There are many times in our life that we second guess ourselves. We look at different paths and ponder the possible pros and cons of each direction we may venture down. When we make our decision, it might not always be the better one, or simply we might think of the possible outcomes the other path could have given us. Other times, when it comes to that decision making moment of what route we are about to take, we might chicken out and just go back home, and miss out on life experiences.
In Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel An Artist of the Floating World, he introduces us to a character named Masuji Ono and the bridge of hesitation. Ishiguro refers to the bridge of hesitation as a physical object as well as a symbolic object. As a physical object, the bridge leads Ono to his home, of which he received from a highly reputable man. On the symbolic level, this bridge represents crossroads Ono comes to and must make decision, as well as a divider that splits him from pre-war and post-war, culture and modernity, right and wrong, etc.
Ono’s first experience with the bridge began before he owned the beautiful home on the other side. Ono lived with his wife in a much smaller house, yet they didn’t have many complaints. Ono often looked at homes for sale and just because he could, often gave beyond low bids. When one day he came upon the bridge of hesitation and made his first appearance. Would he cross or would he return home? Could he have a chance at gaining this house or if he turned around would he spend years thinking about the possible life enjoyment of living, sleeping, owning and caring for this house? Ono did cross the bridge.Now as I’ve written a few paragraphs, I’m realizing this entry might be a little more difficult than I thought. Maybe I should have just introduced Masuji Ono for my blog entry. I’m sure that would have been much easier, but now that I’m into this, I might as well tough it out and give it a try. The reason I’m thinking this entry is more difficult that I had thought it would be, is because I’m thinking I haven’t read enough of the book, (or the whole book) to have the full view of Masuji Ono and his life experiences. Ishiguro has given us a small glimpse of who Ono is up to page 60. But one begins to realize there is something about our character that is being kept from us. Such as, why he doesn’t paint anymore, why he retired, and why one of his daughter’s marriage negotiations are falling through. I have a feeling that more of our character’s secrets will be unwrapped as we read along which
3 comments on The Bridge of Hesitation
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Good article, I like your writing style. I especially like what looks like your last paragraph.
I agree. Nice writing style.