September 13 Reading Reflection

Many stories we read this week centered on self-reflection during times of change. Both Murakami’s The Ice Man and Motoya’s Straw Husband use magical realism to explore life and relationships, highlighting how shifts, often isolating, affect characters. The alienation of characters is a recurring theme I’ve noticed in Japanese literature. While I’m still unsure about the significance of the husband being made of straw in Straw Husband, I appreciated how the narrative focused on one event to depict the end of the honeymoon phase in their relationship. I particularly enjoyed Murakami’s story, as I’m drawn to his use of magical realism compared to other short stories I’ve read by him (I also read Kafka on the Shore three years ago and, while I didn’t fully understand it, I liked how it really made me think). In The Ice Man, I found it interesting how the narrator’s attitude toward her relationship begins to frost as she becomes more distant, which I think symbolizes the loss of the emotional spark. For the most part, these two stories reference pretty mundane topics, but the use of magical realism helps to elevate it more.

I also liked the theme of self-empowerment, particularly in female characters in other works we read. In The Greengrocer’s Daughter, Oshichi’s love for Kichisaburo drives her to commit arson, a tragic but bold and intentional act of passion. She becomes a symbol of determination, which is also reflected in Silently Burning, as the narrator’s passion and command is evident in each calligraphic stroke. This kind of empowered symbolism is also seen in Dojoji when the woman’s pursuit transforms her into a serpent. Similarly, in Smartening Up, the narrator’s confidence grows after her breakup, and the story even references the woman in Dojoji directly as a figure of inspiration. I find it so interesting how these older stories are still referenced in more modern literature to demonstrate similar themes but in entirely different contexts, ex. Body hair, and feel that these older allusions help enrich the quality of the story.

Shi Shi