Literature Appreciation: Village Life

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Questions and Answers

What is implied about the woman's character through Shimamura's thoughts?

She is an amateur and clean. (correct)

She is a complicated and intense person.

She is innocent and naive.

She is experienced and worldly.

What is symbolized by the 'evening mirror' in the passage?

The ambiguity of the woman's feelings.

The clarity of Shimamura's emotions.

The superficiality of Shimamura's relationships. (correct)

The complexity of human relationships.

What aspect of Japanese culture is highlighted in the passage?

The tradition of Kabuki theater. (correct)

The custom of visiting mountain hot springs.

The importance of family in Japanese society.

The art of Japanese dance-drama.

What is Shimamura's attitude towards the woman?

He is friendly but not romantic towards her. Signup and view all the answers

What is the theme present in Shimamura's thoughts about the woman?

The denial of one's true feelings. Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's style characterized by in this passage?

Complex and introspective narrative. Signup and view all the answers

What is Shimamura's profession or passion?

He is a writer and dance critic. Signup and view all the answers

What is the tone of the passage?

Reflective and introspective. Signup and view all the answers

What is the tone of the woman's conversation about literature and media?

Lonely and sad Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the woman's conversation about literature and media?

It serves as a form of escapism from her current situation Signup and view all the answers

What is the symbolism of the woman's conversation about literature and media?

It represents her longing for the city and her old life Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of the woman's conversation on Shimamura?

It makes him feel more connected to her Signup and view all the answers

What is the theme of the passage?

The human desire for connection and understanding Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's attitude towards the woman's character?

Sympathetic and understanding Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the woman's profession as a geisha?

It makes it more difficult for Shimamura to be free and open with her Signup and view all the answers

What is the tone of the passage?

Reflective and contemplative Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the woman's obi in the story?

It is a conspicuous display of luxury that contrasts with her kimono Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's purpose in describing the woman's manner of dress?

To contrast her modest appearance with her past as a geisha Signup and view all the answers

What does the woman's knowledge of the Kabuki reveal about her character?

Her experience and expertise in the pleasure quarters Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the mountains in the story?

They serve as a backdrop for the woman's story Signup and view all the answers

What is the theme of the story in relation to the woman's past?

The denial of one's past and its consequences Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's tone in the story?

Detached and objective Signup and view all the answers

What does the woman's story reveal about her character?

Her experience and worldliness Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the woman's age in the story?

It creates a sense of irony and contrast Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Woman's Background

She was a geisha who grew up in the snow country but was under contract in Tokyo.
She was born in the snow country but moved to Tokyo to become a geisha.
A patron paid her debts and set her up as a dancing teacher, but he died a year and a half later.

Her Conversation with Shimamura

She talked enthusiastically about women's magazines, novels, and movies.
She had a lonely and sad tone, suggesting she was starved for conversation.
She discussed her past in a matter-of-fact way, but was less forthcoming about recent events.

Shimamura's Perspective

He saw her as an amateur and not as a sophisticated geisha.
He didn't feel guilty about deceiving her because he saw her as clean and innocent.
He considered bringing his family to the mountain hot spring and having her as a companion for his wife.
He had a detached view of her, seeing her as unreal, like a reflection in a mirror.

Cultural Context

Shimamura grew up in the merchants' section of Tokyo and was familiar with the Kabuki theater.
He studied Japanese dance and drama, writing research pieces and critical essays on the topics.

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Description

This passage describes a woman's appreciation for literature in a rural village setting. She reads indiscriminately, borrowing novels and magazines from guests at the inn. Her reading habits and perspective on literature are explored.