comment on theme

Loneliness and the search to appease it is the main theme of the novel. Though Soseki is unaware of what he is looking for in Sensei, the elder understands Soseki is a lonely young man who hopes to relieve that loneliness through their relationship. Sensei admits that he is lonely as well but, due to his nature, cannot alleviate it or assist Soseki in alleviating his own. Soseki is unaware of his loneliness until it is pointed out by Sensei, and he still believes Sensei is mistaken. He only believes he has met Sensei to learn about life. However, Soseki admits after his first time seeing Sensei, he looks for him out of boredom, as his own companion was called home. When Soseki returns to Tokyo, he becomes caught up in the bustle of getting ready for college and does not think of Sensei until he is again feeling bored and lost.