Topic > The role of women portrayed in the novel "The Wild Geese"

Ogai Mori, one of the most respected Japanese writers, was the author of the novel "The Wild Geese". One of the main features of Mori's work is the examination of problems that arise in people's lives, particularly when their desires conflict with the demands placed on them by society. In the 19th century, Japanese society dictated that women did not legally exist and were seen solely as responsible for caring for the home and children. Throughout the story, the author describes the life of one character, Otama, as a Meiji-era woman who has little freedom to make choices in her personal lifestyle. Furthermore, male characters such as Okada and Suezo are used to identify the different perspectives men might have towards female roles. The novel therefore reflects the realist romanticism of late nineteenth-century Japanese society, portraying the difficulties of living in this period of time through symbolic figures and main female characters. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The main way Ogai Mori manages to convey his message is through the male character of Suezo and his involvement with women. This sexist character decides to follow society's influences and objectify women, especially in the way he interacts and communicates with his obedient and tender new lover, Otama. At the beginning of their disapproved relationship, he immediately deduced that he could win over this young girl, knowing that with his wealth he could convince Otama's father to accept his daughter's new role. Furthermore, Suezo decides to buy a house where she can escape reality and develop her secret relationship with Otama. Judging by this, the mistress felt obliged to stay at home, where her duty was to calmly and respectfully wait for Suezo all day, knowing that she no longer had the freedom to do as she wished. In addition to Otama, Suezo had a very particular and complicated relationship with his wife Otsune, a woman who received less respect and rights than Otama. She was constantly judged and described as useless and stupid, when in reality Otsune had an uncanny ability to uncover the truth that her "faithful" husband was hiding. To illustrate his struggle, the book's peripheral narrator describes in a highly disgusting and unappealing style the way Suezo judged his partner during natural processes such as breastfeeding: “His wife, who…exposed breast ". (Mori, 1959, p. 26). In this section of the book, Mori uses extremely detailed imagery to demonstrate Suezo's perception of Otsune as an unworthy human being whose sole purpose of existence is to feed and care for children. Furthermore, the author creates interesting symbolism, where the baby attached to Otsune's breast represents stagnation towards her work, where her hungry responsibility lowers her to the role she has to play. In addition to Suezo, the main character of Otama portrays the orthodox role of women in the 1800s in a unique and thought-provoking way. First, she understands only too well that she is being treated badly for no reason, but continues to be traditionally constrained and limited in her freedom by the duty she must perform. Otama acquiesces to Suezo's wishes out of devoted loyalty to the rules of society, with the aim of pleasing his father economically and morally. Although Otama appears to be a loyal and faithful person to the regime imposed at the time, she manages to challenge the stereotypes of female life, which was extremely rare at the time. After you.