Miscs

Yukio Mishima (三島由紀夫／みしまゆきお), a prominent and controversial figure in 20th-century Japanese literature, is celebrated for his intricate prose, complex themes, and dramatic life story. Mishima’s works often delve into the realms of beauty, death, and the tension between traditional Japanese culture and modernity, making him a significant literary figure. One of his most acclaimed works is “Spring Snow” (春雪), the first novel in his “Sea of Fertility” tetralogy. Published in 1966, “Spring Snow” is set against the backdrop of the Taisho era in Japan, a period marked by rapid Westernization yet still deeply rooted in traditional values. The novel is a poignant story of ill-fated love, revolving around Kiyoaki Matsugae, a young aristocrat, and Satoko Ayakura, a woman of higher social standing, whose passionate relationship defies the rigid societal norms of the time.

Daniel Keyes, an American author, is best known for his deeply moving and intellectually stimulating novel “Flowers for Algernon” (献给阿尔吉侬的花束). First published as a short story in 1959 and later expanded into a full-length novel in 1966, “Flowers for Algernon” has become a classic in modern literature, celebrated for its sensitive treatment of complex themes. “Flowers for Algernon” tells the story of Charlie Gordon, a man with an IQ of 68, who undergoes an experimental surgical procedure to increase his intelligence. This procedure has previously been tested only on a lab mouse named Algernon. As Charlie’s intelligence increases, he becomes aware of the social and emotional complexities of life that he had been oblivious to before. The novel is structured through progress reports written by Charlie, which initially show his limited cognitive abilities and then his rapid intellectual growth.

Fountainhead a novel by Ayn Rand, stands as a monumental work in the world of literature, particularly known for its exploration of individualism and Rand’s philosophy of Objectivism. Ayn Rand, a Russian-American writer and philosopher, gained widespread recognition and acclaim through her novels and philosophical writings, which advocate for rational individualism and laissez-faire capitalism. “The Fountainhead,” published in 1943, is one of Rand’s most famous works. The novel centers around Howard Roark, an innovative and uncompromising young architect who refuses to conform to traditional architectural norms and societal expectations. Roark’s character and his struggles represent Rand’s ideal of the independent and creative individual who prioritizes personal vision and integrity over social conformity. The novel is set against the backdrop of the architecture industry, where Roark’s modernist approach clashes with the prevailing styles. His battle against the establishment and his determination to pursue his artistic vision at all costs form the core of the story. The other characters in the novel, including Peter Keating, Ellsworth Toohey, and Dominique Francon, each represent different aspects of society and ideologies that contrast with Roark’s Objectivist philosophy.