Osamu Dazai’s No Longer Human is a haunting exploration of human isolation, self-loathing, and the often futile pursuit of societal belonging. The novel ws first published way back in 1948, and it merges fiction with autobiography, offering an introspective and deeply unsettling look at the life of Oba Yozo, a man who believes himself to be disqualified from the human race.
The story is framed as a series of journals left behind by Yozo, handed to an unnamed narrator. These journals document Yozo’s life, from his childhood to his troubled adulthood, and provide a lens through which readers can examine themes of alienation, identity, and the very essence of what it means to be human. Yozo, the self-proclaimed social outcast, struggles to reconcile his internal turmoil with the expectations placed upon him by society. He makes various attempts to conform, but all ofthem eventually crumble under the weight of his perceived inhumanity.
Dazai’s writing is visceral and raw, interweaving Yozo’s internal monologues with the external realities of his life. The prose is both poetic and unflinchingly honest, capturing the despair of a man who feels trapped by his inability to be honest with himself or others. The translation that I read somewhat wasn't as impressive as the thoughts presented by the author. Nonetheless, it made for an engaging prose.
One of the most striking aspects of No Longer Human is its portrayal of Yozo’s spiral into self-destruction. As a child, Yozo plays the role of the class clown to distract from his insecurities. As an adult, he turns to alcoholism, reckless behaviour, and morally ambiguous choices in a futile attempt to numb his pain and maintain the facade of normalcy. These coping mechanisms, while destructive, are painfully relatable. They reflect the lengths to which people will go to avoid confronting their inner demons and the societal pressures that often exacerbate those struggles.
Despite all of this, Dazai does not excuse Yozo’s actions but invites readers to understand the complexities of his character. Yozo is both cowardly and pitiable, despicable and relatable. It forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and the world around them.
Yozo’s story is heartbreaking, not only in his uniqueness but his universality. He is not the singular outlier he believes himself to be, rather, he embodies the struggles and contradictions inherent in being human. No wonder even after 80+ years, the book makes for a Japanese classic that is read by youngsters even today.
For me, No Longer Human is a powerful and unsettling exploration of the human condition. It peels back the layers of social facades to reveal the vulnerabilities and contradictions that define us all as humans. Dazai’s ability to weave his personal experiences into Yozo’s narrative adds a layer of authenticity that makes the story even more compelling.
No Longer Human is not an easy read. It is dark, introspective, and often harrowing. But it is also deeply rewarding. For those willing to confront its uncomfortable truths, the novel offers a profound and unforgettable meditation on what it means to be human.