Studies in the comic spirit in modern Japanese fiction
By: Joel R. Cohn.
Series: Harvard-Yenching Institute monograph series ;; 41
Publisher: Harvard University Asia Center; Distributed by Harvard University Press
Published: 1998
Place of publication: Cambridge, Mass
Language: eng
Number of pages: 253
Subjects: Ibuse, Masuji, 1898-  -- Criticism and interpretation.; Dazai, Osamu, 1909-1948 -- Criticism and interpretation.; Inoue, Hisashi -- Criticism and interpretation.; Japanese fiction -- Shōwa period, 1926-1989 -- History and criticism.; Comic, The, in literature.
Description: Unlike traditional Japanese literature, which has a rich tradition of comedy, modern Japanese literature (or at least the parts of it studied by literary critics) is commonly associated with a high seriousness of purpose. In this 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.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [227]-239) and index.