Heroic Sacrifice in Yukio Mishima's "Patriotism"

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In the realm of ethical considerations, suicide is often regarded as a moral transgression or an act of cowardice, seen as an escape from the challenges of life. However, Yukio Mishima's narrative, "Patriotism," presents a unique perspective on suicide, portraying the self-inflicted deaths of Lieutenant Shinji and his wife, Reiko, as noble and honorable. Their joint sacrifice unfolds against the backdrop of pre-World War II Japan in 1936, a time marked by heightened patriotism and unwavering loyalty. To comprehensively evaluate the heroism of these characters, it is crucial to delve into the historical and cultural context that shaped their decisions.

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The Historical Context of "Patriotism"

"Patriotism" unfolds in a Japan fervently embracing patriotism and loyalty, laying the foundation for a narrative deeply entrenched in duty and determination to serve. The story revolves around the themes of loyalty and the profound sacrifices demanded by such allegiance. Heroism, in this context, becomes synonymous with self-sacrifice for the greater good. A hero, as defined by Brodi Ashton, author of Everneath, is someone who chooses a path that benefits others, often at the potential cost of personal harm.

The characters in "Patriotism" epitomize this ideal as they navigate the intricate balance between personal conviction and societal duty.

The Essence of Heroism

Heroes, by nature, pursue perfection but acknowledge their imperfections as obstacles to be surmounted in service of others. They willingly accept their responsibilities and do not harbor resentment for the sacrifices their choices may demand. As Ashton aptly states, "Heroes are made by the paths they choose, not the powers they are graced with.

" In the case of Reiko, her path of heroism culminates in the ultimate sacrifice—a willingness to lay down her life for both her country's honor and her unwavering loyalty to her beloved husband, Shinji.

Reiko's Profound Sacrifice

Reiko's sacrifice stands out as particularly significant, considering her dual commitment—to her country and, more crucially, to her husband. Unlike Shinji, who is bound by a direct connection to the government, Reiko's allegiance is voluntary and driven by love. She could have pursued an independent life, yet she chooses to relinquish her future for the man she deeply loves.

"Ever since her marriage, her husband’s existence had been her own existence, and every breath of his had been a breath drawn by herself," Mishima narrates (19). Reiko's identity intertwines so completely with Shinji's that his pain becomes her pain, and his death becomes an inevitable part of her own existence.

Reiko willingly embraces the sacrifice even before fully understanding the gravity of the situation. As Mishima describes, "In the lieutenant’s face, as he hurried silently into the snowy morning, Reiko had read the determination to die. If her husband did not return, her own decision was made: she too would die" (3). This willingness to sacrifice herself, even without complete knowledge, underscores the depth of her commitment to Shinji and the ideals they hold dear.

Reiko's Humble Journey to the End

Even in her final hours, Reiko humbles herself, accepting a position beneath her husband and welcoming the sudden change in her fate. Unlike the common response to impending death, Reiko does not approach it with fear or stress. Instead, she sees it as the next step in her life, as Mishima eloquently conveys, "Reiko did not linger. When she thought how the pain, which had previously opened such a gulf between herself and her dying husband, was now to become a part of her own experience, she saw before her only the joy of herself entering a realm her husband had already made his own" (22).

Reiko's contentment and joy in her impending sacrifice are emblematic of a profound sense of duty and loyalty. She sacrifices the prospect of a potentially fulfilling life for the man she loves, demonstrating a willingness to die to maintain dignity for both her country and her husband.

Reiko's Unwavering Loyalty

Reiko's loyalty is not just to her husband but extends to a broader commitment to her country. In the societal context of pre-World War II Japan, where patriotism and duty were paramount, Reiko's sacrifice becomes a testament to the prevailing ethos of the time. Her decision to follow through with her husband's determination to die is not merely an act of blind obedience but a conscious choice to uphold the values of honor and loyalty.

Her selflessness is evident in her acceptance of the inevitable. "Reiko firmly believed that everything her husband was feeling or thinking now, his anguish and distress, was leading her—just as surely as the power in his flesh—to a welcome death," Mishima narrates (4). This belief underscores Reiko's commitment to a fate that aligns with her husband's, further emphasizing the heroism embedded in her sacrifice.

Conclusion: Loyalty and Heroic Sacrifice

In conclusion, "Patriotism" explores the concept of heroism through the lens of sacrifice and loyalty in a historical context charged with patriotism. Reiko's sacrifice, surpassing even that of her husband, exemplifies the true essence of heroism—a selfless commitment to a cause greater than oneself. Her unwavering loyalty to her country and her deep love for Shinji drive her to embrace death willingly, viewing it not as a tragic end but as the next step in her journey. Mishima's narrative challenges conventional views on suicide, presenting it as a profound act of heroism when undertaken in the service of honor and loyalty.