Tagore & Ichiyo Questions

In our anthology, these stories are part of the section called “Realism Across the Globe,” along with Ibsen and Dostoevsky. What makes these stories realist? What do they have in common with the works we read by Ibsen and Dostoevsky? Where do they differ?

What is the role of class in these stories? Gender?

Is there a character in “Punishment” whose behavior should be read as just or exemplary? If no character is an exemplar of ethical behavior, then which character is the closest to being ethical?

To what degree is Kichizo and Okyo’s relationship based on benevolent kindness, and to what degree is it based on self-interest?