The narrator of Saikaku’s, Life of a Sensuous Woman and the female character in Feng Menglong’s short story titled, “Du Tenth Sinks the Jewel Box in Anger,” are both characters who are prostitutes. Though they share such a commonality, both the narrator and Du Tenth are two entirely different individuals. One difference between both characters is their understanding and appreciation for love. Du Tenth overly shows her love for Li Jia with the giving of her personal savings, the padded quilt. She knows the quilt is valuable, but sacrificing her belongings for their love is important. When Li Jia exchanges the quilt for taels, Yuchun says, “This is truly a woman with sincere intentions. Since she has a real feeling, she should not be let down” (505). The piece of her shelter she surrenders shows the reader her true appreciate for love. The narrator of Saikaku’s Life of a Sensuous Woman does not show any yearning for love, but rather lust, from more than one source. This therefore displays no appreciate for love by the narrator. Though different in one way, they are similar in another. They are similar in their role as women in relation to societal expectations. For example, Jia repeatedly referred to his father’s opinion. Though early on, he disguised his love for Tenth, his status and mindset got the best of him. He decided that the money Sun offered for Tenth overruled his feelings for her and she felt the same when she sarcastically says, “The fortune of the thousand taels will enable you to restore your position in your family” (514). In this instance, status triumphed their relationship and this can also be since for the narrator of Saikaku’s piece. In each of the “relationships” the narrator encountered, the spotlight was directed away from her because of her role as a prostitute. For a priest to be seen with a prostitute, at this time, would be downright immoral. In this instance, we can see societal values, like status and wealth, cast a shadow on a relationship.
A2
September 19, 2015 Written by Brandon Andujar | 4 Comments
Categories: Uncategorized
4 responses so far ↓
v.barreras // Sep 19th 2015 at 3:02 am
I agree with what you wrote about their differences. Du Tenth feelings were more closely related to the feelings one should have when talking about love. Unlike Saikaku’s narrator who was more focused on lust and sex. I also agree that they are subjected to the expectations that society had for them even though Du Tenth tries hard to overcome that. I like how you discussed their very different opinions on the word love. I also really like how you analyzed and described the objects that Du Tenth had to sacrifice for her love. This was very well written. You had a good use of quotes for both stories as well. Overall, I think you did a really excellent job.
e.volynsky // Sep 19th 2015 at 8:23 am
I think the points you made are very valid and similar to the ones that I conveyed in my own post. A motif in Saikaku’s short story is this distinction between love and lust. The narrator seems emotionally detached and does not show any yearning for love as you pointed out. This however is not the case with Du Tenth for she falls in love with Li Jia. To Du Tenth love reigns above material items and money. I also agree with the the point you made about socieit’s impact on the characters. Social status and the way one is viewed in society was important back then as it still is now. The fact that these two women are indeed prostitutes puts them at the lowest point in society. The narrator in Saikaku’s story seems to grasp this notion, yet Du Tenth fights for Li Jia’s love even though he chooses money over her.
b.lo // Sep 19th 2015 at 10:42 am
I completely agree with your stance, as it has given me an even better understanding of both stories. In the end, Du Tenth was willing to give up everything for which she loves, but Li Jia’s actions displays otherwise. Even with Liu Yuchun giving the heads up about how grateful Li should be to have Du Tenth, Li cannot get over the problem of status. If Li had just trusted Du Tenth through the end, there would have been no sacrifice needed. Through this post, I had found the correct word to define the narrator of Saikaku’s role, lust.
JMERLE // Sep 19th 2015 at 4:39 pm
Yes, Brandon, this is a very solid response. One clear focus is the way each woman defines, looks for, and experiences love (or not). As well, you choose some poignant quotations. Well done. 10/10