Decrypting Japanese culture through symboys in Snow country by Kawabata Yasunari

DOI: 10.18173/2354-1067.2020-0025

Abstract

Kawabata is one of most outstanding authors who has significantly contributed to Japanese literature. In his writings, he reflected the realistic life and human by his unique styles. Using symbols to direct character’s mood and to maintain the writing’s entire structure is a typical way that used in most of Kawabata’s works, especially in the novel of Snow Country. Based on cultural approaching and decryption of symbols such as geisha, kimono, mirror (some art symbols that are closely linked), the author elucidated the novel’s content and the writer's idea. Then Japanese culture and society are vividly and comprehensively emerged, and Kawabata’s appreciation and respect for Japanese traditional beauty is also thoroughly presented