Confucius

Confucius is the English translation of a critically-acclaimed historical fiction novel published in 1989 by Japanese writer Yasushi Inoue; Inoue wrote many similar works in his lifetime (1907-1991), combining his love for literature with his study of Chinese history as a sinologist. The initial publication in Japanese, titled Koshi, sold an astounding 700,000; much of this success can be attributed to Inoue’s immense popularity among Japanese readers. His works remain well-read and well-regarded among audiences worldwide.

Inoue’s novel is narrated by Confucius’ disciple, Yen-chiang, an aging follower who narrates the work, reminiscing on times spent with his beloved leader and fellow disciples. A legend comes to life in Confucius as Yen-chiang, Confucius’ disciple, reflects on his time and travels with the famous philosopher, philanthropist, and historical figure. Yen-chiang shares a series of memories from his travels with the legendary figure across the Great Plains during the Warring States Period. The portrait Inoue paints of Confucius through Yen-chiang is one informed by Inoue’s extensive historical studies, both of the period and the man. The combination of fiction and fact here is a remarkable entryway into history enabled through imagination.

Yen-chiang’s home state of Ts’ai is threatened by the violence and political tension which has broken out following the collapse of the Chou dynasty. This description provides the work’s historical context, as much of the broader region of the Great Plains of Central China is also threatened by instability. The fifth and sixth centuries B.C. were a period of political turmoil and violent conflict between warring states. Many look to Confucius as a leader, and a living example of living a life of peace with oneself and others. The opening scene depicts Yen-chiang’s first time meeting Confucius. Confucius asks Yen-chiang to join his travelling party on a fourteen-year-long trip across the region; Yen-chiang, a young man at the time, agrees, understanding full well the dangers of travel and the gravity of the commitment.



Confucius’ group of travelers hopes to sway powerful political figures away from the bloodshed and hunger for power responsible for plunging the area into destruction and chaos. Though Confucius’ life is centered around the pursuit of peace, he and his followers are not immune to conflict; the group experiences the distress and defeat of the war firsthand. Unfortunately, moral imperatives are incomprehensible to these power-hungry men. Therefore these political figures and military men are unmoved by Confucius’ theories; the leaders of the warring states are ultimately unwilling to relent their pursuit of power. Though the central aim of their fourteen years of travel appear to be a failure, Yen-chiang reflects upon his leader and experiences with immense fondness and sincere gratitude.

These lengthy exchanges of philosophical thought serve as the meat of the text, better framing Confucius as a famous historical thinker through readers’ understanding of the historical context and setting of the work. These passages are humanizing, as Confucius is shown to be a man capable of failure, a departure from all the praise of historical texts. The years pass and Confucius’ faith in humanity is challenged, as these men openly reject his teachings: the call to peace. At the end of their fourteen years of travel, it becomes clear that Confucius and his disciples must let morality guide their own lives, serving as living examples of the values they represent. While the group wishes to use Confucian thought to teach and bring peace, they cannot force influence; they can only offer the invitation to change. Confucius is a compelling work which deftly portrays the well-known historical figure and legend as a man of patience, perseverance, and principle.

Most noteworthy, perhaps, is the work’s incorporation of the Analects, a collection of thoughts and Chinese Proverbs believed to be written by his followers and possibly composed during the Warring States period. The Analects are divided into five chapters which discuss the Confucian worldview, and ideas on politics, social philosophy, education, and morality; many of these ideas are conveyed through transcribed dialogues. The quoted sections from the Analects are indicated and identified by footnotes in the text. The original Japanese version of Confucius is also five chapters in length, possibly an intended parallel. However, the English translation cut one of these chapters altogether.



The English translation of Confucius incorporates an abridged version of the original, because many sections were believed to be too redundant and difficult for Western readers. However, critics commented that those who were likely to be overwhelmed or annoyed by this were likely not the type of readers who would select the title in the first place. Though the abridgement was meant to make the text more accessible and mainstream for Western readers, it ultimately resulted in cutting the core content. Regardless, Inoue’s Confucius can be considered an entryway for contemplating the great social theorist, as the book offers an introductory understanding to Far Eastern Thought.