A character analysis of Masuji Ono

In the first section of the book that we have read, it is already clear that Masuji Ono is a person stuck, or "floating," between two worlds.  From the very beginning Masuji Ono describes his house as a house that he almost does not deserver.  It seems that Masuji Ono has a low self-esteem, and seems to assume that people that will not see him as someone who is considered high class.  Although he owns a house that commands a very high place in society, and has a “commanding” view of the city, he still does not consider himself a “wealthy man.”  

I believe this is the first instance where Masuji Ono is caught between two worlds.  The two realms of society, being upper class, or not being upper class is the binary that Masuji Ono floats in between.  I think that it is pretty clear throughout the first section that Masuji is pretty high class, as everyone treats him like he is.  However he seems very adamant in his feelings to stay away from being labeled upper class.  You can tell this is true by how him and his former pupils converse.  His former students, in particular Shintaro, see him as very influential man.  Even though Masuji Ono is retired, Shintaro insists that he still has powerful connections that could benefit him.  Masuji Ono insists that Shintaro is wrong, and is embarrassing him.

I think there is a reason why Masuji Ono acts the way that he does.  From my point of view, I think that the reason that he is so adamant about denying his upper status is because of how he was raised.  I think we can safely assume that Masuji Ono was not brought up in an upper class environment or family, and I believe that because of this he is resistant to join a group that he feels he will never truly belong to.  After growing up a particular way I think that Masuji Ono prefers to live the way that he knows, and denies his status, even though everyone (including himself at times) is very aware of the influence he holds. 

I think this can still be true in today’s world.  Personally, I was brought up in a middle class family, and community, and I think I would be very resistant to change.  For example, even if I was to be very well off later in life, I could never imagine buying a super expensive car, or paying someone to clean my house.  Although our society today is vastly different then the society in 1948 Japan, this fact remains true.  I think that people will generally find it uncomfortable to be thrown into a section of society that is foreign to you.  I think that the fact that Masuji Ono is almost alone in this situation also makes it harder for him to accept this change; because of how alone he may feel. 

 I think this confusion will play a very important part throughout the whole book.  I believe that Masuji Ono’s class will explain the marital status of his second daughter.