Studies in the Comic Spirit in Modern Japanese Fiction / Joel R. Cohn.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

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

Series:

Harvard University Studies in East Asian Law ; 41.

Harvard University Asia Center E-Book Collection, ISBN ; 9789004407077.

Harvard University Studies in East Asian Law ; 41

Harvard University Asia Center E-Book Collection, ISBN: 9789004407077

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

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

Japanese fiction.

Comic, The, in literature.

Physical Description:

1 online resource.

Place of Publication:

Leiden; Boston : BRILL, 1998.

System Details:

text file

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:

Description based on print version record.

Other Format:

Print version: Studies in the Comic Spirit in Modern Japanese Fiction,

ISBN:

9781684170210

9780674847118

OCLC:

643786226

Publisher Number:

10.1163/9781684170210 DOI

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license.