Reading Notes W16: Kenzaburo, Part B
"Oe Kenzaburo ranks among the most important Japanese writers in latter decades of the twentieth century. . , His fiction, often described as "grotesque realism," combines political and psychological themes to explore moral dilemmas in the Cold War, and now post-Cold War, eras" (1115). Grotesque realism is a sub-genre that I've never heard of before but sounds endlessly interesting. I look forward to delving into this reading and seeing what its all about. Based on his professed importance it seems like his commentary is biting, with an almost David Lynch Surrealist approach of getting points/ideals across to his audience.
"The story here, 'The Clever Rain Tree' (1980) draws on the tradition of autobiographical fiction in Japan. . . Its influence can be found in the meditative narrative voice of "The Clever Rain Tree," whose references are specific enough that we can assume the events to have a basis in the author's experiences" (1116). Combining elements of fiction/reality based experience is always and in for writers to both personalize and expound upon ideas or experiences that have defined the artist as individuals. A wonderful technique to retrieve as much creative juice as possible.
"Against this social and political satire, the story depicts the mystery and sadness of the insane. (this theme has surfaced often in Oe's writing since the birth of his son with mental disabilities.) The quest for human understanding that the seminar pursues, and the reader's glimpses behind it of minds in isolation, might be said to represent opposing poles of the narrative" (1116)
"The story here, 'The Clever Rain Tree' (1980) draws on the tradition of autobiographical fiction in Japan. . . Its influence can be found in the meditative narrative voice of "The Clever Rain Tree," whose references are specific enough that we can assume the events to have a basis in the author's experiences" (1116). Combining elements of fiction/reality based experience is always and in for writers to both personalize and expound upon ideas or experiences that have defined the artist as individuals. A wonderful technique to retrieve as much creative juice as possible.
"Against this social and political satire, the story depicts the mystery and sadness of the insane. (this theme has surfaced often in Oe's writing since the birth of his son with mental disabilities.) The quest for human understanding that the seminar pursues, and the reader's glimpses behind it of minds in isolation, might be said to represent opposing poles of the narrative" (1116)
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