The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea 2/3

     The book The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea by Yukio Mishima is split into two parts, Summer and August. This post will mainly cover the end of part one. The setting doesn't change too drastically with it still being mainly in Noboru's home, the park, and at the port.

     This part of the book is supposed to be a bit more doleful highlighting the feelings of loneliness and depressions Fusako is facing, as well as the repetition of losing someone Ryuji is under. Ryuji is set to embark in the morning leaving Fusako and him with one last night to spend together. They decided to go to a restaurant, and I expected them to be happier, or cherish the opportunity they have but it was essentially the polar opposite of that. They seemed almost regretful and didn't speak much, and I think this quote from chapter 7 explains why well, "the mistress of a respectable shore household, she wanted to protest at being forced into a pattern of life which began with waving goodbye to a man, a pattern familiar to any harbor whore." This quote shows how prideful she is, and how this is supposed to be below her. I believe the reason she did start to become affectionate of this man is that she saw past his savage exterior, and saw the pain and sorrow of the sailor. I also believe she could relate to him even if others can't see why because of the pain and loneliness she faced as well during her husband's death. While they were having dinner Noboru waited patiently for her mother to get him so he could get help with his homework, and also crudely look through the peephole. Because of this, he was furious with the news of them visiting a hotel instead of going home to him which he reacted by throwing a fit, where he almost got caught from the housekeeper. They went to an obscure cheaper hotel, which confused me at first due to both of them being wealthy, where Fusako explained was because of there being a less of a chance of someone seeing them there. This also reinforces my previous argument of Fusako being prideful. After they spent the night there they went to pick up Noboru in the morning and preceded to awkwardly drive to the docks. When they arrived Ryuji had to help with final preparations for the voyage, with Noboru being restless pacing up and down the docks the entire time. As Fusako waited she looked into the azure of the sea where Noboru saw the same lonely eyes he has seen within her at night. When it was time to say goodbye Ryuji wanted to kiss her but didn't want to upset Noboru who was watching, and I think he was too prideful to do it himself. I also think the reason Fusako isn't becoming emotional is partly due to her past experiences, and the only thing she could do is wait for him to come back. Part one chapter eight ends off here.