NATURALISM AS SEEN IN NATSUME SOSEKI’S BOTCHAN
AN UNDERGRADUATED THESIS
Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Sarjana Sastra
in English Letters
By
Renny Amit
014214012
ENGLISH LETTERS STUDY PROGRAMME DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LETTERS
FACULTY OF LETTERS SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY
NATURALISM AS SEEN IN NATSUME SOSEKI’S BOTCHAN
AN UNDERGRADUATED THESIS
Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Sarjana Sastra
in English Letters
By
Renny Amit
014214012
ENGLISH LETTERS STUDY PROGRAMME DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LETTERS
FACULTY OF LETTERS SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY
YOGYAKARTA 2007
This undergraduate thesis is dedicated to:
My beloved Parents
My Grandma
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I present my greatest gratitude to Jesus Christ. I am thankful for his
kindness, for His mercy, and for everything which is given in my life. I also thank
Him for the endless love that always accompanies my bad and good times.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Mr. P. Sarwoto, S.S., M.A.,
my major advisor, for the guidance, patience, advices, and suggestions, motivations
that help me much and enable me writing and finishing this undergraduate thesis. I
also would like to thank my Co-Advisor, Drs. Hirmawan Wijarnaka, M.Hum, for
reading and giving correction to this undergraduate thesis.
My greatest gratitude is also given to my beloved mothers, M. Maryati and
Marsiningsih, for their love and kindness, and also to my grand ma for giving support
and help in my financial need during my study at Sanata Dharma University.
I give thanks to my all friends in English Letters Sanata Dharma University
2001 especially for Vida Lestari Mamuaya, for the friendship, love, motivation and
attention, and everything that have been passed together. I would never forget them
all.
My gratitude is also given to my lovely one, Yehuda, for helping me with
his computer and printing. I thank him for always being with me, loving, caring, and
supporting me honestly.
Renny Amit
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER II THEORETICAL REVIEW………... 6
A. Review of the related Studies……… 6
B. Review of Related Theories……….. 8
1.Theories on Character and Characterization………... 9
2.Theories on Setting………. 11
3.Theories on Plot……….. 12
4.Theories on Naturalism in Literature………. 12
C. Theoretical Framework……… 15
A. The Main Character Presented in the Story………. 19
B. The Aspects of Naturalism in Botchan’s Character………. 29
1.Determinism in Botchan Character……… 30
2.Botchan Tragic Life………... 47
CHAPTER V CONCLUSION………. 54
ABSTRACT
Renny Amit. Naturalism as Seen on Natsume Soseki’s Botchan. Yogyakarta:
Department of English Letters, Faculty of Letters, Sanata Dharma University, 2007.
The 20th was the beginning of Meiji Restoration in Japan. In this age, The Japanese was anxiously learning and imitating the west in every aspect including in literature. It was considered as Japanese westernization. One of the greatest Meiji novelists is Natsume Soseki. He graduated from Tokyo University majoring in English literature and he was ordered to study in England by the ministry of education. Natsume Soseki did not only read about literature but also other knowledge such as philosophy, sociology, ethics, and other sciences. Meanwhile, naturalism has spread all over Europe. This undergraduate thesis is trying to prove that Natsume Sosekis’ work was also influenced by naturalism although several Japanese naturalists criticize him for not being naturalist. This study discusses one of Natsume Soseki’s works entitled Botchan. Botchan is a novel about the experience of a young Japanese teacher in Shikoku.
In this study, there are two main problems. First problem is how Botchan as the main character is described in the novel. The second is how the main character’s life reveals the idea of naturalism.
This study applies library research as the research’s method. The books, encyclopedia, and websites on the related topics become the source of data, which are significant for this study. The moral- philosophical approach is used as basic concept of thinking for the writer in doing the analysis of the study. This approach is used to see the idea of naturalism on the main character of the story.
The result of the study shows that Botchan is the significant character for the study of naturalism. Botchan believes his heredity as Yedo man and descendent of a proud knight has made him become a proud, self reliant and hot tempered man. Botchan’s way of thinking about himself shows the idea of naturalism. Botchan’s life is also determined by the chances he gets. Botchan becomes a teacher in Shikoku not because he wants it but he thinks it is the only chance that comes into his mind in order to have a good salary. Botchan’s failure to be a good mathematics teacher in Shikoku is also believed because of the environment. Botchan who was born and grew up in Tokyo can not adopt with the Shikoku’s environment. Thus, the life and character of Botchan who is determined by the heredity, environment, and chances including his tragic life in Shikoku shows the idea of naturalism.
ABSTRAK
Renny Amit. Naturalism as Seen on Natsume Soseki’s Botchan.
Yogyakarta:Program Studi Sastra Inggris, fakultas Sastra, Universitas Sanata Dharma, 2007.
Pada abad ke 20, jepang memasuki zaman Restorasi Meiji. Pada zaman ini orang-orang Jepang belajar dan meniru negara-negara barat diberbagai bidang termasuk kesusastraan. Zaman tersebut dianggap sebagai era westernisasi. Natsume Soseki adalah salah satu dari penulis terkenal jepang pada masa Restorasi Meiji. Natsume Soseki merupakan salah satu lulusan Universitas Tokyo jurusan sastra Inggris dan dia ditugaskan oleh departemen pendidikan untuk belajar sastra Inggris di Inggris. Di Inggris, ia tidak hanya belajar tentang sastra tetapi juga ilmu pengetahuan yang lain seperti, filsafat, sosiologi, etika, dan ilmu pengetahuan yang lainnya. Pada saat yang sama naturalisme mulai berkembang pesat di wilayah Eropa. Skripsi ini mencoba membuktikan bahwa karya-karya Natsume Soseki juga banyak dipengaruhi oleh naturalisme meskipun beberapa kaum naturalis Jepang mengkritik Natsume Soseki karena karyanya tidak naturalis. Penelitian ini membahas salah satu novel karya Natsume Soseki yg berjudul Botchan. Novel ini bercerita tentang pengalaman hidup Botchan sebagai guru baru di Shikoku.
Dalam studi ini, ada dua pokok permasalahan. Pokok permasalahan pertama adalah bagaimana karakter dari tokoh utama digambarkan dalam cerita. Kedua adalah bagaimana kehidupan dan karakter dari Botchan sebagai tokoh utama mengambarkan naturalisme.
Studi ini berdasarkan pada studi kepustakaan sebagai metode penelitiannya. Buku-buku, kamus, dan situs-situs di internet yang terkait dengan topic penelitian merupakan sumber data yang penting bagi studi ini. Pendekatan moral-philosophical yang diterapkan menjadi konsep dasar pemikiran penulis dalam melakukan pembahasan masalah dalam penelitian. Pendekatan tersebut digunakan untuk melihat ide naturalisme dalam tokoh utama cerita ini.
Hasil pembahasan masalah manunjukan bahwa Botchan merupakan tokoh yang penting bagi studi ini. Botchan percaya sebagai orang Yedo dan keturunan ksatria telah membuat dirinya menjadi seorang yang sangat percaya diri, mandiri dan pemarah. Cara berfikir Botchan tentang dirinya sendiri menunjukan ide naturalism. Kegagalan Botchan sebagai guru matematika di Shikoku juga dipercaya karena faktor lingkungan. Botchan yang lahir dan dibesarkan di lingkungan Tokyo tidak dapat beradaptasi dengan masyarakat Shikoku. Karakter dan kehidupan Botchan yang sangat dipengaruhi keturunan, lingkungan dan kesempatan termasuk kehidupan Botchan yang tragis di Shikoku mencerminkan ide naturalisme.
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION
A. Background of the Study
Everett W. Knight in Literature Considered as Philosophy stated, “Literature and philosophy should have arrived at the same conclusions almost independently of
one another- that literature should be philosophy” (1957:16). This statement means
that literary works including poems, novels and prose can be used as a means to
express idea or philosophy. In other words, literary works can be applied to
acknowledge and learn about certain ideas and philosophies in their works. This
statement certainly has enriched the function of literature that is literature or the
works of art is not only for the art’s sake, but also can be applied as a medium for
expressing certain idea or philosophies.
There are a lot of philosophies in the human life. This research will focus on
certain ideas or philosophy that is Naturalism. In literature, the term naturalism means
“a theory in literature emphasizing the role of heredity and environment upon the
human life and character development” (Kuiper, 1995:800). This statement has
encouraged this study to examine the character of life by stressing the
interdependence of individuals and environment.
Furthermore, Malcolm Cowley in The Literary Situation said, “Naturalism and naturalistic belong to definite literary tradition; on that was originated by several
stated that during the next decades naturalism spread over Europe. Naturalism also
has spread outside Europe. One of the countries that were also influenced by
naturalism is Japan.
Donald Keene in Modern Japanese Literature explained that during the twenty
or so years that followed the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the Japanese were anxiously
occupied in learning about- imitating-the west (1956:14). It was considered as the
westernization of Japanese literature (1956:14).
One of the greatest Meiji novelists is Natsume Soseki (Keene, 1955: 99). He
was very good in English literature and was graduated from the Tokyo University
with highest honors. He was admitted into English literature department of Tokyo
University which has been open a year before. After five years teaching at
Kumamoto, he was ordered to study in England by ministry of education in May
1900 and, mostly staying in London, he devoted himself to the study of English
literature for two full years. On returning to Japan, he became the professor of the
First Higher School, at the same time, holding the post of lecturer of Tokyo Imperial
University teaching English language and giving lectures on English literature.
During his studies, he does not only read about literature but also those related to the
most fundamental branches of human knowledge-philosophy, sociology, ethics, and
other sciences- determined to examine the meaning of literature and human society
(Ito sei, 1970:1-5).
Soseki said, “although literature different from science, neither literature
29-30). This statement has the same idea with Emile Zola’s idea about literature; he
regarded his novels as clinical laboratories in which he might scientifically explore
the consequences upon his characters of their birth and background (Styan, 1997:6).
This similarities show that Natsume Soseki agree with Emile Zola to treat literature in
a scientific way.
One of Natsume Soseki’s novels which can be included into naturalistic novel
is Botchan. Natsume Soseki’s novel, Botchan, is representative of typical Japanese (Ito Sei, 1970:7). This novel, which is written in 1904 and translated by Umeji Sasaki
in 1922 and first published in 1968, is about life of a young man named Botchan who
goes to an island of Shikoku as a teacher of mathematics after graduating from
Physics School at the age of twenty-two. He is a man of righteousness, simple, but
without compromise.
There are two reasons for this research to choose this novel to study. The first
reason is that Natsume Soseki’s attraction as an author is in his treatment of his
characters. Soseki believes that people are largely the product of the time and place
one happens to live in (Makoto Ueda, 1976: 6). Soseki also said that it formed in
close connection with the history, the tradition, the institutions, and the manners
peculiar to the society. So his characterization also has connection with Japanese
society. In Botchan, the character and characterization, especially of the main character shows his character development, and how he is strongly influenced by the
environment, so this novel is chosen for this study, which wants to examine the
The second reason is the statement from the novel, “a great loser have I been
ever since a child, having rash, daring spirit, a spirit I inherited from my ancestors”
(Umeji Sasaki, 1968: 13). This opening sentence sets the mood and direction of
Botchan, for it focuses on the Edo-born hero. The role of heredity itself was part of naturalism idea. Thus, the character was the reflection the naturalistic theory in
literature. This is the intention of this study to understand and identify how the idea of
naturalism reflected in the novel, especially novel in Japan.
B. Problem Formulation
In this study, two problems have been formulated as follows:
1. How is Botchan as the main character presented in the novel?
2. How does the main character’s life reveal naturalism?
C. Objectives of the Study
There are several objectives in conducting this study. The first objective is to
see how the main character is presented in the novel. The study is interested in
understanding the characterization of the main character in the author’s novel
Botchan.
Secondly, the objective of the study is to identify the idea of naturalism
reflected in the main character’s life. This study is going to explore the idea of
D.Definition of Terms
1. Naturalism
According to Merriam Webster’s Encyclopedia of literature, naturalism is “theory that art or literature should conform exactly to nature or depict every appearance of
the subject that comes to the artist’s attention.” It also defines naturalism into more
specific meaning that naturalism is “a theory in literature emphasizing the role of
heredity and environment upon human life and character development” (1995:800).
2. Character
Abrams in A glossary of Literary Terms stated, “Character is the person presented in a dramatic or narrative work, which are interpreted by the reader as being endowed
with moral, dispositional, and emotional qualities”. Abrams also explains further that
these qualities of the characters are expressed in what they say and what they do
CHAPTER II
THEORETICAL REVIEW
A. Review of Related Studies
In conducting this novel, what are collected are not only the theories for
theoretical grounding but also both several studies done on naturalism and the
criticisms on the novel.
The studies on naturalism are collected from the library. Two studies on
naturalism are found. First study is done by Novita Cendananingtyas under the
title “A Character Analysis: Naturalism in Herman Melville’s Billy Budd, Foretropman”. In her study, the writer is studying about the aspect of naturalism
that is seen in the novel through characterization of the main character. In her
research Novita concerns the external and the internal forces as the aspect of
naturalism.
The second study is done by Rivina under the title “Determinism as an aspect
of naturalism as seen in Thomas Hardy’s The Well-beloved”. Rivina is trying to see an aspect or the idea of naturalism which is determinism contained in the
novel.
“Most of the main characters in modern Japanese literature are meditative intellectuals resembling the authors, hard to please yet irresolute. The hero of Botchan, however, is of quite different type. He is cheerful and hasty and has a habit of betting his job in the case of justice. He likes to divide all people into god and bad. Due to his goodness and rashness, there is perpetual friction between him and those around him. Every reader will see at once that Soseki tried to produce a man most typical of the Japanese people. Botchan’s acts call fort laughter but he is earnest, and here is spontaneously born a kind of humor closely related to our national character” (Ito Sei, 1970:7).
Ito Sei said that Botchan depicts the average Japanese as virtuous and very lovable. Ito Sei also said that this novel has a vivid expression of the goodness of
young Japanese and of the hypocritical nature of society (Ito Sei, 1970:7).
Merriam Webster’s Encyclopedia of Literature mentioned Natsume Soseki as an outstanding Japanese novelist in Meiji period (1868-1912). He was the first to
depict articulately and persuasively the dilemma of the alienated modern Japanese
intellectual. It was through him that the modern realistic novel, which originated
from the western literature, found its most natural expressions and took root in the
Japan (1995: 800).
The next collected criticism is from Makoto Ueda in Modern Japanese writers
explains that Botchan is the young hero meets various comic events and reveals his reckless but righteous character more fully each time. So the character doesn’t
change at all but the plot will serve merely to reveal the character more fully
(1976:18).
of naturalism and the idealism of romanticism” (1988:24). Furthermore, Makoto
Ueda in his book Modern Japanese Writer said that Natsume Soseki’s time was
naturalistic time in the sense it omitted no ugly aspect of human nature and lack
of idealism (1976:24).
After looking at some collected criticism, this study is going to take the ideas
of naturalism as the subject of study like the two studies which has been done by
Novita and Rivina, but this study is different from theirs in selecting the object of
the study. The two studies choose British novel, whereas this study chooses
Japanese novel by Natsume Soseki as the object of the study. This study will see
how the idea of naturalism influenced not only in the European literature but also
the Japanese literature. Furthermore, the criticism of A. Owen Aldridge, which
state that the Soseki reveal naturalism and romanticism in his novels has
influenced this novel. This study encouraged by the criticisms of Aldridge and
Ueda in his book Modern Japanese Writer which states that the Sosekis’s time was in the time of naturalistic novels (1976:24). These statements show that
Botchan can be use to analyze how the naturalistic influenced and developed in Japan since Soseki have study a lot about the theory of English literature.
B. Review of Related Theories
In conducting this study, it is not only the related studies that are collected but
also the related theories. In the section, three of literary theories will be explained:
setting; the third, the theories on plot. Furthermore, the theories on naturalism in
literature are required to complete this study.
1. Theories on Character and Characterization
Abrams in A Glossary of Literary Terms defines character as “ the person presented in dramatic or narrative work, who are interpreted by the reader as
being endowed with moral and dispositional qualities that are expressed in what
they are say-the dialogue-and what they do- their action (1985:20).
Richard M. Eastman in his book A Guide to the Novel said that character can be described under two terms; flatness and roundness. The flat character can be
considered as a type rather than an individual. A flat character usually typifies a
social or economic class, a virtue or folly, a basic temperament or outlook. He
doesn’t face any inner conflict that is why the flat character is not likely change;
he is static; and his responses are predictable. A novelist usually uses flat
characteristics to make the readers instantly recognize the minor character
(1965:17-19).
While the round (complex) character is an individual trait; his responses are
unpredictable; and also dynamic: capable of different kind of behavior under
different strains (1965:18). So the round character is more complex than the flat
character.
In studying the characters, it is important to know or to understand the traits.
the English Novel says that there are five means or five methods in understanding the characters in fictions. They are as follows:
a. Personal description
The author describes the character’s appearance and clothes directly to the
readers.
b. Character seen by other
The author describes the character trough the eyes and opinion of other
characters
c. Speech
The readers can see the character of the persons in the book through what the
person says.
d. Past life
The reader can learn from the person’s past life that helped to shape a person’s
character.
e. Conversation of other
The reader can understand the person’s character through the conversations of
other people and the things they say about him.
f. Reactions
The readers can understand the person’s character by knowing how the person
reacts to various situations and events.
g. Direct Comment
h. Thought
The author describes what the person is thinking about.
i. Mannerisms
The author gives us a clue by describing a person’s mannerisms, habits, or
idiosyncrasies.
2. Theories of Setting
According to Robert Stanton in his book An Introduction to Fiction, setting is the environment where the events in the novel occur and usually presented in
descriptive passages (1965: 18). Stanton also says that although it doesn’t include
the principal characters but sometimes we find that the setting can directly
influences the character (1965:18-19).
Stanton’s statement that setting can help the readers to understand the
characters in the novel is supported by the statement from M.J. Murphy in
Understand Unseen: An Introduction to English Poetry and the English Novel for overseas Students. Murphy stated that the setting has great effect upon the personalities, actions and way of thinking of the characters (1972:141).
Furthermore, he said that there are three points that the setting is concerned: time,
3. Theories on Plot
Robert Stanton in An Introduction to Fiction defines plot as the entire sequences of events in a story. These events may include not only speech and
action as physical occurrences, but also the character’s change of attitude,
thought, decision, and anything that change the course of affairs (1965: 14-16).
Furthermore, Stanton added that the plot is a backbone of story.
M.H. Abrams in A Glossary of Literary Terms describes plot as, “a dramatic or narrative work is constituted by its events and actions, as these are rendered
and ordered toward achieving particular emotional and artistic effects”(1985:
159). In the same book, he also said that plot and character are interdependent
critical concept because the actions are performed by particular character in the
work, and are the means by which they reveal their moral and dispositional
qualities
4. Theories on Naturalism in Literature
In Merriam Webster’s Encyclopedia of Literature, it is explained that in literature, naturalism is “a theory that art and literature should conform exactly to
nature or depict every appearance of the subject that comes to the artist’s
attention; specifically, a theory in literature emphasizing the role of heredity and
environment upon human life and character development” (Kuiper, 1995:800).
movement in literature. It is considered as the extension tradition of realism
(Kuiper, 1995:800).
Related to realism, M.H. Abrams in A Glossary Literary Terms says that naturalism has its own subject matter and special ways in managing those subjects
(1995:175). Donald Pizer suggests the subject matter and characterization which
help to define naturalism as different from realism:
1. Subject matter.
a. The subject matter deals with unpleasant experiences which "degrading"
behavior of the character in their effort to survive. The characters in the
naturalistic fiction are mostly from the lower middle or the lower classes - they
are usually poor, uneducated, and unsophisticated.
b. The milieu is the ordinary and non-heroic. Life is described as monotonous
daily existence. But the naturalist discovers those qualities in such characters
usually associated with the heroic or adventurous - acts of violence and passion
leading to desperate moments and violent death. The suggestion is that life on its
lowest levels is not as simple as it seems to be.
c. There is a belief that fate affects a character; generally the controlling force is
society and the surrounding environment.
2. The concept of a naturalistic character:
a. Characters in the naturalistic fiction are conditioned and controlled by
environment, heredity, chance, or instinct. They are struggling for life to become
b. The naturalists attempt to represent the balance in life of the controlling forces
and individual value. They do not dehumanize their characters.
In Literary Situation, Malcolm Cowley said that naturalism is a literary tradition which originated by some French authors and was taken and named by Emile
Zola in 1869 (1955:74). In the same sources, it also mentioned that there are
several characteristic of naturalism, as follows:
a. Pessimistic about the fate of individuals.
Naturalism believes that there is no reward in earth or in heaven for moral actions,
or punishment for vice.
b. Naturalism is rebellious, or at least defiant.
Rebellious against the respectable society
c. Objectives
An author can deliberately choose a subject, observe it, take notes, and present the
result like laboratory report. It approaches the situation and characters from the
outside.
d. Inclusive rather than selective
It focuses on presenting a totally big subject rather than aesthetics aspects for
example the sound or the style of the words.
Abrams said that naturalism was developed from the philosophical thesis, a
product of post-Darwinian biology in the 19th century. Naturalism believes that a
society in which that person is born. The end of naturalistic novel is usually
“tragic” (1995:175)
c. Theoretical Framework
This study aims to find out how the idea of Naturalism reflected in the story
by analyzing the character in Natsume Soseki’s Botchan. There are some theories related to this study that are used. They are the theory of character and
characterization, the theory of plot, the theory of setting, and the theory of
naturalism. They are used in order to help the writer to analyze the problems that
have been formulated in the previous chapter. To answer the first problem that is
the description of the character of the main character, the definition about the
character and characterization and the theory of plot are needed. The theories are
important to understand the character that is presented in the novel. After finding
the description of the character, the writer will continue to answer the second
problem that is about is how the idea of naturalism reflected in the main character,
Botchan. The theory of naturalism will help in identifying the naturalism in the
16
CHAPTER III METHODOLOGY
A. Object of the Study
In this thesis, the object of the study is a novel entitled Botchan. It was written by Natsume Soseki, one of the greatest novelists of the Meiji era. He was the first
writer who depicted articulately and persuasively the plight of the alienated
modern Japanese intellectual. It was through him that the modern realistic novel,
which originated from the western literature, found its most natural expressions
and took root in Japan. One of his famous novels is Botchan (master darling) (1995: 800). The story is translated by Umeji Sasaki and 37th ed. published by
Charles E. Tuttle Publishing in 1968.
Botchan is a novel about a young Japanese teacher. This thesis will concern its study on exploring the main character in the novel, and how the idea of
naturalism is reflected through the main character. The story begins when
Botchan is still a child. Botchan lives with his family in Tokyo. His childhood
isn't particularly pleasant, with his older brother the favored child, and the only
person who has real affection for is the family maid, Kiyo. After his mother died
and then his father, his brother sells the house and gives small portion to Botchan.
He uses that money to get an education. After he graduated from his college he
works as a mathematics teacher in small village, far from Tokyo. In this village,
17
B. Approach of the Study
Since this thesis studies about naturalism in the novel the approach that is
taken is the moral philosophical approach. In A handbook of Critical Approaches to Literature, the moral-philosophical approach believes that “the larger function of literature is to teach morality and to probe philosophical issue” (Guerin,
1999:25). What Guerin means is that the moral-philosophical approach is focus
on moral-philosophical teaching that contains in the literature works and this
approach relatively doesn’t pay attention to other aesthetic considerations (1999:
26).
C. Method of Study
The method which is used in analyzing this novel is the library research
method. There are some sources that are needed in this method. The first or the
primary source is the novel entitled Botchan. The secondary sources are from books and from the sites on internet. Two main books are used in supporting the
analysis. The first is A Glossary of the Literary Terms by M.H. Abrams. This book helps the writer to understand naturalism. The other book is Literary Situation by Malcolm Cowley. This book describes the characteristics of Naturalism.
There are several steps in analyzing this novel. The first step is reading and
18
order to understand the story in the novel. After doing close reading toward the
primary source, the writer determined a topic and also formulated problems
formulations to limit the scope of the study. The second step was deciding an
approach, which was more appropriate for answering the problems. The third step
was searching data that had relation with Soseki’s work in order to make criticism
on the related study. The fourth step was quoting some theories, which had
relation with the scope of the study. The writer continued by writing the analysis
in order to answer the problem formulations and applying the related theories. At
CHAPTER IV ANALYSIS
This study studies about how the naturalism is reflected through the main
character which is influenced by the environment. This fourth chapter, which is the
analysis, will be divided into three subchapters which have been formulated in the
first chapter of this thesis; first, the study of the main character presented in the story;
the second is the study of how the main character’s life as the result of the
environment.
A. The Characteristics of Main Character Presented in the Story
This first subchapter as stated above is going to study the main character
which is presented in the story that is Botchan. The main character or the major
character in the story is believed to be influenced by the environment. There are
several characteristics of Botchan.
1. Naughty
Botchan is the main character in the story since he is the main concern of the
story. Botchan in English means master darling. Botchan is a name given by Kiyo
since he was a child. Kiyo still calls him Botchan even he has been grown up. While
His elder brother is the most favorite son of the family while Botchan is only
considered as “The black sheep of the family” (Soseki, 1904:15).
Botchan is a naughty boy. Because of his naughtiness, no body would love
him. People around Botchan hate him. They turn their faces every time they see
Botchan. The only love, attention, care he can get is from his servant Kiyo. Kiyo is
his faithful servant. She always compliments Botchan whatever he does. Kiyo adores
Botchan so much.
Botchan has done a lot of naughty thing in his childhood for example
jumping from the second floor or cut his own finger with a foreign knife penknife and
so forth. He admits that he has no special reason for doing such a thing. He doesn’t
realize that what he has done has made a lot of trouble for his parent. Botchan
naughtiness has made him hated by his parents.
Botchan has caused a lot of trouble not only for his parent, but also his
neighbors. Once he has made Furukawa, one of his neighbors, very angry with him.
He makes Furukawa’s rice field dry by filling it with pebbles and sticks. His father
has to pay certain sum of money to pacify the angry man. Botchan realizes that his
naughtiness has made a lot of people suffer.
2. Proud
The next description about Botchan’s desription is about his heredity.
Botchan’s heredity is important because heredity is one of the internal factors in
naturalism. The information about Botchan heredity is taken form his own
It was the time in my life when I felt comparatively at ease but now I had to part with the dear old nest which had given me shelter and protection so long. I had never left Tokyo since I was born save the time of my visit to Kamakura with my classmates. Compared with the place I had to go now, Kamakura was simply next door (Soseki, 1904:25).
Botchan’s statement above shows that Botchan was born and grew up in Tokyo. It is
why he is called as a Yedoman. Yedo man means a man from Tokyo.
Botchan’s heredity as a Yedo man has built him his self-esteem. He is so
proud of his being a Yedo man. He is proud to be a Yedo man probably because
Tokyo, a place where he was born, is a big city if it compares with Shikoku (Soseki,
1904: 25).
Botchan’s self confidence is shown when he gives comment toward Noda’s
appearance. He thinks Noda is far from the image of a Yedo man.
The teacher of drawing was a man of the stage professional type. He had on summer haori made of thin silk like tissue paper. Opening and shutting his fan, he asked me where I came from. “eh, from Tokyo?” said he;’ I am so glad to hear it. You and I then are both Yedo man.” If such a person were a Yedo man, I thought, nobody would like to have been born in Tokyo (Soseki, 1904:35-36).
Noda, the teacher of drawing, claims himself as a Yedo man. However, Botchan sees
Noda’s behavior is not like a Yedo man. According to Botchan, Noda’s appearance is
much like clown rather than a Yedo man. Botchan believes he knows well how to
behave as a Yedo man. He felt being humiliated by Noda who claims to be a Yedo
man. Noda’s behavior is different with Botchan. Therefore, Botchan thinks that Noda
does not deserve to call himself as a Yedo man. If a person like Noda is considered as
that he is so proud of himself. Botchan is so proud to be Yedo man. Botchan is so
confident of believing himself as an image of a true Yedo man and different from
Noda’s appearance. Botchan believes that his characters are characters of a true Yedo
man.
Botchan considers Yedo men as the highest race. It is probably because Yedo
men come from a big city. He sometimes underestimates the villagers.
No sooner had the steamer stopped with its usual “booh” from its whistle than a boat from the shore came approaching the vessel to receive passengers. The boatman had only a yard of red cloth around his loins; he was as naked as the savages down in the South Sea Islands (Soseki, 1904:28).
In Botchan’s opinion, the people in the village are savage. It shows that he
underestimates them. His value about other people is based on his opinion about his
own origin. He thinks Yedo men are much civilize than those villagers.
Botchan is so proud of him self. It is shown in the following conversation
between Botchan and Mr. Hotta.
“What is you native place?” “I am a Yedo man by birth.”
“Exactly. That’s why I thought you were so proud and self-sufficient” (Soseki, 1904:135).
According to Mr. Hotta, Yedo men have their own characteristic. These
characteristics can also be seen in Botchan’s character. Being proud and self
sufficient, Botchan shows he has the characters of a Yedo man.
Botchan also mentions about his ancestors. His ancestors are proud knights. It
shows that Botchan is not only an ordinary Yedo man but also comes from
However, it would never do for me to be beaten. My honor would be trodden down in the dust, if I should let things go on as they stood. An excusable shame would it be for a Yedo man to be called a coward. My ancestors were bodyguards to the Shogun; they all belonged to a very ancient stock of the Minamoto, a direct line of Emperor Seiwa, that is to say, I am a descendent of proud knight, Tada Mitsunaka. I am of noble birth- incomparably higher than those poor lowly peasant lads (Soseki, 1904:63).
From the quotation above, it shows that Botchan is proud of his heredity blood.
Botchan heredity has made him become a hot tempered man and does not like to be
defeated by the villagers whom he thinks much lower than him.
3. Honest
Botchan is described as an honest man. This character can be seen from the
statement of his faithful servant, Kiyo. According to Kiyo, Botchan has “a character
straight like an arrow” (Soseki, 1904: 109). Kiyo believes Botchan would never do
or say something that isn’t according to his own heart.
Each time Kiyo said such nice things to me, I would tell her that I hated sweet words. Upon this, the old woman would look into my face admiringly, and was happy to say that very thing more than anything else was ample proof of my having a nice character. It seemed as if she had created me by her own power and were proud of her handiwork, I felt rather suspicious (Soseki, 1904: 17-18).
Kiyo adores Botchan so much. In Kiyo’s eyes, Botchan has a fine character. It is
contrary with what other people think about him. They think Botchan as trouble
maker. However, Botchan refuses to be called as a nice son by Kiyo. Botchan thinks
Kiyo is being dishonest. Botchan chooses to be said as a trouble maker rather than as
a nice son because he realizes that he is really a naughty boy. He knows he has done a
to hear sweet talk. Upon Botchan’s reaction toward Kiyo’s statement, Kiyo said that
it was an example that Botchan does not like to boast himself. Botchan is an honest
man. It proves Botchan is really an honest man.
Botchan’s frank manner is also shown when he talks to the principal. On the
first day of Botchan’s arrival to the school, the principal asked him to be a good
example of the school and a true educator who can manage his pupils. The following
quotation is Botchan’s reaction toward the principal order.
Thinking that lack of traveling expanses would be far better than to be dishonest, I frankly said to him. “Mr. Principal, I can hardly do as you wish me to do. Please take this official writ.” At this, the astonished principal stared at me in the face with the badger eyes for some moments and then told me that that those were comply wishes, fulfillment of which would be hard for anybody, and that I need not worry about it (Soseki, 1904:33).
Botchan thinks he cannot fulfill the principal’s order. Botchan realizes that he is just a
human being. He might also make mistakes. Botchan says directly to the principal
that he cannot fulfill it and he chooses to resign from the job. Botchan thinks he can
not fulfill the principal’s task. Botchan does not like making any promise if he thinks
he can not fulfill it. Botchan’s frank manner makes the principal stunned. Botchan
prefers losing his job rather than being dishonest to the principal.
Botchan is not afraid to admit and makes an apology to other people if he has
done something wrong. He frankly confesses in front of other teachers that he went
out to the hot spring on the night of his night duty.
the teachers. “You unworthy fellows!” said I to myself, “can you frankly confess before the public that you have been wrong! You laugh because you cannot.” (Soseki, 1904:98).
From the quotation above, it shows that Botchan is an honest man. It shows that he
really a gentleman who does not afraid to admit his guilt in front of many people.
However, his action is not appreciated by other teachers. They think Botchan’s action
is a foolish thing.
Botchan’s honesty is also shown when he refuses to have his salary raised.
Although Botchan needs money, he still refuses it because he does not want to be part
of the dean plans to get rid of Mr. Koga.
“Fortunately, I have one in mind who is to be transferred from this school to another- of course, I can hardly promise you before I consult the principal- and may be able to draw something from the salary the school has been paying him. I am planning to see and ask the principal to arrange things in the way.”
“Thank you very much, and who is going to be transferred?”
“It may be just as well to let you know right now as it will soon be made public. Koga is the man” (Soseki, 1904:124)
From the quotation above, it shows that the dean wants to give an advantage from the
removal of Mr. Koga to Botchan. The dean plans to raise Botchan’s position and his
salary after the removal of Mr. Koga.
Botchan is told by his landlady that the dean wants to get rid of Mr. Koga so
that he can marry Miss Toyama, Mr. Koga’s fiancée. People will think it is improper
to marry Miss Toyama if she is still engaged to Mr. Koga. Therefore, the dean plans
to remove Mr. Koga far away from Shikoku so that the engagement can be broken
and he can marry Miss Toyama. The dean is so mean. The dean uses his position so
After Botchan knew what has actually happened to Mr. Koga, he decided to refuse
the dean’s offer. Botchan does not want to be part of the dean’s plan to get rid of Mr.
Koga. If he accepts the offer, it will make him become a cruel man like the dean.
“It sounds still more strange. You came here, I understand, to tell me that you were grieved to have your salary raised as you had found reasons for doing so, but your doubts and suspicions have melted away with my explanation, and yet you decline my offer. How can I account for it?”
“It may be hard for you to understand, and yet let me please have my own ways in this affair.”
“If it makes you so very unhappy, I shall not urge to accept it, but I am afraid your future prospects will not be so bright if two or three hours duration makes your mind change so suddenly without any good reason.”
“Well, I shall be responsible for all that” (Soseki, 1904:132)
The quotation above shows that Botchan is not only simple but also an honest man.
Botchan does not care if his action will make him become the enemy of the dean and
can probably ruin his whole career as a teacher.
4. Self reliant
Botchan who is hated by many people make him become an independent man.
It is shown in his statement when his brother sold their houses and all their movables
belonging after their parent died.
I wished to be entirely independent of him. If he rendered me some assistance, he would surely withdraw it soon, as I should certainly pick a quarrel with him before very long. My head I thought was too precious to bow before such a brother by receiving some trivial help. I thought I could support myself even by being a milkman (Soseki, 1904:22).
Botchan doesn’t like quarreling with his brother just because of money. It also proves
he is a man with honor. Botchan thinks his brother’s help is insincere. Botchan
Botchan believes he could gain money even just being a milkman. Botchan’s
statement shows he is an independent man. According to Mr. Hotta, Botchan is not
only proud of his heredity but also a self-reliant (Soseki, 1904: 135). These characters
are the characteristics of most Yedo men. Botchan’s self-reliant makes him become a
brave man. Botchan isn’t afraid to fight against anybody whom he thinks is wrong.
Botchan does not like to be under obligation of an imposter like the dean.
5. Indiscipline
There is another duty that Botchan should do. Botchan has to do night watch. Night watch at school is a duty imposed upon each member of the school. They take
turn in doing it. Principal and the dean are exceptions to the rule.
One day it is Botchan turn to do his night watch. However, Botchan is
indiscipline. Botchan who never does night watch before feels boring to do it so he
decides to go out to take a bath at the hot spring for a while.
When I first came to the school and asked the janitor if the teacher on night watch was in, he said that he was on business. At that time I thought it strange; now that my turn to came around I could not but sympathize with teacher; he was right in going out. The ennui would killed him. On my telling the servant that I should be gone a while, he asked me if I had some other business out. “no.” said I “but I am going to the hot spring to have a bath.” (Soseki, 1904: 52-53)
When Botchan first came to the school to find the teacher who was on night watch,
the janitor said that the teacher was out. Therefore, Botchan thinks it is usual for a
teacher on night watch to go outside (Soseki, 1904:98). Botchan says it frankly to the
Botchan’s honesty is also seen when he does something wrong. Botchan does not feel
shy to admit in front of Mr. Hotta, the janitor, and the principle that he goes to the hot
spring on the night of his night watch. Although he frankly confesses to other people
what he has done, Botchan’s action is still wrong. It shows that Botchan is not only
an honest man but he is also indiscipline. Leaving a night duty is an example of an
irresponsible man. Botchan neglects his duty. Botchan’s action can risk the safety of
the whole school.
6. Hot Tempered
Botchan often can not control his emotion. Botchan can easily get angry with
other people. He likes to scorn other people every time he gets angry.
Getting hold of dirty-nosed urchin standing on the beach, I asked him where the middle school stood. The boy, being taken aback by the abrupt manner of my question, timidly replied, “I do not know.” What a poor, dull rustic! Not to know where the middle school was in the town so small as the forehead of a cat (Soseki, 1904:28).
The quotation above shows that he is hot temper. In his mind, he scorns the
boy just because he does not know where the middle school is.
Botchan also shows his hot temper in other occasion. On the first time he goes
to school, he meets other teachers. He has to introduce himself one by one.
The quotation above is showing Botchan’s feeling about the introduction
ceremonial. It is Shikoku’s custom to introduce themself one by one. According to
Botchan, it is just waste of time. Botchan feels annoyed by the custom. It is because
Botchan has to repeat it several times. As a result, Botchan gives nicknames to these
teachers. The teacher of English, named Koga, is given names green squash because
he has a very sickly complexion. A teacher of mathematics, Koga, is given name
Porcupine because his hair is like porcupine. The teacher of drawing, Noda, is given
name the clown because his behavior is like a clown. Botchan who gives the teachers
scornful names shows Botchan as an impatient man. In Kiyo’s letter to Botchan, she
reminds Botchan about his attitude to give people nicknames. Kiyo feels anxious
about it. She is afraid that the people in the village will hurt him if they know that
Botchan likes to scorn them. Even though Botchan is hot temper, but Kiyo still
believes that Botchan is actually a nice son.
B. The Aspects of Naturalism in the Botchan’s Character
According to Horton “naturalism is a doctrine that holds to the philosophy of
determinism (1956:517). So this analysis will also discuss determinism, a belief
where characters do not have free will. They are controlled by the external (society,
environment, chances and nature) and internal (heredity, instinct, passion) forces. All
determinants believe in the existence of different reasons. This aspects of naturalism
The strength of instincts, passion and heredity (internal forces) determine
human rationally and moral responsibility and the strength of society environment,
chances and nature (external forces) obstruct human freedom that controls human
life, as the result human’s life is completely controlled by determinism.
1. Determinism in Botchan character
In order to make the discussion on determinism brief, the study will be
divided into two subchapters. First is Botchan’s internal forces, and the second is
Botchan’s external forces.
a. Internal forces
The internal forces consist of three categories. The categories are heredity,
passion and instinct.
(i). Heredity
Heredity or line of blood is one of the internal factors that influence a
character in their life. Heredity is one of the internal factors of naturalism that can
control the character and it can be found in Botchan’s character. In this subchapter,
the study will be focused on heredity of Botchan and what effects they give to
Botchan.
There are some descriptions about Botchan’ heredity. Most of the descriptions
are mentioned by Botchan. The following quotation is coming from Botchan’s
thought when he is facing his naughty students.
bodyguards to the Shogun; they all belonged to a very ancient stock of the Minamoto, a direct line of Emperor Seiwa, that is to say, I am a descendent of proud knight, Tada Mitsunaka. I am of noble birth- incomparably higher than those poor lowly peasant lads (Soseki, 1904:63).
From the quotation above, it shows that Botchan come from a respectable family. He
is descendant of a proud knight. Botchan is so proud of his ancestors. Botchan
thinks he has higher class than the villagers. Botchan will be ashamed if he is
defeated by those people. Botchan heredity as descendent of a proud knight has made
him become a brave man. Botchan is not afraid of anything including facing his
students even though most of them have bigger body than him.
Botchan is a man who has courage to take risks. Botchan is not afraid to fight
against anybody including the dean as the leader of the school. Botchan does not care
if his action will make him losing his job or maybe his whole career. Botchan is a self
reliant and independent man. That is why he is not afraid to face the dean. The
following quotation is conversation between Mr. Hotta and Botchan.
“What is you native place?” “I am a Yedo man by birth.”
“Exactly. That’s why I thought you were so proud and self-sufficient.” (Soseki, 1904:135).
According to Mr. Hotta, Botchan is so proud and self sufficient. Mr. Hotta assumes
Botchan becomes a proud and self reliant man because he is a Yedo man. Mr. Hotta
also believes that Botchan is a true Yedo man. Botchan’s characters as a proud and
self-reliant man show the character of a Yedo man. Botchan is not afraid to fight
against the dean, as the leader of the school, because he has the character of a Yedo
Being a Yedo man not only bring goodness to Botchan’s character but also a
weakness. Botchan is continuously making an excuse of his weaknesses because of
his being a Yedo man.
Being a Yedo man of small and delicate build, I could not make a commending figure even on an elevated platform (Soseki, 1904:40).
From his physical appearance as a Yedoman, he can not have commending figure.
His small and delicate build, typical of a Yedo man, has made him gain no respect
among his students. Because the students do not pay attention to him, he begins to
use his Tokyo dialect and his strategy works. The students are confused by Botchan’s
words. One of the biggest and the tallest student in the class says that Botchan speaks
too faster and he can not fallow Botchan’s words. The following quotation is
Botchan’s reaction toward the student’s inquired.
“But being a Yedo man trough and through, I cannot speak your dreadful dialect, and you’ll have to wait patiently until you can understand me” (Soseki, 1904:41).
Botchan makes an excuse again. He uses his Yedo man to defend himself. His way of
talk is just as same as other Yedo men. Botchan can not speak like the students
dialect. Furthermore, he said that Shikoku dialect is awful dialect. It shows that
Botchan is so proud of his Yedo man. He does not feel ashamed to use his Tokyo
dialect in the class. Botchan underestimates Shikoku people including, their dialect.
His “Yedo man” has made him underestimates other races. Furthermore, Botchan
thinks he is not suitable to become a teacher. His physical appearance as a Yedo man
Botchan’s courage to take the risks does not always in a positive way. His
braveness facing dangers also leads him to become a naughty boy. When one of his
classmates said in taunt, “you are a great boaster; you can not jump down from that
height. You poor little creeping thing!” (Soseki, 1904:1). Botchan feels he is being
challenged by his friend’s words. Botchan take the challenge. Botchan jumps down
from the second floor of the school building and had to lay a bed about a week
(Soseki, 1904:1). Botchan believes he does it because he inherits hot temper from his
ancestors who are Tada Matsunaka, a proud knight. Botchan believes that his
characters are controlled by his heredity. It is shown in the opening sentence of the
novel.
A great loser have I been ever since a child, having a rush, daring spirit, a spirit that I inherited from my ancestors (Soseki, 1904:1).
From the sentence above, it shows that Botchan is aware of his heredity and he
believes that it determines his character. Botchan’s heredity has made him become a
hot temper and careless boy.
Botchan’s heredity can also be seen in his father’s character. The novel does
not show much about his father’s life. However, his character can still be seen from
Botchan description about his childhood. Botchan’s father characterization is
important because Botchan may inherit his father’s character.
Botchan’s story tells that he and his father never get along. Botchan’s father
Botchan is a naughty boy. Botchan’s naughtiness always makes a lot of trouble for
his family.
Botchan’s father, seeing Botchan comes home in Broken leg after jumping
from a second floor of the building school, says in an angry tone that “no strong boy
could be hurt by such jumping down from such a low height as from upstairs”
(Soseki, 1904:1). From Botchan’s father reaction toward this, it shows he is a
heartless man. He even does not ask Botchan first why he has done such a thing. He
does not give any advice for Botchan. On the contrary, Botchan is more challenged
by his father’s words. Botchan’s father does not like to show his sympathy. Botchan’s
father seems does not care about Botchan’s condition. Botchan’s father will never
show his sympathy to other people including to his own son (Soseki, 1904: 20).
Moreover, Botchan seems inherit unsympathetic character from his father. He
always does naughty things without thinking of the consequences for other people.
He never thinks about the consequences of his action toward his parent and his
neighbors. His neighbors also hate him because they also have become the object of
his naughtiness. Botchan also does not show his sympathy to the villagers. He likes to
mock them. He admits that he is “an unsociable man” (Soseki, 1904: 68).
Botchan heredity not only influences his character but also his life.
According to Botchan, his ancestors inherit their characters upon him. One of their
characters is carelessness. Botchan believes he inherits their thoughtlessness
character. Botchan does not think first before he makes a decision. Botchan
thoughtlessness has led him making a wrong decision. It has made his life more
miserable.
Botchan sometimes makes a decision without considering the result first. He
actually does not like to be a teacher but he chose to study at Butsuri Gakko, a special place for study physics and mathematics (Soseki, 1904:25).
It is true that I had spent three long years in learning, yet had no intention of being a teacher, or going into the country. However, indecision is what I dislike most, and I answered on the spot that I would accept the offer. This of course came partly from the lack of positions in view, except that of teacher, but the heredity rashness was again at the bottom of the mistake (Soseki, 1904:25).
Botchan does not realize if he chose to study at Butsuri Gakko, most job opportunity he will get is to be a physics or mathematics teacher. After Botchan finished his
college, he feels being forced to be a teacher. Botchan enters Butsuri Gakko with out any consideration. Botchan blames his heredity character. Botchan believes his
thoughtlessness character is inherited from his ancestors. It means he inherits their
characters. Botchan’s heredity influences his life. It has made his life becomes
miserable. Botchan who believes all the character and his life are determined by
heredity shows the idea of naturalism. His heredity has made him become a naughty,
b. The external forces
Besides the internal factors, there are the external factors. The external forces consist
of two categories. The categories are chances and environment or the society.
(i). Chances
In this subchapter, it will discuss one of the external factors of determinism.
Here the chances will be discussed. Chances here mean possibilities that have led his
life. Life can not be separated from the chances given to him. These chances are also
shown in the Botchan’s life. The chances have sent Botchan into a small village like
Shikoku to be a mathematics teacher there.
After Botchan’s parent died, his brother sold the house and all their belonging.
Botchan knows his brother gains a lot of money from selling all the belonging. But he
does not know exactly how much his brother gets. He only knows that his brother
only gives him six hundred yen. His brother tells Botchan that it is the last help he
can get from him. Botchan begins to think of how to use his money. Botchan can only
think of two kinds of possibilities. The first chance is to be a businessman and the
second is to continue his study at university.
The first chance that comes into his mind after receiving the money is to be a
businessman like his brother’s obsession. But Botchan is afraid that in the long run he
will fail. Botchan will be ashamed if everybody knows that he is just graduated from
the middle school. Moreover, Botchan thinks six hundred yen is not enough to run
any business. Thus, he chooses another possibility that he can get from six hundred
The second possibility is to continue his study. Botchan believes he can get a
good job after he graduated from college. However, he does not have special interest
in any kind of study. So Botchan decides to study in Butsuri Gakko, a special school for studying mathematics and physics. Botchan finds the school by coincidence.
While he was reading a newspaper, he found an advertisement inviting new students
to come.
Botchan’s life is determined by the chances. Botchan who has lost his parents
and only have six hundred yen have only two kinds of chances. In addition, he does
not have enough skill and wants to have a job with good salary so that he can live
with Kiyo, his faithful servant. Botchan decides to continue his study so that after he
finishes from his collage he will have a good job. Botchan is successful in finishing
his study and gets a job as a teacher in Shikoku.
However, Botchan never dreams to be a teacher (Soseki1904:24). Botchan
accepts the offer because he does not have any other option. Botchan becomes a
mathematics teacher in Shikoku because it is the only chance he gets after graduated
from the collage. Botchan’s life as a mathematics teacher in Shikoku is determined by
the chances he gets.
(ii). Environment
The second of the external forces of determinism is environment.
Environment is believed to be the most significant in the development of character.
This subchapter is going to study how the environment influences the life and the
here is not only about the people and their classes but also their customs, conventions,
belief, and values, their institutions and their physical environment.
There are two places where the events in the story take place. First is in Tokyo
and the second is in Shikoku. Tokyo is the place where Botchan is born and grew up.
Shikoku is the place where he gets his first job after graduated from collage.
Tokyo is much bigger than Shikoku. There are a lot of people in Tokyo.
Botchan who is born and grew up in Tokyo is much more familiar with the people in
there. There is not much information about Tokyo. The information about Tokyo is
only taken from Botchan’s short description about his childhood.
According to Botchan, Tokyo people are much nicer than the people of
Shikoku. Botchan more respects the people in Tokyo rather than in Shikoku; even
though, he seems never get along with the people in Tokyo. The people around
Botchan in Tokyo hated him, except Kiyo, his faithful servant. They only see
Botchan as the trouble maker,”the black sheep of the family” (Soseki, 1904:15).
Botchan realizes that how the people act toward him is quite reasonable. They hate
him because he is a naughty boy. Botchan has caused a lot of troubles for everybody.
Because of his naughtiness Botchan is not only hated by his parent but also his
neighbors.
Botchan’s neighbors are not afraid to show their anger toward Botchan’s
parent every time Botchan makes mistakes. For example is when Botchan made
Furukawa’s rice field dry by filling it with pebbles and sticks. Furukawa came to
to pacify him. They are not afraid to show their anger to Botchan’s parent although
they know that Botchan’s parent is from a respectable family in Tokyo, descendent of
proud knights. This shows that they are blunt man. They do not keep silent if there is
somebody who does something wrong. Botchan’s parent does not feel arrogant to
bow down their head to make an apology to them because of Botchan’s naughtiness.
Botchan’s parent, as a citizen and respectable family, teach Botchan to be an honest
man and does not afraid to admit and apologize if he has done something wrong.
Botchan thinks honesty is important in this world. It is a quality that every
body should have (Soseki, 1904:81). The people in Tokyo teach him to be an honest
man. They teach him to act bluntly. They teach him not to be flatterer who always
pretends to be nice just in front of a certain people or person. His frank manner is
influenced by his environment. His way in facing other people is determined by the
environment. It is Tokyo environment where he have been born and grown up that
make him become an honest man.
The second places where the events in the story take place are Shikoku.
Shikoku is the place where he first gets a job as a mathematics teacher after graduated
from collage. Shikoku is the place where the most events take place.
Ever since Botchan move to Shikoku, he has to adopt with the people there.
Botchan feels there are a lot of differences between living in Shikoku and living in
Tokyo. Shikoku is just a small village with not many people who live there. Because
Shikoku is a small village, privacy seems become impossible. Botchan thinks
you move about (Shikoku, 1904: 50). Each of them can easily know every little event
in Shikoku.
Teachers like Botchan are included as the middle class in Shikoku. Teachers
as middle class have some obligation in society. They have to be a good example of
the school. They also expected can bring good influence toward their students.
Be an example to the boys; try to be looked up as a living virtue of the school. The true enducator is he who, besides his learning, will impart his personal influence over his pupils, etc., etc ( Soseki, 1904:33).
The quotation above is statement from the principal. It is some of the responsibility
which Botchan should perform as a teacher. At first Botchan feels hesitant weather he
could perform the responsibility or not. As human being, he might also sometimes
make mistakes too. Botchan still takes the job after the principal said to Botchan that
it is just a wish, it is hard for anybody to fulfill it.
There are many kinds of hobbies. Every people have their own hobbies
including Botchan. Botchan finds new hobbies in Shikoku. One of Botchan’s new
hobbies is to go to the hot spring. Botchan even says, “Every other thing made a very
poor comparison with things in Tokyo, but as to the hot spring, it was just splendid”
(Soseki 1904: 49). Probably there is no hot spring in Tokyo. Hot spring becomes
special place for Botchan in Shikoku. Botchan likes to go there with a red towel in his
hand. However, the people there criticize his hobby to go the hot spring because he
always goes to the first class. They consider Botchan as a teacher is very wasteful.
they call Botchan as Mr. Red Towel and write in on the blackboard before he enters
the class.
The people in Shikoku also criticize his other hobby who likes to eat a lot of
food. Botchan admit that he is “champion eater” (Soseki, 1904:99). In facts, Botchan
can eat four bowls of Tempura, deep-fried seafood and vegetables, all at once. Botchan never gets problem because of this behavior. In Tokyo, Botchan can do or
eat everything he likes as long as does not bother other people. However, for Shikoku
people, it becomes a shameful. When he lived in Tokyo, he always eats food that was
served by Kiyo. Kiyo always cooks his favorite food. Since he moved to Shikoku,
there is no body who cooks his favorite food. Botchan has to buy it in a restaurant.
Unfortunately, he meets with his students when he buys Tempura. The students begin to know that he like to eat a lot of food. It makes a bad image for Botchan as teacher
in Shikoku. They begin to call him “Mr. Tempura” because he eats four bowls of
Tempura (Soseki, 1904: 46). They consider Botchan as a greedy teacher.
Because of Botchan’s hobbies, the people in Shikoku consider he has done
improper act. Moreover, the dean and other teachers blame Botchan for the student’s
naughtiness. The students are behaving rudely toward Botchan because he can not
give a good example to them.
“Teachers of a middle school being naturally placed above the level society, should not always go after material pleasures, for, indulged in, they will have bad influence upon their character” (Soseki, 1904: 100).
The quotation above is taken from the dean’s speech. For the dean and other people,
