Diary of Napoleon Bonaparte's Descendant - Essay Example

The friendship had grown, without considering nationalities, language, or even cultural milieu. The fact that I was a descendant of Napoleon Bonaparte did not accentuate or deter our friendship in any way.

Today, I finally met Takimori and his sister, Tomoe. Takimori is a very obedient brother. His sister did not particularly favor my presence. and my friend obeyed. Nothing would stop me from appreciating his obedience and still considering him my close pal, despite the distance. After all, circumstances twist our lives. I will have to look for shelter elsewhere in the Japanese land. Nonetheless, the world is my home!

Day 2

The first friend I made today in this beautiful city, is a creature that is going to accompany me through my journey. This four-legged loyal creature is my closest friend today and will be one. The very fact that my friend is considered the most loyal creature, gives me a high. We intend to remain this way.

I also met a beggar. The poor old chap was lonely and looked down upon. He kept narrating interesting anecdotes and I felt humbled at the knowledge he possessed and his innate nature. Here’s an end to my second day, the beautiful world of dreams beckons me!

DAY 3

My third day in this beautiful country was quite an adventurous one. As I kept exploring and traveling with my companion, I checked in to a hotel called the Love Hotel. I liked the name, it was so symbolic of the various forms of love we encounter in this world. This world is full of love and joy, trust and care. A mother’s love, a sibling’s love, a friend’s love, a spouse’s love….love comes in many forms. It simply embellishes this world and our lives, binding us together and helping build lifetime bonds.

It was at this place, that I came across a lady in a disheveled state. She was intent on escaping and rushing out but seemed to be scared. I helped her escape since she was completely distressed. She tried running away and shying away, but I certainly tried my best to help her out. However, this angered the hotel management and they turned me out. Back to square one, my loyal companion and I have become the guests of nature this night!

Day 4

The very lady whom I helped yesterday, bumped into me today. She was thankful for the help done, and she offered me food and also took me to an old fortune teller. This is the way the world functions. Goodness is spread everywhere and comes in some form, to one’s rescue. Tired, as I am today, I shall continue the rest tomorrow!

Statement

The very purpose of initiating the journal of Gaston, from the day he arrived in Japan, is to highlight the chronology of events that take place. The biggest setback that one can receive when one trusts a friend and goes on to meet the person is not being invited with open arms and feeling the bruise of being judged based on looks and financial position. This is the very first event that rocked Gaston’s life. Instead, his diary shows his positive spirit. Gaston is one person who believes in the innate goodness of man and simply cannot think otherwise.

His second day describes his outgoing and compassionate nature. He befriends not only cunning humans whom he believes, are good, but also animals. This shows his uniform love for all living beings. He is one gentle person, who is almost saint-like. Grace and peace he holds and moves around with a kind and considerate approach, befriending anyone and everyone who comes his way.

The third day portrays his innocence, in his perception of the world and its occupants. The very understated ‘Love Hotel’ is misunderstood to be representative of love present in the world, while it ironically stands for worldly love! He also fails to recognize a woman as a prostitute and in a whole lot of situational misunderstandings, he helps her escape after stealing her customer’s clothes and wallet!

The fourth day, again, reiterates his belief in the goodness of the world. He believes that everyone in the world is innately good and helpful, as he talks about the women whom he had earlier helped!

The intention behind using these instances is to highlight the almost Christ-like character of Gaston, sketched by the Catholic author, Shusaku Endo. Despite the many troubles and tribulations that bypass Gaston, he is ever smiling, ever friendly, and ever good. Not once does he fail to believe in the in-born goodness and virtuosity of man, despite the mean people around him!

Thus, the purpose behind writing this journal in the manner in which it has been portrayed is to highlight the characteristics of this saint-like character drawn up by the author and to perhaps reiterate the author’s belief, that such men still exist!