The novel "Segun": content and reviews

The novel "Segun" is a work of the famous American writer J. Clavel, narrating about the life of an English sailor in Japan. This work received enthusiastic reviews of critics and enjoyed great popularity among the readership. The reason for this interest in the work is that in it exciting adventures unfold against the backdrop of confrontation between eastern and western cultures.

Swimming to South America

The novel "Segun" is based on real events. The prototype of the protagonist was the English navigator William Adams, who is considered the first Briton to have visited Japan. In 1598, he took the title of navigator to the eastern expedition, whose goal was to reach the coasts of South America and sell there European goods (textiles, weapons, gunpowder). The journey took place in very difficult conditions, many sailors were killed during the voyage. On the South American coast, several ships scattered a storm, others were captured by the Portuguese and the Spaniards, so that only one ship left on the east, on which Adams was.

Life in Japan

The novel "Segun" in artistic form reproduces the main events of Adams' stay in this country. In 1600, the ship came to the island, where he received help. After the negotiations the team was released to freedom, but they were forbidden to return to their homeland. Adams became an interpreter and assistant to the shogun Tokugawa. He taught him the basics of astronomy, geometry, acquainted with the history and geography of Europe. Subsequently, under his leadership, a ship of European type was built. Adams became the first foreign samurai in the country. He contributed to the establishment of trade relations with Japan with Holland, England and the Philippines. In this country he married again, started his own business. These events formed the basis for the work of the American writer.

Tie book

The novel "Shogun" begins with how the Dutch ship crashed near the Japanese coast. The whole team is captured, as they were mistaken for pirates. The local ruler decides to execute one of the team members. Navigator John Blackthorne is trying to prevent this, but his efforts are in vain. He himself with the rest of the sailors is subjected to numerous humiliations, but after a while their fate changes for the better: he, along with his comrades, goes to the influential Prince Toranata, who is interested in Europeans. On the way, the protagonist became friends with the Portuguese skipper, and also learns that the country is fiercely fighting political clans for power.

The development of the plot

"Segun" - a novel that is devoted to the confrontation and comparison of the two cultures. This is manifested in the example of Blackthorn's life in a foreign country, where he will face another culture, mentality and prejudice. However, the honesty, openness and kindness of the hero in the end make an impression both on the shogun and on his entourage. Toranata made him his assistant and awarded him the title of a samurai. Like his historical prototype, Blackthorn began to train his powerful patron of geography and history. At his request, he compiled a map and taught him some knowledge from the European sciences. In addition, the navigator fell in love with a Japanese woman, who reciprocated him. However, unlike the real events, Blackthorne did not manage to create his family in a foreign country.

Intrigues and the struggle for power

"Segun" - a novel, the content of which is dynamic and fascinating plot. Unlike real events, it is imbued with dramatic events and intrigue. As a supporter of the Toranate, Blackthorne is embroiled in a complex political struggle for power, which leads to sad consequences. When attacking the castle, his lover dies, and he barely survived and nearly lost his sight. In addition, he lost his ship, which he valued very highly and with whom he linked his hopes of returning to his homeland. Nevertheless, he continues to enjoy the support and respect of the shogun. The work ends in a battle in which the latter defeats his opponent and thus becomes the de facto ruler of the state. Thus, the book takes place within one year.

Opinions about the work

"Segun" - a novel, the reviews of which were generally very positive. Readers highly praised the writer's skill in depicting the characters of the characters. Many people say that the author managed to accurately and reliably show Japanese customs and customs, forcing to believe in the authenticity of what is happening. Some users believe that in the novel, even the main thing is not so much the plot as the characters with their desires and feelings. However, everyone recognizes that the story told by Clavell turned out to be very interesting and intriguing. Many really liked that the author raised such pressing problems as the clash of representatives of different civilizations, showed the ancient traditions of the country, way of life and life. Readers like political and love intrigue, organically woven into the narrative.

About heroes

One of the most popular historical works was the epic "Segun". The novel, the readers' reviews, which on the whole proved to be very positive, are interesting both from the culturological and from the historical point of view. The image of the protagonist was very expressive and reliable. Users point out that Clavell was able to very truthfully show how this sailor showed considerable courage, finding himself in difficult conditions in a foreign and unfamiliar country, how he achieved recognition and respect with his openness and honesty. Many people say that his willingness to go to a dialogue, his interest and tolerant attitude toward this foreign world eventually provoked sympathy among those around him, especially the shogun. The image of the Toranates is one of the most successful in the novel. This cruel man by European standards was in his own way just. Readers liked that the author portrayed him as if from two sides: he is a stern ruler, but at the same time he adheres to his own concepts of honor and dignity, he wants to study, he is interested in European sciences. According to users, the relationship of this hero with Blackthorne - one of the most interesting story lines in the work.

Screening

"Segun" - a novel-epic, which enjoyed such popularity that in 1980 on the screens there was a mini-series based on its motives. According to most viewers, the screen version was a success, however, according to them, the picture is inferior to the primary source in terms of brightness and color. Nevertheless, the performers of the leading roles R. Chamberlain and T. Mifune deserved positive feedback from users for the expressive game. This work is certainly one of the best novels written in the genre of historical prose. Its only drawback, noticed by a number of readers, is some prolonged action, which, however, does not spoil the impression of reading. The very idea of the author needed this type of narration. Nevertheless, almost all users acknowledge that the book was read in one breath and that the series, based on it, is very interesting, as it reproduces the historical realities of Japan in the 17th century.