Tales of Weak Sons : An Approach to Rereading Yoshiyuki Junnosuke’s Literary Works

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Other Title
  • 弱い息子の物語 : 吉行淳之介文学を読み直すために

Abstract

The study of men provides insights into the “dependent masculinity” and issue of hierarchy which reside in the conception of “men.” From this vantage point, this article highlights the “dependent masculinity” in Yoshiyuki Junnosuke’s literary works and provides a new perspective on his writing. In particular, this article focuses on the father-son relationship, which has been considered and discussed as a major theme in his works. Previous research shows a tendency to characterize his works as “paternal” and to offer Oedipal complex interpretations. As a result, “surpassing Father” and “attempting to surpass Father” have been consolidated as staple themes of the father-son relationship in his works. However, the relationships between father and son he portrays do not necessarily fit into the framework of the Oedipal complex. On the other hand, the attempt of male-centric arguments which seek to wrap up his works into the framework of “paternal” seems doubtful. By examining Yoshiyuki’s overlooked literary works about weak sons, this essay aims to identify the violence of the father and the dependency of sons and to propose a rereading of the father-son relationship. Specifically, the analysis is centered on two of his short stories, namely “Natsu no kyūka” (“Summer Vacation,” 1955) and “Tsuyu no koro” (“Rainy Season,” 1956), which illustrate strained father-son relationships.

Journal

  • JunCture : 超域的日本文化研究

    JunCture : 超域的日本文化研究 11 154-166, 2020-03-26

    Center for Transregional Culture and Society, Graduate School of Humanities, Nagoya University

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