Structural Analysis of the Novel

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 116 views

Introduction

Literary works are an invaluable form of art, similar to music, fine arts, and sound art. In literary works, language is used as a medium to express ideas and stories, thus creating beauty that can be enjoyed by the reader. One form of very popular literary works is novels, which function as a medium of entertainers while providing an overview of human life. The novel can be divided into two categories: popular novels and serious novels. Popular novels further emphasize actual problems that are in accordance with the time, while the novel seriously aims to provide valuable experiences to the reader, not just entertainment.

Novels are a reflection of human life, and they can be analyzed from various perspectives. One of the most effective ways to analyze a novel is through structural analysis. This approach involves examining the elements that make up the novel, such as themes, characterization, plot, setting, point of view, and mandate. By analyzing these elements, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the novel and its message.

The Novel "Yougisha X No Kenshin" by Keigo Higashino

The novel "Yougisha X no Kenshin" by Keigo Higashino is a gripping story that explores the themes of sacrifice, reciprocity, and the importance of honesty in life. The story revolves around Tetsuya Ishigami, a high school teacher who falls in love with Yasuko Hanaoka, a neighbor and guardian of the Bentō shop cashier. The plot is full of tension as Yasuko is forced to kill her ex-husband to protect her daughter, and Ishigami tries hard to protect Yasuko from legal consequences.

The novel is set in Japan, with a clear narrative structure that follows the exposition, climax, and falling action. The background is taken from locations in Japan, such as Benten-Teiti University, giving a thick feel for Japanese culture. The time setting shown is in early March, which coincides with spring holidays, as well as describing the social background of Japanese people who respect the sense of reciprocity and togetherness.

Structural Analysis of the Novel

Through the structural approach put forward by Abrams, the analysis will be focused on elements that are interrelated in novels, including themes, characterizations, plot, setting, point of view, and mandate. The main theme raised in this novel is sacrifice for the sake of loved ones, based on a sense of reciprocity and love. The characterization in this novel is very interesting, with Tetsuya Ishigami as the main characters, supported by other characters such as Yasuko Hanaoka, Kusanagi, and Manabu Yukawa.

The storyline in this novel follows a clear narrative structure, starting from exposition until it reaches climax and ends with falling action. The point of view used is a third person's point of view, which gives a broader understanding reader about the characters in the story. The mandate of this novel invites readers to reflect on sacrifice, reciprocity, and the importance of honesty in life.

Relationship between Elements in the Novel

The relationship between the elements in the novel "Yougisha X no Kenshin" is very close. Themes are related to the plot, where the development of events supports the disclosure of themes. The characterization is also closely related to the theme, especially with the character of Ishigamy who supports the existence of the theme of the service. Likewise, the relationship between themes, backgrounds, and mandate shows complementary linkages.

Imbalance in Characterization

Although this novel has many advantages, the authors find an imbalance in the characterization element, especially between the protagonist and antagonistic characters. This imbalance can reduce the overall totality of the story, and this is the point of attention in this analysis.

Conclusion

Thus, "Youugisha X no Kenshin" by Keigo Higashino shows good quality in terms of structure, ranging from themes to mandate, although there are deficiencies in characterizations. The relationship between elements contained in this novel strengthens the narrative and gives a deep insight into human life and human values.

Recommendations

Based on the analysis, the following recommendations can be made:

The author should pay more attention to the characterization element, especially in balancing the protagonist and antagonistic characters.
The author should also consider adding more depth to the plot, especially in the exposition and falling action sections.
The author should maintain the clear narrative structure and point of view used in the novel.

By following these recommendations, the author can improve the overall quality of the novel and provide a more engaging reading experience for the readers.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations that should be noted. Firstly, the analysis is limited to the structural elements of the novel, and does not consider other aspects such as the author's biography or the historical context of the novel. Secondly, the study is limited to a single novel, and does not consider other novels by the same author or other authors.

Future Research Directions

Future research directions can include:

Analyzing other novels by Keigo Higashino to see if the same structural elements are present.
Comparing the structural elements of "Yougisha X no Kenshin" with other novels in the same genre.
Examining the historical context of the novel and how it affects the structural elements.

By following these research directions, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the novel and its message, as well as the structural elements that make up the novel.

Q: What is structural analysis in literature?

A: Structural analysis is a literary approach that involves examining the elements that make up a novel, such as themes, characterization, plot, setting, point of view, and mandate. By analyzing these elements, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the novel and its message.

Q: What are the main themes in the novel "Yougisha X No Kenshin"?

A: The main themes in the novel "Yougisha X No Kenshin" are sacrifice for the sake of loved ones, based on a sense of reciprocity and love. The novel also explores the importance of honesty in life.

Q: What is the narrative structure of the novel "Yougisha X No Kenshin"?

A: The narrative structure of the novel "Yougisha X No Kenshin" follows a clear exposition, climax, and falling action. The background is taken from locations in Japan, such as Benten-Teiti University, giving a thick feel for Japanese culture.

Q: What is the point of view used in the novel "Yougisha X No Kenshin"?

A: The point of view used in the novel "Yougisha X No Kenshin" is a third person's point of view, which gives a broader understanding of the characters in the story.

Q: What is the mandate of the novel "Yougisha X No Kenshin"?

A: The mandate of the novel "Yougisha X No Kenshin" invites readers to reflect on sacrifice, reciprocity, and the importance of honesty in life.

Q: What are the strengths and weaknesses of the novel "Yougisha X No Kenshin"?

A: The strengths of the novel "Yougisha X No Kenshin" include its clear narrative structure, interesting characterization, and exploration of themes. However, the novel has a weakness in the characterization element, especially between the protagonist and antagonistic characters.

Q: What are the implications of the structural analysis of the novel "Yougisha X No Kenshin"?

A: The implications of the structural analysis of the novel "Yougisha X No Kenshin" are that it provides a deeper understanding of the novel and its message. It also highlights the importance of structural elements in creating a compelling narrative.

Q: What are the limitations of the study?

A: The limitations of the study include the analysis being limited to the structural elements of the novel, and not considering other aspects such as the author's biography or the historical context of the novel. The study is also limited to a single novel, and does not consider other novels by the same author or other authors.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research directions can include analyzing other novels by Keigo Higashino to see if the same structural elements are present, comparing the structural elements of "Yougisha X no Kenshin" with other novels in the same genre, and examining the historical context of the novel and how it affects the structural elements.

Q: What are the recommendations for the author?

A: The recommendations for the author include paying more attention to the characterization element, especially in balancing the protagonist and antagonistic characters, adding more depth to the plot, especially in the exposition and falling action sections, and maintaining the clear narrative structure and point of view used in the novel.

By answering these frequently asked questions, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the novel and its message, as well as the structural elements that make up the novel.