Archetypes provide windows into the human experience from any perspective- any time, any place. They reveal the patterns in human life that connect us to people around the world and throughout time. When studying literature in translation, we may find the language, habits or cultural assumptions foreign or new, but we may still recognize patterns of human behavior. The archetype of the heroic quest shows up in The Sound of the Waves. Though Shinji is different than many western heroes, many aspects of his story are just like the stories of Ulysses, Indiana Jones, Luke Skywalker, Sir Gawain, etc. Do some research into the theme of the heroic quest and explain how that archetype helps to inform Mishima's novel.
Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey: Summary of the Steps
Cerritos College Website on The Hero's Journey
Christopher Vogler: Walt Disney and The Hero's Journey
