Happiness

The author uses each of his primary characters’ encounters with loss in order to consider the individual’s innate right to happiness. The author introduces this thematic notion in Chapter I, “Best Friends,” by way of Gohtaro’s inability to find happiness because of his sorrow and guilt. After his best friend Shuichi dies, Gohtaro assumes the care of his daughter Haruka, lying to her and telling her he is her father and her “mother died of an illness” when she was little (14, Kawaguchi’s italics). Although Gohtaro’s experience playing the part of Haruka’s father has brought him happiness, “the happier he felt, the stronger his suspicion that with Shuichi left by the wayside, that happiness was not his to grab” (76). Gohtaro therefore feels undeserving of happiness because of the way in which he has betrayed Shuichi, a friend who proved himself loyal to...