds all Americans together. ... I believe our patriotism has grown enormously since the attacks of 9-11. ...
Patriotism Most people around the world are patriotic of their country. ... Americans too feel the same patriotism. ... However, because of the American dream's staying-power through the centuries, it can be assumed that the American dream is a twisted form of patriotism. ... Because free speech is the benchmark of American freedom, it also evokes feelings of patriotism. ... Of all places, it offers the most reasons for the feelings of patriotism that it evokes because no other country gives the people so much. ...
Patriotism is the love or devotion to one's country. ... Exhibiting patriotism can be quite simple. ... When embracing patriotism, one does not have to take such brutal tactics as war. ... Obviously showing patriotism is not too difficult and dangerous for one to accomplish. ... In conclusion, patriotism is very easy to embrace. ...
Patriotism. ... The story, Patriotism, plays with the different meanings of patriotism. ... Both, Shinji and Reiko, showed patriotism. Shinji's patriotism was to his country, his friends and his wife. And Reiko's patriotism to her husband. ...
Patriotism was shown more after that horrifying day of September 11, 2001, because of the tragedy our nation has grown closer together. ... Patriotism is important to me because to have a good country you need to love your country and people must stick together. ... Saying the Pledge and National Anthem proudly during public functions is showing your patriotism. ... To me patriotism means love and loyalty to our nation. When I am showing my Patriotism I can always say, "I am proud to live in a beautiful country and to be an American!...
