|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sample Essay Questions and Study Questions
| Mori Ogai (whose real name is Rintaro Mori), the great Japanese Meiji Restoration writer and the "father" of modern Japanese literature, like Lu Xun (whose real name is Zhou Shuren, commonly held as the father of modern Chinese literature), was a citizen of the world and wrote stories that are sometimes very autobiographical.
The most crucial part of Mori Ogai's experience being reflected in the short story "Dancing Girl" is his time in Germany (1884-1888) studying medicine and laws as a military doctor on an official mission. Based on the biography and relevant information provided by the reading this week, do you think "The Dancing Girl" is an autobiographical story? If so, what is its purpose? To warn Mori Ogai's fellow Japanese not to repeat his mistakes? To show that the Japanese can also be an empowered agent that looks at the West as an "Other"? In relation to these questions, does Toyotaro love Elise or is he only fascinated by her "exoticness"? |
Read Junichiro Tanizaki's "Tatooer." Explain the significance of the story's ending. What does the tattoo appearing to be wreathed in flames signify? What transformation does the young woman go through? |
Quick Links: [Home] [Map] [Cultural China] [Korea] [Asian Diaspora]
|
Copyright © 2008-2009 by Alexander C.Y. Huang. All rights reserved. |