Citation

Huang Y. Comparatio 2002; 6: xxi-xxxi.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Kyushu University)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

In this essay, I discuss forms of critical comment apparent in a number of Miyazawa Kenji's texts. I identity two patterns of criticism present in the texts, in the form of the direct and inverted gaze. These two patterns, however, are not necessarily antithetical, but rather complementary to one another, forming a multi-faceted critical style. The criticism is not limited to the level of the individual, but is also directed towards the environment and institutions which formed him or her. I also identify the presence of a tendency to violence in the objects of Miyazawa Kenji's criticism. It is clear that the move from reliance on others to reliance on oneself is seen as a method of solving the problems posed in the stories.