Plot summary, “A Personal Matter” by Kenzaburo Oe in 4 Minutes - Book Review

Summary

In Kenzaburo Oe's semi-autobiographical novel 'A Personal Matter', set in the early 1960s, the protagonist Bird grapples with the birth of his disabled son and the impending responsibilities of fatherhood. Amidst his struggle with alcoholism and unfulfilled dreams of visiting Africa, Bird initially seeks to escape his new reality. However, after a series of encounters and a drunken episode with his former lover Himiko, Bird faces the harsh truth of his situation. A pivotal moment of realization leads him to reclaim his son from a potential abortion, culminating in the child's successful surgery. The narrative explores themes of parenthood, personal growth, and the acceptance of life's challenges.

Takeaways

• 📚 'A Personal Matter' is a semi-autobiographical novel by Kenzaburo Oe, published in 1964.
• 👶 The story revolves around the protagonist, Bird, grappling with the birth of his disabled son and the challenges it brings to his life.
• 🌍 Bird dreams of visiting Africa, symbolized by his purchase of maps at the beginning of the story.
• 🤔 The novel delves into the complexities of parent-child relationships and the struggle to accept one's circumstances.
• 🥊 Bird faces a physical altercation with a gang, reflecting his internal conflict and the fight against his fears and insecurities.
• 🏥 The child is diagnosed with a brain hernia, a condition that cannot be surgically corrected, adding to Bird's despair.
• 🍾 Bird's father-in-law, a university professor, offers him liquor, which Bird uses to cope with his emotional turmoil.
• 💔 Bird's visit to his former girlfriend, Himiko, whose husband recently committed suicide, further complicates his emotional state.
• 💼 Bird's job at a school is affected by his personal struggles, leading to a public breakdown and eventual resignation.
• 🚑 Bird and Himiko consider taking drastic measures to 'fix' the baby's condition, including seeking an abortionist.
• 🛣️ The story concludes with Bird's realization and maturity, as he chooses to embrace his responsibilities and save his son.

Q & A

What is the title of the novel by Kenzaburo Oe mentioned in the script?

The title of the novel is 'A Personal Matter'.

In which year is the novel 'A Personal Matter' set?

The novel is set in the early 1960s.

What is the protagonist's name in 'A Personal Matter'?

The protagonist's name is Bird.

What significant event is Bird trying to find out about at the beginning of the story?

Bird is trying to find out about the birth of his child.

What does Bird discover about his son's health condition?

Bird discovers that his son suffers from a brain hernia, where parts of the brain are pushed outside of the skull.

What does Bird do during his visit to an arcade in the novel?

Bird tests his strength in an arcade and encounters a gang of young ruffians, whom he initially struggles with but eventually fights off.

Who is Himiko in relation to Bird?

Himiko is Bird's former girlfriend.

What does Bird's father-in-law give him when Bird informs him about his son's condition?

Bird's father-in-law, who is a university professor, gives him a bottle of liquor.

What does Bird consider doing with the money he saved for a trip to Africa?

Bird considers spending the money on his son's medical expenses.

What drastic decision do Bird and Himiko consider regarding Bird's son?

Bird and Himiko consider taking the baby to a doctor known for performing abortions to get rid of the baby.

How does Bird's realization at the gay bar affect his actions towards his son?

Bird realizes that the life he has been trying to escape and the controlling influence of his newborn child does not truly exist, prompting him to rescue his son from the clinic.

What is the final outcome for Bird's son regarding his health condition?

By the end of the narrative, Bird's son's head and brain have been surgically repaired.