No Longer Human

• Genre: Fiction; semi-autobiographical realistic
• Originally Published: 1948 (in serialized form)
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 1070L; college/adult
• Structure/Length: 3 parts and epilogue; approximately 176 pages; approximately 4 hours, 13 minutes on audio
• Protagonist/Central Conflict: The central conflict in this classic Japanese novel centers on the life of Yozo Oba, a young man who struggles with a profound sense of alienation from society. The novel is written in the form of an autobiographical confession, where Yozo reflects on his life, his inability to connect with others, and his descent into self-destructive behavior. No Longer Human explores mental health, identity, and the societal pressures that can lead to a sense of hopelessness.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Depression; drug addiction; alcohol addiction, existential despair; suicidal ideation; death by suicide; sexual assault; poverty

Osamu Dazai, Author

• Bio: Born Shūji Tsushima 1909; died 1948; Japanese author known for his contributions to modern Japanese literature; focused on the complexities of the human condition and the struggles of individuals in a changing society; often utilized his introspective tone in exploration of the human psyche
• Other Works: “Run, Melos!” (1940); Fairy Tales (1945); The Setting Sun (1947)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• Disqualified as a Human Being
• Yozo’s Faith: Shame, Sin, and Virtue
• The Fear of Poverty