Ihara Saikaku, from Life of a Sensuous Woman: The narrator’s various and often contradictory relationships with men compels Saikaku to present several kinds of ambiguity.
Several comments points to the love/hate relationship the narrator has with her profession. At times she seems to enjoy it, and at other times, it distresses her. There is the comment that although she feels guilt, she soon forgets the guilt. What do others think? Does the narrator feel true guilt? Should she feel guilt? Does she feel true regret? Should she? Susanna makes a very interesting comment, when she says that after the narrator’s failed relationship with the Samurai, that Saikaku sets the tone for the entire narrative, that love isn’t possible in this world. What do others think?
Others point out the ambiguity between love and lust, that we began discussing in class. Questions that came up: Is the narrator actually looking for love, or is she satisfied with the physical relationship? Does she actually find love? What is her definition of love (or does she have one)? What is your definition of love? If she does find love, is there a kind of progression or disintegration in her ability to find love (Jorge G.’s interesting idea)? Does she truly try to connect with others, or is she often manipulative?
Maria brings up the idea of her being “married” to the priest; in fact, she is his “temporary wife.” Does she experience anything of true marriage, or is this “marriage” simply a euphemism for prostitution?
Some other questions your comments provoked:
Is her narrative a confession, and if so is her “confession” an apology? And if you agree with that, who is she apologizing to? (Daphne’s question) Is she in fact simply apologizing to herself? Does she need to apologize to anyone else? Do any of us?
Is she happy in her life? Does she delude herself when trying to have a positive attitude about her situation?
Did she lead an immoral life, and if so, whose value system are you judging her by, hers or yours?
Do we have the right to judge others from our own value system?
Does she take responsibility for her life?
Does she gain maturity and insight as she grows older?
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