Assignment topic change: 2/3 is Anime (feminism/queer theory will come later in the sequence)

Reminder--the Anime aesthetic will be our topic for Monday, 2/3

(Reason: feminist/queer theory perspectives most likely will work better with more of the story in view.)


Two things required here:

1.  Summarize some major points defining the Anime aesthetic from one or more critical discussions.   A range of books is available in the Blackboard Syllabus/Documents section (right after blog link).  Napier is best to start with.  The Anime and Philosophy book is surprisingly good in parts.  The La Marre is more ambitious.  The others go pretty far afield but may lead to useful material if you develop a good search term and plug it in.  You can also look for your own critical source material via MLA and Academic Premier database searches.  Another route is to search books in Google, where you sometimes catch material in Preview.


2. Apply your definition points re Anime and the Anime aesthetic from your research-sources summary to 1Q84 looking at relevant material in the novel up to our current reading at Book III, Chapter 7.




(Addendum

You also might consider some of these standard terms from Japanese aesthetics, working your summary/definitions from research into the terms as well as the broader category Anime.  Mono No Aware, Iki, and Moe are likely items for Murakami, though all are interesting to explore.

(I can't guarantee spellings here, but these should catch on searches.)

Yugen--includes subaspects Mono No Aware, Mujo, Okashi.  Historical examples: No drama; the Tale of Genji

Kabukimono--encompasses Basara and Furyu.  Historical bkgd: Kabuki theater.

Iki--modern trends, emphasis on common people rather than aristocratic milieus..

Moe--"emo" in some respects.  Includes the Otaku (male geek) and the Bishoujo (girl he falls for).

Kawaii--"Cuteness."  Historical background: The Pillow Book.