Identity in Tokugawa Japan

Paper Summary:

With the realization of the complexity of our task, we will discuss the dynamic of individuality versus group identity in Tokugawa Japan as represented in the literary works of two of its greatest writers, the poet Matsuo Basho, and the novelist, Ihara Saikaku. It will be argued that this dynamic manifested itself in their work as a balance between individual artistic expression and participation in a common tradition. As will be seen, Basho's work emphasizes the group identity over individuality by his construction of a school of poetry with shared principles passed through his disciples. Saikaku, in contrast, emphasizes the individuality of his expression as he explored the diversity of classes that mingled in the "floating world". This strategic balance between the two competing forces, it will be seen, is a fundamental aspect of the aesthetics of the Tokugawa period.

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