Human Experience In Bel Canto

A novel is “an invented prose narrative that is usually long and complex and deals especially with human experience through a usually connected sequence of events”, according the Merriam Webster Dictionary. In the novel Bel Canto, Ann Patchett portrays human experience by exploring the concept of isolating people from their normal lives and the world they know, to comprehend how this effects their perception of the world. Bel Canto revolves around the lives of a group of terrorists and their hostages that come together through their passion and understanding of music. As the characters endure their internment, secluded from the outside world they interact with each other, form bonds and are subsequently changed through their experience. This …show more content…
Hosokawa’s translator experiences a tremendous change through his internment at the vice presidential mansion. Watanabe portrays a significant role in this novel, as his multilingual character aids other hostages and terrorists cross language barriers. However, his abilities overcome his personality and thus he is overshadowed by the people, he is communicating on behalf of. For instance Mr. Hosokawa considers Gen an extension of himself and was drawn to his lack of presence, as he states, “Gen was an extension, an invisible self that was constantly anticipating his needs”. (Patchett 17) This evidently shows that Gen lacks a sense of self or a presence. This is also evident as throughout his captivity while he is translating for the hostages and their captors, as he does not pay attention to their matters and is merely speaking on behalf of others. However, as the duration of their imprisonment progresses Gen begins to realize this that he is unable to speak for himself and is only habitual of speaking for others. Also, by being isolated from his normal routine of being Mr. Hosokawa’s extension and being forced to translate and communicate for others Gen is brought to the realization of his own feelings and eventually discovers himself through his love for Carmen and Mr. Hosokawa. Gen hence comes to the realization that, “he [Gen] had gone from nothing to loving two people.” (Patchett 249) Therefore Gen discovers himself and is able to change his perspective due to his seclusion from his daily life.
Therefore, Ann Patchett portrays the concept of secluding people from their daily lives and the influence of this on their perception of the world, through the characters of Katsumi Hosokawa and Gen Watanabe. Mr. Hosokawa discovers a new happiness and love in the form of Roxane Coss and Gen learns to love others and develops a sense of self