University Calendar

EAST Capstone Presentation-- Mori Ogai and Modernity: Meiji Era Westernization as Presented in Japan's First Modern Short Story

My senior experience in East Asian Studies is titled "Mori Ogai and Modernity:
Meiji Era Westernization as Presented in Japan's First Modern Short Story."

The short story "Dancing Girl" (), written by Mori Ogai in 1890, deals with many issues related to the modernization of Japan in the early Meiji Period. It acts as a commentary on the harmful influences of Western imperialism, Japanese nationalism, and capitalism on the life of the main character, who seems to feel obligated to follow the path of modernization to conform to social standards, whether or not that's really what he wants. Using historical analysis of Meiji society and the life of the author, I examine the way modernity is presented in "Dancing Girl," as well as the ways this story reflects broader attitudes toward modernization and westernization in Meiji Japan. My presentation will discuss the ideas presented in my capstone as well as the process of my research and translation of the text.

Location:	Main Hall 201 - Classroom
Sponsor:	East Asian Studies
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