What Is The Author's Intent In 'no Longer Human Book' Regarding Societal Norms?

In 'No Longer Human', the author, Osamu Dazai, dives deep into the suffocating weight of societal norms and how they can alienate individuals who don’t fit the mold. For me, the book feels like a raw, unfiltered scream against the expectations that society imposes on us. The protagonist, Yozo, is a man who feels utterly disconnected from the world around him. He’s not just struggling with his own identity; he’s drowning in the pressure to conform to what others deem 'normal'. The author’s intent, as I see it, is to expose the hypocrisy and cruelty of a society that demands conformity while offering no real understanding or compassion for those who can’t or won’t comply.

Yozo’s life is a series of masks—he’s constantly pretending to be someone he’s not, just to survive. But the more he pretends, the more he loses himself. It’s heartbreaking to watch him spiral into despair, knowing that his inability to fit in isn’t entirely his fault. Society has no room for someone like him, someone who’s too honest about his own flaws and too aware of the emptiness behind the facade of normalcy. The book doesn’t just critique societal norms; it tears them apart, showing how they can destroy people who don’t measure up.

What struck me most was how Yozo’s story mirrors the author’s own life. Dazai’s personal struggles with mental health and societal rejection are woven into every page, making the narrative feel painfully authentic. It’s not just a story; it’s a confession, a plea for understanding. The author doesn’t offer solutions or happy endings. Instead, he forces us to confront the uncomfortable truth that societal norms can be a prison, and not everyone has the key to escape.

If you’re drawn to stories that challenge the status quo and explore the darker side of human existence, I’d also recommend 'The Stranger' by Albert Camus. It’s another powerful exploration of alienation and the absurdity of societal expectations. Both books leave you with a lingering sense of unease, forcing you to question the very foundations of what we consider 'normal'. They’re not easy reads, but they’re essential for anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t belong.