Week 7a Outline
(2/15): Yotsuya Ghost Stories as Kizewamono
a. Yotsuya Ghost Stories [TJT 456-483], (Attached)
b. synopsis of entire play of (Tokaido Yotsuya Kaidan (Yotsuya Ghost Stories) [scroll down to “summary”–see also reading questions for week 7]
c. Review English synopsis of the Chushingura story, (Attached) and the introduction to “At the Farmhouse” [TJT starting p. 375], (Attached)
Video: excerpts from Yotsuya Ghost Stories (see outline and links page)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Which play do you prefer: Kanadehon Chûshingura (which celebrates the heroic Edo period samurai values of Bushido) or Yotsuya Kaidan (which subverts them)? Why? This should be a compare and contrast, defending your position using examples from the plays (plot, acting, etc.).