Spring Snow
What are the motifs in Spring Snow by Yukio Mishima?

Asked by
bookragstutor
Last updated by
Cat
Power and control are recurring ideas in the story. The power to control others through fear and intimidation manifests itself as a theme throughout the novel. Satoko at first employs riddles and double-speak to confuse and confound Kiyoaki, throw him off balance, and thus give herself a sense of control over their relationship. In reality, her behavior mystifies her ardent young suitor, frustrates then angers him. When she writes him a passionate love letter, he tears it up but saves the pieces and later uses the letter as a way to blackmail her servant Tadeshina into arranging trysts with Satoko.