Chaos and Order in the Works of Natsume Soseki

A study of Natsume Soseki (1867-1916), one of modern Japan’s most revered writers. The book presents a critical examination of a split that runs deep in the discursive space of Soseki’s writings as order grapples with the forces of chaos. Displaying an appreciation for the key attributes and complex cultural significance of Soseki’s work, the author argues that Soseki’s writing betrays a dark, romantic voice that speaks of something cavernous and amorphous. Yiu analyzes six of Soseki’s novels, a collection of literary essays and Soseki’s poetry. The problems of closure, the subversion of forms, critical and poetic languages and narrative structures and personae are examined in eact genre.