- 1. Dawn to the West by Donald Keene is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the evolution of Japanese literature from ancient times to the modern era. Keene, a prominent scholar and translator, meticulously examines various literary works, providing readers with a deep understanding of the cultural, historical, and social contexts that have shaped Japanese writing. The book is notable for its rich analysis of key themes, styles, and notable authors, including ancient classics like 'The Tale of Genji' and modern literary figures such as Yukio Mishima and Jun'ichirō Tanizaki. Through his expert commentary, Keene highlights the unique aesthetic qualities of Japanese literature, emphasizing its sensitivity to nature, human emotion, and the philosophical underpinnings of the Japanese worldview. The narrative is both engaging and academically rigorous, making it a valuable resource for students, scholars, and anyone interested in the profound literary heritage of Japan. Keene's passion for his subject shines through, inviting readers to appreciate the beauty and complexity of Japanese literature throughout the ages.
What is the primary subject of Donald Keene's 'Dawn to the West'?
A) Western philosophy
B) Chinese history
C) Japanese literature
D) Korean art
- 2. Which historical period does 'Dawn to the West' begin its examination of Japanese literature?
A) Heian period
B) Meiji period
C) World War II
D) Edo period
- 3. Which writer discussed in 'Dawn to the West' is known for 'The Dancing Girl of Izu'?
A) Abe Kōbō
B) Kawabata Yasunari
C) Tanizaki Jun'ichirō
D) Mishima Yukio
- 4. What significant literary development occurred during the Meiji period according to Keene?
A) Adoption of Western literary forms
B) Creation of Noh drama
C) Invention of kana script
D) Development of haiku
- 5. What literary genre became particularly popular during the Taishō period?
A) Epic poetry
B) Science fiction
C) The I-novel
D) Historical drama
- 6. Which writer discussed by Keene committed seppuku in 1970?
A) Mishima Yukio
B) Kawabata Yasunari
C) Dazai Osamu
D) Akutagawa Ryūnosuke
- 7. What was Donald Keene's primary academic affiliation?
A) University of Tokyo
B) Columbia University
C) Harvard University
D) Stanford University
- 8. Which literary group does Keene associate with Yokomitsu Riichi and Kawabata Yasunari?
A) Shinkankakuha
B) Miraiha
C) Buraiha
D) Shirakaba
- 9. Which writer is known for 'The Setting Sun' and discussed extensively by Keene?
A) Dazai Osamu
B) Tanizaki Jun'ichirō
C) Ōe Kenzaburō
D) Mishima Yukio
- 10. What significant event influenced Japanese literature in the immediate postwar period?
A) Oil crisis
B) Meiji Restoration
C) Atomic bombings and defeat
D) Great Kanto Earthquake
- 11. Which literary movement opposed naturalism in early 20th century Japan?
A) Existentialism
B) Modernism
C) Realism
D) Romanticism
- 12. Which literary group does Keene associate with Dazai Osamu and Sakaguchi Ango?
A) Shinkankakuha
B) Shirakaba
C) Miraiha
D) Buraiha
- 13. Which writer discussed by Keene is known for 'The Makioka Sisters'?
A) Mishima Yukio
B) Kawabata Yasunari
C) Tanizaki Jun'ichirō
D) Dazai Osamu
- 14. What does Keene identify as a key characteristic of modern Japanese drama?
A) Exclusive use of Noh conventions
B) Blending traditional and Western forms
C) Rejection of all Western influence
D) Focus on musical theater
- 15. What major historical event significantly influenced Japanese literature in the early 20th century?
A) World War I
B) Korean War
C) Russo-Japanese War
D) Vietnam War
- 16. Which literary movement emphasized personal experience and subjectivity in early 20th century Japan?
A) Symbolism
B) Naturalism
C) Romanticism
D) Futurism
- 17. What was the 'I Novel' (Watakushi shōsetsu) in Japanese literature?
A) Historical fiction
B) Science fiction
C) Detective fiction
D) Autobiographical fiction
- 18. What role did literary magazines play in modern Japanese literature?
A) Government propaganda
B) Children's education
C) Platform for new writers
D) Religious texts
- 19. Which literary prize is mentioned in relation to post-war Japanese literature?
A) Booker Prize
B) Akutagawa Prize
C) Nobel Prize
D) Pulitzer Prize
- 20. Which literary form saw significant development in post-war Japan?
A) The novel
B) Religious texts
C) Epic poetry
D) Folktales
- 21. How does Keene characterize the relationship between tradition and modernity in Japanese literature?
A) Complete break
B) Western domination
C) Unchanging tradition
D) Dynamic tension
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