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Transmitting a “Western” genre to Japanese literature

Transmitting a “Western” genre to Japanese literature. Edogawa Rampo – the Edgar Allan Poe of Japan. Edgar Allan Poe (1809 –1849). American writer, poet and literary critic. Created the genre of the detective story (character Auguste Dupin ).

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Transmitting a “Western” genre to Japanese literature

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  1. Transmitting a “Western” genreto Japanese literature Edogawa Rampo – the Edgar Allan Poe of Japan

  2. Edgar Allan Poe(1809 –1849) • American writer, poet and literary critic. • Created the genre of the detective story (character AugusteDupin). • Contributed to the development of such genres as Gothic horror and science-fiction. • Among his major themes are madness, death, especially death of a young beautiful woman, and premature burial, all prompted by his short dramatic life.

  3. Edogawa Rampo (1894-1965) • Real name Hirai Tarō ; pen-name after Edgar Allan Poe. • Started writing in the 1920s under the influence of Poe, Conan Doyle, Dostoevsky, etc. • Author of detective, mystery, and horror stories. • “Father” of Japanese mystery genre. • A literary prize in his name was established in Japan. • Many films, manga, and anime are based on his works.

  4. Historical Context • 1920-s-1950s: the time of rapid modernization of Japan. • industrialization, capitalism replaces the feudal society. • The society struggling to form a new identity. • Development of middle class. • Growth of urban population. • Japan needed new literature: modern but patriotic.

  5. Rampo’s Stories • Foreign ideas, Japanese identity: western-style tales set in Japan. • "The Case of the Murder on D. Hill” – compare to Poe’s “The Murders in the Rue Morgue.” • Dark and bizarre sides of human psyche. • Elements of grotesque and eroticism.

  6. “The Twins” (1924) Western literary influences: • the Bible; • Poe (“The Cask of Amontillado”); • Dostoevsky (The Double); • Stevenson (Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde). • Psychoanalysis. A Japanese horror film based on the story.

  7. “The Human Chair” (1925) • What typical traits of mystery/horror stories are there? • What are the main themes? • What could be pointed out as western influence? • What is specifically Japanese in the story? • Why is Yashiko’s husband’s profession important?

  8. “The Human Chair”:the attitude to foreign/domestic • Social difference represented as ugliness (intra-cultural detachment). • Higher society mingles with foreigners. • Foreigners are impersonal, no human connection beyond physical is possible. • Foreigners are lavish, Japanese are frugal. • Foreign space is public, Japanese space is private. • Japanese space provides hope and security.

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