宮沢賢治全集

Overview of "宮沢賢治全集" by 宮澤賢治

Key Themes

1. Self-Sacrifice and Philanthropy: The works of 宮澤賢治 often emphasize the importance of self-sacrifice and philanthropy. This theme is particularly evident in "銀河鉄道の夜" (Galaxy Express 999), where the protagonist, Joann, and his friend Kampanella make a vow to dedicate their lives to the happiness of others.

2. Ecological and Spiritual Perspectives: Many of his works reflect a deep ecological and spiritual perspective. For example, the concept of "みんなのさいわい" (everyone's happiness) is central to his philosophy, suggesting that individual happiness cannot be achieved without the happiness of the world around us.

3. Human Condition and Existence: His stories often explore the human condition, touching on themes of loneliness, suffering, and the search for meaning. The protagonist in "銀河鉄道の夜" is a lonely boy who finds companionship and purpose through his journey with Kampanella.

Plot Summary

"銀河鉄道の夜" (Galaxy Express 999)

The story revolves around Joann, a poor boy who lives with his sick mother. He is often bullied by his classmates, particularly Zanelli, and feels isolated. However, he finds solace in his friendship with Kampanella, a wealthy boy who shares his love for books.

During a science class, Joann is unable to answer a question about the galaxy because of his self-doubt, which leads to him being ridiculed by his classmates. To save Joann's face, Kampanella remains silent, and both boys are misunderstood by their teacher and peers.

On the night of the Star Festival, Joann is teased by Zanelli and cannot join the festivities to watch the lanterns. Instead, he climbs a hill to watch the stars and boards the Galaxy Express 999, a mystical train that takes him on a journey through the galaxy.

Along the way, Joann and Kampanella encounter various people who teach them about the meaning of life and happiness. They witness a star festival in a village, where they discuss the true nature of happiness. The train passes through the constellation of Scorpio, where they hear a story about a scorpion's fire, symbolizing human sin and original sin.

As the train approaches the Southern Cross, most passengers disembark, leaving Joann and Kampanella alone. They make a vow to dedicate their lives to the happiness of others. However, Kampanella disappears, leaving Joann behind. Later, Joann learns that Kampanella sacrificed his life to save him, and this realization gives him a new understanding of the purpose of their journey.

Critical Reception

"宮沢賢治全集" is a comprehensive collection of 宮澤賢治's works, meticulously edited to preserve the original texts. The collection includes various drafts and early versions of his stories, which are presented alongside the final versions. This approach allows readers to see the evolution of his ideas and the revisions he made over time.

The collection has been praised for its thoroughness and respect for the original texts. The editors have included all the available drafts and notes, making it a valuable resource for scholars and readers alike. The collection also includes a comprehensive index, which helps researchers navigate the vast array of themes and characters in his works.

Overall, "宮沢賢治全集" is a significant contribution to Japanese literature, offering insights into the life and works of one of Japan's most beloved authors. Its themes of self-sacrifice, ecological awareness, and the search for meaning continue to resonate with readers today.