Modern Japanese Fiction and the Crisis of Individuality Custom Essay

Modern Japanese Fiction and the Crisis of Individuality
Compare and contrast the two writers. Assume that your audience is familiar with and has read
both texts (i.e. you don’t need to summarize).
Whilst Soseki and Yoshimoto represent very different periods of Japanese history they both
responded similarly to the ‘crisis of the individual in the urban realm’ in their works by delving
into the theme of loneliness. Compare and contrast “Kokoro” and “Kitchen” by thinking about
the following questions, and constructing an argument using the texts:
What problems does the urban realm pose for individuality? Define your terms. Why are these
works important in addressing and illustrating this question? Be specific in your descriptions,
and use direct quotes from the novels. How would you answer the question for yourself in regards
to the passages and quotes that you found (your answer to this question should be your thesis
statement)

Your paper needs to be argumentative, which means that it has to contain a strong, clear thesis followed
by an organized presentation of the evidence in favor of your argument from the text(s). In other words,
the purpose of your paper is to prove your analytical argument. For this paper, you may not simply
repeat interpretations from the class lecture or interpretations that you find elsewhere that are not
your own ideas. You must form your own, individual interpretation based on your own literary
analytical skill. A simple regurgitation of information from class will result in zero points on the
analysis and interpretation section of the rubric.
• Papers need to be between 4 and 5 pages, double-spaced, in size 12 Times New Roman font. The margins
of your paper should all be 1”. Any deviation from these norms will result in a lower grade and will
prevent you from developing your argument properly.
• Make certain that your paper is written in a proper academic register. Phrases like “I think,” “I believe,”
and “so-and-so resonates with me” need to be avoided. Be assertive and confident in your writing even if
you don’t really feel that way. Also, you must avoid the use of contractions and colloquialisms such as
“isn’t” and “don’t” (contractions), and “just my two cents,” “dude,” “cool,” (colloquialisms) etc.
• Be sure that you focus on addressing the issue in the topic you choose. Your goal is not simply to list the
questions for consideration provided and answer them in order. Rather, you need to form a cohesive and
organized argumentative paper using the questions as a centripetal guide.