Given that “The Thirteenth Night” was written in the late 1800’s, it was completely different what was expected of women. They were meant to be the homemakers, take care of the children and make sure their husband was happy. However, Higuchi Ichiyo’s life did not consist of that protocol exactly. After her father’s death, her life was devoted to taking care of her mother and sister. In my opinion, I think that Ichiyo based Oseki on her own struggle. She could’ve left her mother and sister hung out to dry, but what would be the alternative for her life? Being unhappy in a horrible marriage? I believe that Ichiyo felt stuck in her life but realized that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, especially for a women during this time period.
3 thoughts on “Feminism in Ichiyo”
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Thoughtful opinion Julia, and you are right it was hard for women back then and “was completely different.”
It is correct that women did not have any power in society, as they were just housewives to take care of children and perform all the house chores. However, I differ with the fact that Ichiyo used her life example to reflect on Oseki’s story since, in the future, Ichiyo navigates her way in the system. A thing that Oseki does not do.
While I agree that the time was not great for women, I don’t think “The Thirteenth Night” is particularly about Ichiyo but more of the general status of women. As Ichiyo was born to a relatively comfortable early life, she had the perspective to view and share the struggles of women of the time.