“A virtuous woman, in many cases, is nothing more than society’s reputation, and that society becomes the armor she wears.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
- He became a representative figure of postwar Japanese literature, and was highly acclaimed both at home and abroad. He pursued his own unique aesthetic with themes of beauty and death, and ultimately committed seppuku at a Self-Defense Forces garrison. His life, which combined literature with action, continues to have a strong influence today.
Japanese
「貞女とは、多くのばあい、世間の評判であり、その世間をカサに着た女の鎧であります。」
English
“A virtuous woman, in many cases, is nothing more than society’s reputation, and that society becomes the armor she wears.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima critiques the concept of virtue and how it is often defined by society rather than inherent qualities. He suggests that a virtuous woman is often seen through the lens of public perception—her reputation is shaped not by her personal integrity or actions, but by how society chooses to view her. This reputation becomes her armor, a protective shell that she wears to conform to societal expectations, even if it is not a true reflection of her inner self. Mishima points out the superficiality and external nature of societal judgments, highlighting that the virtue attributed to a woman may not be her own, but rather a social construct that is used to define and control her.
Mishima’s critique of society’s judgment aligns with his recurring themes of conformity, identity, and personal autonomy. He often explored the tension between individual desires and the expectations placed on people by society, particularly regarding gender roles. In this case, he argues that the virtue of women, symbolized by chastity or purity, is too often imposed by societal standards and used as a form of control. The armor represents the defense women build to protect themselves from the judgments of others, but it also shows how the role of the virtuous woman can become a burden or even a mask.
In a modern context, Mishima’s words invite us to reflect on how social norms continue to shape our perceptions of virtue, especially for women. In a world where external appearances and reputations are still heavily influenced by societal expectations, women, just like in Mishima’s time, may feel compelled to conform to ideals that do not necessarily reflect their authentic selves. Mishima’s insight challenges us to reconsider the value of individual integrity over external reputation, encouraging a deeper understanding of virtue that transcends societal judgments.
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