The Sound of Waves develops one of its central themes through Mishima's examination of the motif of strength of character. The novel presents strength as a fundamental characteristic that dictates human behavior and the journey toward self-knowledge. In fact, Mishima equates outer strength with an ever-changing inner power or attribute in this story of young teenagers struggling with their dynamic situations. Throughout the novel, he repeatedly shows how the characters' behaviors and their respective journeys toward self-knowledge are determined by varying degrees of force. Ultimately, The Sound of Waves is a modern Japanese novel that examines how the cultivation of a single force can ultimately dictate human behavior. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay In the novel, Shinji demonstrates various forms of endurance during his journey toward self-knowledge; his displays of strength ultimately serve to define Shinji as a person. Shinji's physical strength becomes evident through the multitude of descriptions Mishima includes: "He was tall and well-built beyond his years, and only his face revealed his youth" (Mishima, 6). After losing his father in an accident, Shinji takes over. responsibility as head of the family. Shinji's physical strength allows him to support his family by working as a deckhand on a fishing boat. Through this job, Shinji not only takes on the burden of providing for his family, but also characterizes himself as a person. Shinji can easily be described through his actions as a humble, dedicated, and hardworking individual. Later in the novel, Shinji demonstrates his character again and defines himself when one of the cables on Terukichi's ship breaks and Shinji volunteers. Attach the lifeline to the buoy. Despite the danger he faces, Shinji has no qualms about jumping into the water below and struggles to finally attach the lifeline to the buoy. With this physical strength, Shinji's traits and morals become more and more evident in his journey. to self-knowledge. Other aspects, besides Shinji's physical strength, affect his personal and psychological journey. Shinji's mental strength is also a key element. Although Shinji's physical strength allows him to provide for his family, his mental strength is what truly allows him to act as the head of the family. Despite being the main breadwinner of his family, Shinji has no objection to giving his younger brother the opportunities he never had. At one point, Shinji's mother scolds him for being less intelligent than his younger brother Hiroshi: "After a minute, as if the idea had just occurred to her, she began to curse at Shinji, telling him to how terrible his reading and writing were. and how much smarter Hiroshi was than him. However, Shinji feels no bitterness towards his family. The mental strength that Shinji possesses continues to further articulate his positive traits and morals. Shinji's mental strength arises once again when he continues to maintain a relationship with Hatsue, despite his father's ban on this relationship: this relationship has become the talk of the island, but despite his situation, Shinji remained unfazed in his devotion to Hatsue. experiences a journey towards self-knowledge in which he defines himself as an individual, Hatsue does so in his own form. Hatsue's mental strength has a specific impact on her personal journey. After Chiyoko revealed the relationship.