The anxiety of Nagae in the novel Saigo ni Saku Hana by Katayama Kyooichi's

Abstract

In a Japanese novel titled Saigo ni Saku Hana (The Last Blossom of Flowers) by
Katayama Kyooichi, Nagae's anxiety has occurred since meeting Yuuki again after fourteen
years. Furthermore Nagae's close friend Hazama also wanted to commit suicide before him,
because his company's problems were almost bankrupt. Based on the previous description,
the author assumes that the anxiety experienced by the Nagae character is caused by the
events he experienced. Therefore, this study aims to describe the anxiety of Nagae figures.
This study uses structural theory, structural analysis of literary works can be done by
identifying, studying and describing functions and relationships between the intrinsic
elements in question, for example the state of events, plots, characters, and characterizations,
background, point of view and others (Abram in Nurgiyantoro, 1995: 36-37). In this study
not all of these elements will be used. The elements used in accordance with the needs of the
research are characterization, plot, setting, and conflict because all elements are related to the
problem under study.
This research is included in qualitative research. The method used is descriptive. The
data collection technique used is the library research technique. To analyze the data there are
several steps, namely (1) reading and understanding Saigo ni Saku Hana's novel, the aim is to
obtain a clear understanding of the novel under study, (2) to carry out library studies related
to research problems, (3) to search for and analyze data about characterization and setting, (4)
looking for and analyzing data on plots, social contact, and anxiety of Nagae figures, and (5)
concluding the results of the research.
Based on the results of the analysis of the character of Nagae, there are three, namely
caring, hardworking and stubborn. The background consists of three, namely the time setting,
setting and social setting. The setting of the event is a hotel, intensive care room, mountain
and French restaurant. The time frame is based on the factual time of occurrence of events,
namely in 2001. The social background is in the form of life habits, traditions, beliefs, ways
of thinking and acting. Social contact is an external conflict that causes the anxiety of Nagae
figures. There are three anxieties experienced by Nagae, namely worry, impatience and not
calm. Based on the results of the study it can be concluded that the anxiety experienced by
the Nagae character occurred due to social contact with other figures. The nature of caring
about someone else's life can cause inner anxiety.
Keywords: character, social contact, and anxiety