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ORCID
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0295-082X
Access Type
Open Access Thesis
Document Type
thesis
Degree Program
Japanese
Degree Type
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Year Degree Awarded
2020
Month Degree Awarded
September
Abstract
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.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7275/17744253
First Advisor
Amanda C. Seaman
Second Advisor
Bruce Baird
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
Recommended Citation
Erobha, Joseph, "An Imitation of Life: The Strength and Struggle of Women in Murakami Ryū" (2020). Masters Theses. 961.
https://doi.org/10.7275/17744253
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/masters_theses_2/961