“Some women betray their husbands with their hearts, some with their bodies, and some with their fat.”
- 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
「ある女は心で、ある女は肉体で、ある女は脂肪で夫を裏切るのである」
English
“Some women betray their husbands with their hearts, some with their bodies, and some with their fat.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima critiques the various ways in which betrayal can manifest within intimate relationships, specifically focusing on women’s roles in these betrayals. He suggests that betrayal does not always take the same form; it can be emotional, physical, or even related to physical neglect or appearance. The phrase “betray with the heart” refers to emotional infidelity, where a woman may fall in love with someone else or emotionally detach from her husband. “Betray with the body” points to physical infidelity or the act of being physically unfaithful. The mention of “betray with fat” likely refers to neglecting one’s appearance or physical health, possibly implying a loss of attractiveness or desire, which in Mishima’s view could also be seen as a form of betrayal in the marriage.
Mishima’s depiction of betrayal in this way suggests a dark view of relationships, where the complexity of human emotions and desires often leads to deception or failure. The quote reflects his exploration of the fragility of human connections, where even the most intimate relationships can be undermined by both external actions (such as physical infidelity) and internal feelings (such as emotional neglect). Mishima frequently examined themes of loyalty, honor, and moral conflict, and this quote underscores his belief that betrayal can occur in subtle, yet significant ways, within the confines of a relationship.
In a modern context, this quote sheds light on the multiple dimensions of betrayal in contemporary relationships. Betrayal can take many forms—emotional affairs, physical infidelity, or even personal neglect (such as not caring for one’s body or losing emotional intimacy). The rise of social media and digital communication has also opened new avenues for emotional betrayal, where emotional connections may be formed outside of a committed relationship, further complicating the boundaries of trust and loyalty. Mishima’s insight serves as a reminder of how complex and multifaceted betrayal can be, and how it is not always about one specific act, but the accumulation of small, often overlooked actions that can undermine the foundation of trust in relationships.
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