Patriotism In the days surrounding the Fourth of July in America we hear much talk about patriotism. We have parades, fireworks, flag waving, and speeches in praise of our country. We have a grand celebration of Independence Day and feelings of patriotism stir many a heart. Unfortunately, there is little understanding of what truly constitutes patriotism in not just America but in all countries. In the short story “Patriotism,” Yukio Mishima forces the reader to …showed first 75 words of 586 total…

…showed last 75 words of 586 total…is loyal and patriotic to both his friends and the emperor, but he can not go through battling against his friends so he chooses the path that he does. A universal definition of patriotism can be described as love or devotion to one’s own country even though Shinji escapes before making his crucial decision. It is portrayed that Mishima leaves the title of the story and definition of the word patriotism open for interpretation.