The Prototype and Political Mythical Connotations of “Drowning Death” in Kenzaburo Oe’s Death by Water

Abstract

This article meticulously examines the interplay of myth and memory in Kenzaburo Oe’s novel Death by Water, with a central focus on the protagonist’s relentless investigation into his father’s death by drowning. Oe skillfully intertwines personal tragedy with the collective consciousness of Japan, invoking the ‘Meiji Spirit’ and the ‘Spirit of Postwar Democracy’ to frame the narrative. The study identifies the ‘drowning death’ as a mythological archetype, analyzing its symbolic representation of life, death, and rebirth cycles within the novel’s context. Through a close reading of the characters’ experiences, particularly the deaths of the father and Daio, the paper explores the multifaceted nature of mythical thinking shaped by historical zeitgeists. The findings suggest that national spirit, or Zeitgeist, exerts a profound influence on societal values and actions, leading to a discourse on the nation’s relationship with the concepts of sacrifice and offering. Employing political mythology, the study delves into the nuanced connection between national identity and the sacrificial ethos, proposing that such narratives reflect deeper cultural and political undercurrents.