Studies in the comic spirit in modern Japanese fiction / Joel R. Cohn.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Cohn, Joel R. (Joel Ralph), 1949-

Series:

Harvard-Yenching Institute monograph series ; 41.

Harvard-Yenching Institute monograph series ; 41

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Inoue, Hisashi.

Dazai, Osamu, 1909-1948.

Ibuse, Masuji, 1898-1993.

Japanese fiction--Shōwa period, 1926-1989--History and criticism.

Japanese fiction.

Comic, The, in literature.

Ibuse, Masuji, 1898-1993--Criticism and interpretation.

Ibuse, Masuji.

Dazai, Osamu, 1909-1948--Criticism and interpretation.

Dazai, Osamu.

Inoue, Hisashi--Criticism and interpretation.

Criticism and interpretation.

Physical Description:

xvii, 253 pages ; 24 cm.

Place of Publication:

Cambridge, Mass. : Harvard University Asia Center : Distributed by Harvard University Press, 1998.

Summary:

Unlike traditional Japanese literature, which has a rich tradition of comedy, modern Japanese literature is commonly associated with a high seriousness of purpose. In this path-breaking study, Joel R. Cohn analyzes works by three writers -- Ibuse Masuji (1898-1993), Dazai Osamu (1909-1948), and Inoue Hisashi (1934- ) -- whose works constitute a relentless assault on the notion that comedy cannot be part of serious literature.

Cohn focuses on thematic, structural, and stylistic elements in the works of these writers to show that modern Japanese comedic literature is a product of a particular set of historical, social, and cultural experiences. Cohn finds that cultural and social forces in modern Japan have led to the creation of comic literature that tends to deflect attention away from a human other and turn in on itself in different forms.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [227]-239) and index.

ISBN:

0674847113

OCLC:

37499864