No Longer Human

Osamu Dazai

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1948

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Summary

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue and Part 1

Part 2

Part 3 and Epilogue

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

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Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

The Japanese title of No Longer Human is Disqualified From Being Human. This is a subtle difference, but Yozo meditates on the idea of being disqualified as a human several times throughout the text. What is the significance of this theme? What disqualifies Yozo from being human? How does it differ from no longer being human?

Yozo is told early on that he will become a man that women easily fall for. Examine the role of the women in his life (Tsuneko, Shizuko, Yoshiko, the madame of the bar). How does Yozo view and treat these women? What do these relationships reveal about Yozo?

Why does Yozo play the fool around others? What does he hope to accomplish through this act?