The Setting Sun by Osamu Dazai and Donald Keene is praised for its poignant exploration of Japanese society's post-war disillusionment, with rich character development and lyrical prose. Some critics find it overly melancholic and feel the narrative pace can be slow. Despite this, it remains a compelling read for its historical and cultural insights.

Readers who enjoy The Setting Sun by Osamu Dazai and translated by Donald Keene are typically interested in post-war Japanese literature, existential themes, and character-driven narratives. Fans of Yukio Mishima's Confessions of a Mask and Natsume Sōseki's Kokoro will find similar introspective and culturally rich storytelling.

The Setting Sun by Osamu Dazai, translated by Donald Keene, portrays an aristocratic family in post-World War II Japan as they struggle with societal change and personal loss. The narrative focuses on a young woman, her brother, and their mother, highlighting themes of tradition, identity, and modernization.

- Osamu Dazai, the author of The Setting Sun, is considered one of Japan's most significant post-war writers and is well-known for his semi-autobiographical style, which often reflects his tumultuous life and struggles with depression.
- Donald Keene, the translator of The Setting Sun, was a prominent scholar of Japanese literature and culture, and he significantly contributed to the popularity and understanding of Japanese works in the English-speaking world.
- The title The Setting Sun is often interpreted as a metaphor for the decline of aristocratic families in post-war Japan and is emblematic of the broader societal shifts occurring in the country during that era.

Melancholic / Contemplative / Bittersweet / Dark / Mysterious

**Kazuko**  
The narrative voice and central character, Kazuko is a 29-year-old woman navigating the trials of life in post-World War II Japan after moving from Tokyo to the countryside with her family. She grapples with personal and familial challenges including her past, her social status, and her quest for agency and fulfillment.

**Kazuko’s Mother**  
A figure of significant influence in Kazuko's life, she is portrayed as a stoic and dignified woman who symbolizes the fading Japanese aristocracy. Her interactions and presence shape much of Kazuko's internal conflict and reflection.

**Naoji**  
Kazuko's brother, who returns from World War II with a sense of disconnection and a dependency on opium. His struggles with addiction and personal despair play a critical role in the family dynamics and the unfolding narrative.

**Mr. Uehara**  
An influential figure in Naoji's life, Mr. Uehara is a celebrated novelist who represents the working class and harbors animosity towards the aristocracy. His complex relationship with both Naoji and Kazuko adds depth to the novel's exploration of societal change.

Osamu Dazai

Transl. Donald Keene

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Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Setting Sun and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Setting Sun Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Setting Sun Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-2

The Setting Sun Chapters 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 3-4

The Setting Sun Chapters 3-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-6

The Setting Sun Chapters 5-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-8

The Setting Sun Chapters 7-8 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Setting Sun Character Analysis

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Themes

The Setting Sun Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Setting Sun Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Setting Sun Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Setting Sun Essay Topics

The Setting Sun

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

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Who Should Read The Setting Sun?

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