Shogun (Jacob Pont)

Title: ShogunWritten By: James ClavellPages: 1152
I found the book in the SHHS school library, on the side close to theencyclopedias.

Shogun is a novel about Japan that incorporates politics, mystery,romance, and action. The main character, Captain Blackthorne, issubjected to inner conflicts as well as conflicts with others. Whilehis Dutch crew and ship go astray towards Japan, Blackthorne ismistaken for a pirate by Japanese officials and is then sent to be aprisoner. He struggles to fight the strange Japanese culture that isthrust upon him, questioning his morals and values. He attempts towittingly regain control of his ship and crew and sail back to hishome in England, however he is soon swept in the whirlwind of politicsin 17th century Japan. Ultimately, Blackthorne must assimilate to theJapanese lifestyle if he is to survive, meanwhile gaining new allysand a deeper understanding of the mysterious and savage culture thatsurrounds him. Though once mistrusted by the Japanese, he becomes auseful tool for politics as well as a teacher. Through him theJapanese army is taught to wage war like a barbarian (or westerener).His influence on the Japanese culture is vital for them to get insidethe mind of an uncivilized human, and the impressions left on him bythe Japanese help to reconstruct his identity.

The audience for this book is most likely someone with an interest inJapanese culture, as this book goes into extensive detail about Japanin the 1600's.

James Clavell's writing style is more or less straight forward,however there is beauty in his words. He is not dry or overlydescriptive.Instead, he offers excitement and easily shifts from fast-pacedfighting scenes to more drawn out plot devices."Silently he peered around it. a samurai was guarding the far door.Candles danced in the quiet. the guard was sitting cross-legged and heyawned and he leaned back against the wall and stretched. His eyesclosed momentarily. Istantly, the assasin darted forward. Soundlessly.He formed a noose with the silk rope in his hands, dropped it over theguard's neck, and jerked it tight. the guard's fingers tried to clawthe garrote away but he was already dying. A short stab between thevertebrae as deft as a surgeons and the guard was motionless."

page272.Passage 1“The Assassin Feinted once, shouted, “Namu Amida Butsu-” In the nameof Buddha Amida-turned the knife on himself and with both hands thrustit up under the base of his chin. Blood spurted and he slumped to hisknees. Naga Slashed once, his sword a whirling arc and the head rolledfree.In the silence Naga picked the head up and ripped off the mask. Theface was ordinary, the eyes still fluttering. He held the head, hairdressed like a samurai, by its topknot.‘Does anyone know him?’No one answered. Naga spat on the face, threw the head angrily to oneof his men…”“‘Who is the officer of the watch?’‘I am, Lord.’ The man was white with shock.Naga leaped at him and the others scattered. The officer made noattempt to avoid the ferocious sword blow which took off his head andpart of his shoulder and one arm."-This passage struck me because it shows the true brutality of 17thcentury Japanese culture. This passage demonstrates the efficiency ofmilitary posts, as well as knowing your place within the community.The officer didn't move because he knew that he was to die, with asmuch dignity as he could, in order to repent for his wrong-doings.
Passage 2"One of the other samurai, an older samurai, said helpfully, 'Oan-san,perhaps he's one of those that likes dogs, neh? We heard some strangestories in korea about the Garlic Eaters. Yes, they like dogs and...Iremember now, yes, dogs and ducks.' "page 316-This passage struck me because it demonstrates the easy-goinglifestyle of Japanese culture. Sex is a natural thing that can beopenly talked about with comfort in this time period, and it was notunusual for anyone to have what we consider strange sexual habits.However, this infuriates the English captain because he is ignorant tothis and blasts this culture for having "no morals". It struck memostly that the main character by this point in the book still hadbeen denying Japanese culture and not begin to understand it.
Passage 3"Mariko had always hated the sea. Even the sight of it made her sick.But if I'm to go, I'm to go and there's the end of it. Karma."page 317-Finally, this passage indicates the Japanese sense of duty. Even ifit is a chore, or task or, job that someone may not like to do, itdoesn't matter and they are expected to do it. this character mentionsKarma, a philosophy that has heavy influence over Japanese philosophyand belief. There whole life is dedicated to duty and fufilling theirrole in society, regardless of its position.
With this book, I related to it in the sense that I was aware of mostof the cultural aspects that were mentioned. I was very pleased atwhat I read and not disapointed in Clavell fudging the truth at timesin order to create a fantastic work of fiction. Parts that spoke to mewere mostly ones about how the main character struggled to acceptJapanese culture. I cannot relate directly to this, but understand hisbattle throught the novel.