Higuchi Ichiyo (1872-1896)
Historical context
-1600-1800s: Japan functioned under military dictatorship
-Edo Period: calm while leading a period of extraordinary expansion in the economy
-Tanka: ancient style of poetry that speaks to the modern soul ( written for special occasions)
CHARACTERS
Midori (main girl)
Shota
Chokicki (bad guy)
Omaki (Midori's sister)
Nobu (who Midori likes, bad guy)
"Child's Play" is about the hardships and harsh reality of no longer being a child and becoming an adult. The children in this story see adult situations and experiences but they do not understand what these things truly mean. Most of the story revolves around prostitution and the children know what it is but don't understand the severity of it. The experience new emotions with one another both good and bad. And in the end they have all had to grow up out of their childish ways.
This story has been my favorite thus far. It seemed that Ichiyo is a master at making a person feel like they are actually in the place that the story is being told. This story did make me feel lucky to be in the position that I am in, in my life. When your highest expectations in life are to become a priest or a prostitute and your parents are really proud of you for doing it, it makes me feel as if I am really lucky.
ReplyDeleteIchiyo's story of human struggle and coming into your own, gives people a look at the stark reality which children face all over the globe.