素粒子

With themes such as the loneliness of a man in his forties, taboos fading away across the ages, sin and technology, the absence of love, and sexual perversion, this novel—in which society and life are intricately intertwined—was deeply compelling. The social climate, in which the development of civilization seems to be reaching a point of convergence, effectively reflects the stifling atmosphere of that era. I believe the novel raises questions that transcend the simple binary opposition of “progress versus decadence”—questions arising from a state where the value system that had previously supported civilization is no longer capable of adequately organizing people’s lives. The psychological portrayal of the lonely and frustrated Bruno reveals a strong misogyny, yet overall, the novel depicts the deep interconnection between love and sex, sexual competition, and social hierarchy—without resorting to superficial, feel-good solutions.