47 pages • 1 hour read
Yukio MishimaConfessions of a Mask
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1949A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Confessions of a Mask by Yukio Mishima follows Kochan, a young man navigating his tumultuous inner life and sexuality during and after World War II. As a closeted gay man, Kochan struggles with his fascination with death and the effort to reconcile his hidden desires with societal expectations. His journey of self-discovery and repression highlights his complex identity and the masks he creates to fit into the world. The novel explores themes of suicidal ideation, gore, and cannibalism, and uses outdated language regarding sexual orientation.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Confessions of a Mask by Yukio Mishima is a deeply introspective novel exploring identity and sexuality. Critics praise its lyrical prose and psychological depth, admiring Mishima's courage to tackle taboo subjects. However, some find the narrative dense and challenging, potentially alienating casual readers. Overall, it's hailed as a compelling, albeit complex, literary work.
Who Should Read Confessions of a Mask?
Fans of introspective, coming-of-age tales grappling with identity and societal expectations will find Yukio Mishima's Confessions of a Mask compelling. Similar to J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye and Marcel Proust's In Search of Lost Time, it delves into inner conflicts and the masks we wear to hide our true selves.