Confessions of a Mask

Summary

The novel «Confessions of a Mask» by Yukio Mishima delves into the inner world of a young man coming to terms with his homosexuality in 1940s Japanese society. The protagonist, Kochan, has felt different from others since childhood and tries to hide his true feelings behind a mask of normalcy. He is attracted to men but is forced to pretend interest in women to meet societal expectations. Through memories of childhood, adolescence, and early sexual experiences, the protagonist attempts to understand his identity and accept himself as he is. The novel explores themes of self-identification, loneliness, and the struggle with internal contradictions.