Toyonobu by John Gould Fletcher
The novel revolves around the life of a Japanese nobleman who becomes disillusioned with his country's rigid social hierarchy and seeks to escape it by embracing Western culture. He travels to Europe where he experiences a mix of fascination and disillusionment with the values and customs of the West. Upon returning to Japan, he is met with suspicion and hostility due to his newfound views, leading him to question his place in society.
By John Gould Fletcher · First published 1922 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Symbolism · 65 words
First lines
Exile's Return
The cranes have come back to the temple, The winds are flapping the flags about, Through a flute of reeds I will blow a song.
Let my song sigh as the breeze through the cryptomerias, And pause like long flags flapping, And dart and flutter aloft, like a wind-bewildered crane.
What this Textopian page supports
Toyonobu is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Gould Fletcher, dated 1922 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Gould Fletcher
- Date: 1922 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature Writing, Symbolism, Modernism, Lyrical
- Length: 65 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Toyonobu by John Gould Fletcher
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
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Genres
- Poetry — The work employs lyrical language and structure, focusing on imagery and emotional expression.
- Nature Writing — Themes of nature and the environment are prominent, with vivid descriptions of natural elements.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols, such as cranes and winds, conveys deeper meanings and themes.
- Modernism — The style reflects modernist characteristics, including a focus on individual perception and fragmented forms.
Tags
Japanese Culture · Literary Fiction · Historical Novel · Coming-of-Age Story · Family Drama · Social Commentary · Cultural Identity · Nationalism · Imperialism · Colonialism · War and Conflict · Personal Growth