An Imitation of Life: The Strength and Struggle of Women in Murakami Ryū
This thesis argues that the following texts by Murakami Ryū: “Topaz” (1988), Piercing (1997), Audition (1997), and Popular Hits of the Showa Era (1997), are works of transgressive fiction in which the female protagonists respond to the hurtful restrictions and expectations of their gender roles by e...
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| Format: | Others |
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ScholarWorks@UMass Amherst
2020
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| Online Access: | https://scholarworks.umass.edu/masters_theses_2/961 https://scholarworks.umass.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2001&context=masters_theses_2 |
| Summary: | This thesis argues that the following texts by Murakami Ryū: “Topaz” (1988), Piercing (1997), Audition (1997), and Popular Hits of the Showa Era (1997), are works of transgressive fiction in which the female protagonists respond to the hurtful restrictions and expectations of their gender roles by expressing a dissatisfaction with their “bodies” within these systems, or exacting personal vengeance against the actors of their oppression. It is through such analysis of these characters that the problems faced by women in modern Japan are scrutinized and brought to attention. Even though Murakami himself has written essays that can appear contrary to the complete liberation of Japanese women, his texts are nevertheless significant is drawing attention and sympathy to their problems. |
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