Herein I will discuss the various ways in which Mitani Kikuji veers from normality in Yasunari Kawabats 's Thousand Cranes. Primarily focusing upon the sociological, psychological and gender based aspects of the text in relation to the norm; pertaining to the archetypal Japanese male. More precisely I will cover the underlying source of Kikuji 's obsessive behaviour. The social implications this had. As well as the ways in which he differs from the standard male gender role. As it is presently understood psychology in the America 's considers one who is, "...independent, self-sufficient, and possess a strong character that is not easily influenced by any outer forces. Conformity, obedience, and interdependence have come to be viewed as signs
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This particular component expanding to the male stereotype as a whole, given Kikuji is the only major active male in the text. This given by, "Japanese... in those books, smoked, took a bath with his son which is a common custom in Japan, came home late from working so hard, and was a man of few words," (ED447502 page 11). Kikuji clearly breaks from all of these expectations. He has no son to bathe with, he never smokes, spoke frequently and often without forethought, and his work schedule was never elaborated upon. Similarly, he met the criterion of Japanese stereotypes of women in the sense that he was, "practical," (ED447502 page 11). Furthermore the fact that his being able to dress himself is considered odd or impressive makes evident his very odd place as a man. In that same vein of thought it 's highly uncharacteristic of Japanese individuals to be as openly disagreeable as he, this being a common occurrence with his interactions with Chikako, and to a lesser degree Fumiko. As Japanese "They are "stoic" or fatalistic in their attitudes about tragedy, and tend to be obedient about commands that come from higher authorities," ED140625 page 22). Kikuji clearly differs from this norm. In the sense of gender he closely connects with the person he hates the most as he isn 't strictly masculine, but vaguely close to …show more content…
On the psychological line of thought he fails to look very Japanese, he is far too confrontational and individualistic to be considered normal by Japanese standards. Tee Japanese is far from like Kikuji, and are instead a very collective seemingly passive person not represented well within Thousand Cranes. By the generally accepted standards Kikuji is much closer to a Western psyche than a Japanese one. Continuing, Kikuji also differs from gender based normality in Japan. He fails to be a stoic, non confrontational, and community minded individual. Additionally he had a frequent part in the conversation as well an absence of traditional Japanese elements for male persons. Socially he breaks from countless norms and mores, primly those related to family and manners. In total Kikuji breaks both archetypal and stereotypical roles for the average male Japanese individual. This resulting in a very unique feeling associated with Thousand Cranes. The author has mixed in so much that western civilizations may consider normal, as well as some traditionally Japanese elements; this coming together to make Mitani Kikuji a truly unique character that fails to be identifiable as an identifiable single stereotype in any major
This particular component expanding to the male stereotype as a whole, given Kikuji is the only major active male in the text. This given by, "Japanese... in those books, smoked, took a bath with his son which is a common custom in Japan, came home late from working so hard, and was a man of few words," (ED447502 page 11). Kikuji clearly breaks from all of these expectations. He has no son to bathe with, he never smokes, spoke frequently and often without forethought, and his work schedule was never elaborated upon. Similarly, he met the criterion of Japanese stereotypes of women in the sense that he was, "practical," (ED447502 page 11). Furthermore the fact that his being able to dress himself is considered odd or impressive makes evident his very odd place as a man. In that same vein of thought it 's highly uncharacteristic of Japanese individuals to be as openly disagreeable as he, this being a common occurrence with his interactions with Chikako, and to a lesser degree Fumiko. As Japanese "They are "stoic" or fatalistic in their attitudes about tragedy, and tend to be obedient about commands that come from higher authorities," ED140625 page 22). Kikuji clearly differs from this norm. In the sense of gender he closely connects with the person he hates the most as he isn 't strictly masculine, but vaguely close to …show more content…
On the psychological line of thought he fails to look very Japanese, he is far too confrontational and individualistic to be considered normal by Japanese standards. Tee Japanese is far from like Kikuji, and are instead a very collective seemingly passive person not represented well within Thousand Cranes. By the generally accepted standards Kikuji is much closer to a Western psyche than a Japanese one. Continuing, Kikuji also differs from gender based normality in Japan. He fails to be a stoic, non confrontational, and community minded individual. Additionally he had a frequent part in the conversation as well an absence of traditional Japanese elements for male persons. Socially he breaks from countless norms and mores, primly those related to family and manners. In total Kikuji breaks both archetypal and stereotypical roles for the average male Japanese individual. This resulting in a very unique feeling associated with Thousand Cranes. The author has mixed in so much that western civilizations may consider normal, as well as some traditionally Japanese elements; this coming together to make Mitani Kikuji a truly unique character that fails to be identifiable as an identifiable single stereotype in any major