The Pleasures of Private Life: Ihara Saikaku depicts the life of the city in lively detail. Is he describing the "pleasures of private life" in his society, or is he critical of what he describes? (Or a little bit of both?). Again, support your assertions with sufficient evidence.
Saikaku’s classic text concentrates on the lustful sexual pleasures which could be experienced by the common man without the problems of being part of the warrior caste. He is very forward in his descriptions of certain incidents and in a way he delves deep into the Japanese male character which seems to be constantly searching for such escapades. There is quite a bit of tongue in cheek in his stories although the autobiographical element is there for the taking.
Saikaku is slightly remorseful of his romantic escapades and in a sense he is attempting to be critical of a life led simply with pleasure as its main characteristic. However he certainly enjoys himself since this is quite evident from the manner in which the escapades are described especially when they concern advanced sexual adventures. The frankness of Saikaku’s writing is quite astonishing for its time and shows the liberal attitude the Japanese placed on sex and enjoyment.
However one does sense a certain notch of wistfulness in Saikaku’s writing. I already hinted at the remorse which seems to be prevalent after every sexual adventure but his narrative is also an intriguing critique of Japanese society at the time. The hierarchical structures are lampooned and ridiculed since those who were supposed to set an example led a secret life with several women by their side at their beck and call to satisfy their lust and sexual desires.
This book is a must read for the window it sheds on Japanese society in that day and age especially with Saikaku’s keen observing eye.
Works Cited:
Ihara Saikaku; Life of an Amorous Man; Turtle Press, 2001, print
The Norton Anthology World Literature Vol. F, Lu Xun pp. 242-243 , "Diary of a Madman" pp. 244-253
"Medicine" pp. 253 -259
