Compare female ghosts in the Heian, Muromachi, and Edo periods.
In the final I will ask you to begin by comparing the representation of Rokujô in Tale of Genji with her
representation in the Noh play we read (Aoi no Ue). You don't have to do that here, but keep it in mind.
For discussion questions this week:
- List how the representation of female ghosts changes in the Edo period by analyzing the female ghosts in
Kabuki and woodblock prints of the 19th century. (eg. Okiku and the well, Yugao from Tale of Genji, "The
Nightly Weeping Rock"). You should use specific, concrete examples from the reading and images from the
lecture to make your points.
Points of comparison you should consider:
a. the ghosts' visual characteristics
b. their motivations (i.e. what keeps them haunting this world)
c. their level of psychological complexity
d. their level of power
e. how they are pacified and/or exorcised. - How might these changes reflect changes in the dominant religious and ethical framework from Heian to
Edo period (the move from Buddhism toNeo-Confucianism)? Especially consider how Edo-period female
ghosts may be exemplifying (or failing to exemplify) Edo-period Neo-Confucian ideals for women (onnarashisa)
Sample Solution