Kokoro facts for kids
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| Author | Natsume Sōseki |
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| Original title | Kokoro: Sensei no Isho |
| Country | Japan |
| Language | Japanese |
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Publication date
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1914 |
Kokoro is a famous novel by the Japanese writer Natsume Sōseki. It was first published in 1914. The story appeared in parts, like a TV series, in the Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun.
The word "Kokoro" (こころ) means "heart" in Japanese. But it can also mean "the heart of things" or "feelings." When the novel first came out, its full title was Kokoro: Sensei no Isho. This means Kokoro: Sensei's Testament. "Sensei" is a Japanese word for teacher. Later, when it was printed as a book, the title was shortened to just Kokoro. The way "Kokoro" was written also changed from a complex Japanese character (kanji) to a simpler one (hiragana).
Contents
What is Kokoro About?
Kokoro tells a story about friendship, trust, and secrets. It explores the feelings and thoughts of people in Japan during a time of big changes. The novel has three main parts. Each part helps us understand the characters better.
The Story's Main Characters
The novel focuses on a young student and an older man he calls "Sensei."
- The student is the narrator. He looks up to Sensei and wants to learn from him.
- Sensei is a mysterious and wise man. He lives a quiet life. He has a secret past that affects him deeply.
The story slowly reveals Sensei's past. It shows how his experiences shaped him. It also explores the student's journey of understanding.
Why is Kokoro Important?
Kokoro is one of Japan's most important novels. It is studied in schools and universities.
- It explores deep human feelings like loneliness and guilt.
- It shows the clash between old Japanese traditions and new Western ideas.
- The book makes readers think about what it means to be a good person.
Many people enjoy Kokoro because its themes are still relevant today. It teaches us about human nature and the challenges of growing up.
About the Author: Natsume Sōseki
Natsume Sōseki (1867–1916) was a very famous Japanese writer. He is known for his novels and essays. Sōseki lived during a time when Japan was changing rapidly. His books often explore these changes. He wrote about how people felt about modern life. His stories often show characters who feel lonely or isolated. Sōseki's writing style is unique. He uses everyday language to tell complex stories. This makes his books easy to read but also very thought-provoking.
See also
In Spanish: Kokoro para niños
