Confessions of a Mask

How does the social environment of World War II-era Japan shape Kochan’s view of himself and others? What specific aspects of Japanese culture, heritage, and history affect Kochan’s development throughout the story?

How does Mishima use genre and style to characterize Kochan? Consider his prose poem and his extended dream sequence—do these elements reveal more about Kochan, or are they just another mask?

Consider the scene where Kochan feels betrayed by the discovery that Joan of Arc is a woman in men’s clothing. What does this say about his relationship to women and gender roles? Use textual support.

Does the novel create a black and white contrast between sexual attraction and lack of sexual attraction, or are there shades of gray? How does the novel define sexual attraction?

Compare and contrast Omi and Sonoko and Kochan’s interest in them both. How does his experience of “love” for each of them differ? In what ways is he lying to himself about Omi, and in what ways is he being truthful about Sonoko?

Oscar Wilde’s quote, “A man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth” is often paired with this book. What is the significance of the novel’s title in relation to the themes? How do we see Kochan putting on and taking off a mask?

Although the book has elements of bildungsroman, does Kochan grow throughout the book? Does the ending show significant internal change, or has he remained the same person?

Consider the relationship between Kochan and Kusano. How would you characterize their friendship? Why does Kochan go to such lengths to take care of Kusano’s family for him?