Snow Country Wasted Effort Quotes

In the novel Snow Country by Yasunari Kawabata, the phrase of “wasted effort” occurs multiple times by the character Shimamura. Shimamura has many meanings behind the phrase “wasted effort”, he uses it when he thinks someone is committing an action without being aware of the results. Another reason he uses it is when he thinks there is no purpose to doing an action. Shimamura does not see “beauty” in things that are “wasted effort”. The phrase is used throughout the novel, two main times the phrase is used is when, Komako was practicing her samisen, and when Shimamura climbed a mountain. Both these times we see how Shimamura uses the phrase and what his opinions are.

One of the times the phrase “wasted effort” is used is when Komako was practicing …show more content…
For example, Kamako playing the samisen represents the broken relationship between her and Shimamura. He refers to her practicing the samisen as “wasted effort” since their relationship can not be helped just like her needing to practice can not be helped. The phrase “wasted effort” connects the characters by representing the emotions and feelings they have for each other.
The phrase “wasted effort” is used when there is no assurance of the result which is a reality of life. Throughout the novel Shikamaru says that their is no beauty in “wasted effort”. But, at the end of the novel Komako achieves the ‘beautiful life’ when she becomes a ‘nun’ and takes care of Yoko. This is not considered “wasted effort” because Yoko needs help and a life is endangered so therefor Shikamaru does not consider it “wasted effort”. He may not know the results in the end, but he believes that there is a meaning in helping Yoko. Shikamaru changes at the end and seems less of a “cold” person. The theme of “wasted effort” also changes and we see what Shikamaru actually does not consider “wasted