Shame on me for making such a mockery of myself. Blame it on my wounded pride. The fact is that my fear of being ridiculed is so intense I’d rather beat my critics to the punch. That’s the epitome of cowardice.
— Osamu Dazai
The Flowers of Buffoonery by Osamu Dazai is truly an exception in Japanese Literature, boldly breaking nearly every rule of the era and exemplifying the deepest basements of Dazai’s psyche. His utilization of an omniscient narrator, a distinctly western device in the 20th century, was nothing short of inventive, serving as a mirror into Dazais self consciousness and criticisms of the human condition. Exploring the darkest aspects of the human condition and the follies of our society and the expectations and regulations it places on us.
The book’s narrative follows Ōba Yōzō’s recovery at a seaside Sanatorium after a failed suicide pact between himself and a lover. During his stay, close friends and family visit at his bedside, through these interactions Dazai makes light of and exaggerates the arrogant foolishness of humanity’s logic and entitlement, buffoonery if you will.
This commentary is only enhanced by Dazai’s own, frequent, interjections as a self conscious narrator giving us a view into how Dazai views himself within his own criticisms and how he sees himself as the epitome of humanity’s darkness. “A man crushed by reality puts on a show of endurance. If that’s beyond your comprehension, dear reader, then you and I will never understand each other.”
In summary the Flowers of Buffoonery is worth the read, if you are determined it is most certainly possible to read it, unabridged, in just a few short hours. Though prepare yourself, for it can be quite the dark read, but should you make it to the other side you will be better for it!
